"For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully,
even as I have been fully known." (1 Corinthians 13:12)
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Friday, February 22, 2008
An archangel to our illness?
If I didn't know it before, I know it now: illness is humbling. As my wife and I surface from the flu, I
realize anew how much I depend upon people to accept that I am sometimes unable to "pull my own weight," and need
to be cared about nonetheless. I must suffer from a severe-though-unconscious strain of works-righteousness!
Anyway and for example, how good it seemed that Michael brought us a bowl of fresh fruit when we could do nothing more than
to say, "Thank you." That's grace, I'm sure. So when I'm completely recovered, I'll not try to pretend I can ever deserve
such as a fruit bowl from Michael. Ah, the archangel!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Parish under the weather!
Today is the seventh that I've been ill with the flu, though I didn't recognize it for what it was the first
several days of its onset. Maggie followed a day behind. But really, the weather that concerns me more is the meteorological
sort that Alpena has been under on Wednesdays and Sundays since Lent began. We've had snow, freezing rain, frigid temperatures,
and wicked winds. It's enough to keep even the most faithful home, and it has. Four weeks ago today I was snorkeling in "the
Baths" at Virgin Gorda -- which seems a dream.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
No theodicy works for college prof
Today's Fresh Air from WHYY interviewed UNC religious studies professor Bart D. Ehrman. Reared an evangelical Christian, his confined
Christian outlook eventually led him to believe that for the sake of his integrity, he must renounce or give up his Christianity.
His latest book asks the question: "If there's an all-powerful and loving
God, why do human beings suffer?" Lot's of good stuff in it and in the interview. I'm just sorry he didn't have the advantage
I had from the beginning, of belonging to a Church that did not require me to put on blinders, and of going to a seminary
whose library has a cornerstone stating, "Seek the truth, come whence it may, cost what it will." My first wife, Marji --
who was the bread-winner during my seminary education -- was killed in an auto accident twenty-three days after my ordination
to the priesthood. She died instantly, so did not suffer. I sometimes, early on, wished the same had been true for me. I suspect,
as Dr. Ehrman says of himself, that I am an agnostic. But I rejoice that there is room in this Church for me, and assert that
there is room in this Church for him. And I am grateful that the Church managed to be instrumental in my healing,
loving me when all thoughts and explanations can only fail. -- Bruce
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