John of Evangelist

I’m not a fan of picking apart peoples beliefs. They are ours to cherish or to grow into or out of. Our beliefs are ever changing, as we are. Some peoples beliefs may resonate with you, and others may not. I much prefer talking about what moves me, and maybe an explanation of why something else might not.

We all believe something slightly different, even if we believe in the same thing. For example, a passage of a religious text- Reading and understanding the text, and understanding what the author meant by it, is a challenge. And, we all have are own interpretations of what it all means. Our minds are very creative. Think of the colors- Mauve and Taupe, for example. Have you ever tried to describe these colors to anyone? We all say them differently and often people mix the two up- but more then that, the color we see is slightly different seen from each eye, even our own eyes. Close one eye and look at something colorful. Now, open and close the opposite. Is it obviously different? Now try describing that color. I use to work in design- color was always a challenge for people. One women wanted a “flesh” color sofa. Imagine the possibilities! So, the point I’m trying to make is that we see, hear, imagine and learn things differently and our words can be very limiting, they may inspire or offend.

Saying this, the words chosen by John of Evangelist do not resonate with me. His language seems very limiting to me. What feels right with me is that we are all God’s children- no one can take that away from us, not even God- In my heart I feel that God would never want to do this- even to a “sinner” or a “saint”. Although some times, maybe more often that not, you may not feel God’s “presence”, instead of hoping and wishing that God is there, I say- know it, own it, trust it. God is in and through everything. This “God” that I am speaking of is the earth, the air, the trees- everything you can see, taste, touch and hear- and all that is invisible as well. This “God” I like to call energy.

John of Evangelist writes “ Love comes from God, and everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God, those who don’t love, don’t know God, for God is love.” Yes, God is love, but God is disease and death, pain and anger, God is rock and fire, air and bird, corn and field, happiness and hope- God is all- And God is here not only for the do gooders.

What Would Jesus Do?

What would Jesus do? I think this question is right on. I wouldn’t call myself a christian, but I like to ask myself this question when a problem arises. I think of Jesus as a humanitarian. I like to imagine Jesus caring deeply for all people. From the stories we all have heard about him, he cared about people and not financial gain. This seems so opposite in today’s world. But, Jesus wouldn’t walk away from a poor sickly man. He would give the old man his clothes and his food and heal the man with his own hands. He might get a little dirty, he might be a little cold and hungry, but Jesus would make a difference. This is an example of a great man. Why don’t people care for each other this way? The other day I spoke with someone who obviously knew more of the bible then me; she assured me that the stories from the bible were actual occurrences. The bible wasn’t written until years after the death of Jesus. The stories with in the bible could be factual, but during the times, they seem like they may be folklore, with truth and fable intertwined. The bible is full of statements that contradict Jesus’ words. However there are some passages that are written about for from Jesus “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven: for he makes his sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain to the just and to the unjust.” I wish there were more passages in the bible that read like this one. Jesus is saying be fair to one another, treat each other like equals- that is what you are. Jesus was a compassionate and considerate man.  We seem to have veered away from his teachings, I trust we will once again return to his teachings.