It seems we've traveled a similar path! Grew up in Catholic schools and attended a seminary for one year and was awed with a course in philosophy. Had my moment of clarity in my early twenties after reading Be Here Now and developed a strong sense of acceptance of all others whatever their belief. Makes for a far better world and a happy life!
Chris Gosden, an Oxford professor of Archaeology said, “Three great strands of belief run through human history: Religion is the relationship with one god or many gods, masters of our lives and destinies. Science distances us from the world, turning us into observers and collectors of knowledge. And magic is direct human participation in the universe: we have influence on the world around us, and the world has influence on us.”
This quote clarified my life’s meaning for me and why I didn’t find it in the religion of my childhood that spiritually and sexually abused me, nor in any other. And why I didn’t find it in the objectivity of classical science, but in the mystery of modern science that recognizes that the potential energy of chaos exists in any ordered system and that the observer influences the observed.
Thank you, your column resonates strongly with me. In mid-life I attended a liberal seminary outside of Boston and was ordained in 2013 to an equally liberal Christian denomination, the United Church of Christ. I have a different concept of Jesus, and some days I think he was an ordinary guy with an extraordinary message of love and acceptance; it depends on the day. One thing is for sure, no one religion or belief system has all the answers. I'm a retired Interfaith Chaplain who believes that kindness, compassion, and mercy are common themes in most (if not all) world religions.
This is the second piece of yours that I have read. I have liked both very much. I am also an expat. I commend your choice of Portugal. I love that country, the people, the food, the wine. Portugal is still on my shortlist of places to move to. I look forward to more of your thoughts.
I happen to just be reading "Small Gods" by Terry Pratchet. The main god is a one-eyed turtle called Om. The religion that originally worshiped him was called Omnism has descended into bigotry and inquisition. Pratchet, who is awfully funny and has a mind like Velcro, could very well have latched on to Spanish Omnism and decided to poke fun at bigotry.
Indeed Nancy! Beautiful reminder. Thank you. The ongoing learning in my experience is the that meaning is right here! In this body :-). In the exquisite balance of suffering and joy life offers us.
As usual, I love your thoughtful and heartfelt column. As I sit in the airport in Thailand ready to board a flight to Cambodia I completely agree at travel opens the mind to other cultures, ideas and brilliant insights and inspiration. Thanks for sharing.
I loved this part of Córdoba and the idea that all religions can get along and the culture can thrive in the learning of different viewpoints.
As we visit more and more towns in Europe we learn that this was the norm in most towns until a specific ruler or leader of a religion (generally uneducated and not as traveled or open to all ways of life) decided it was a good idea to torture and kill everyone who didn’t believe in “his” way as the only way.
Unfortunately wars and loss of lives continue today because “I am more right than you” mentality.
The beauty of travel and knowledge is always so refreshing. We are all the same...but different and the differences in each of us is what makes the world such a beautiful place to explore.
Ok, I still have a long way to go to understanding other’s behaviors as I just watched a guy on the airplane stand in the isle and strip to his panties (not boxers but panties) and even took off his shoes.
Clearly he thought this was a good place to change clothes. We all had to wait in the isle to get to my seat while he finished disrobing and getting dressed.
I have a loooooong way to go to understand this behavior. Unfortunately I think he is American :(.
I guess that's where you are losing me. Your trying to find meaning in the world is already tarnished by your view that it's not only chaotic, but "increasingly" chaotic. How did you arrive at that conclusion? I'm guessing the various media bombardments are an influence, or maybe your natural intellectual/emotional inclinations. Regardless, there is no where to go when you're already convinced of chaos.
I apologize if I'm dumping too hard, but what punched my buttons was the idea that accepting all religions is somehow applaudable or progress. Yes, it's a quite unusual for the times. In the long run though, what's the use? They're still manipulating their own and murdering each other now. And it's pretty much been a steady stream throughout history, and will no doubt continue.
Unfortunately, too often bad or tragic things make total sense. The idea of a Supreme Being, afterlife, people communicating with The Lord, et al, makes me cringe. It's barbaric. However, I accept your thoughts and reaction to your gestalt as a sensible reaction to the way the world is.
The Thai have a phrase that roughly translate to “Same, same but different”. Enjoy your trip!
It seems we've traveled a similar path! Grew up in Catholic schools and attended a seminary for one year and was awed with a course in philosophy. Had my moment of clarity in my early twenties after reading Be Here Now and developed a strong sense of acceptance of all others whatever their belief. Makes for a far better world and a happy life!
Chris Gosden, an Oxford professor of Archaeology said, “Three great strands of belief run through human history: Religion is the relationship with one god or many gods, masters of our lives and destinies. Science distances us from the world, turning us into observers and collectors of knowledge. And magic is direct human participation in the universe: we have influence on the world around us, and the world has influence on us.”
This quote clarified my life’s meaning for me and why I didn’t find it in the religion of my childhood that spiritually and sexually abused me, nor in any other. And why I didn’t find it in the objectivity of classical science, but in the mystery of modern science that recognizes that the potential energy of chaos exists in any ordered system and that the observer influences the observed.
Cheers to you!
Thank you, your column resonates strongly with me. In mid-life I attended a liberal seminary outside of Boston and was ordained in 2013 to an equally liberal Christian denomination, the United Church of Christ. I have a different concept of Jesus, and some days I think he was an ordinary guy with an extraordinary message of love and acceptance; it depends on the day. One thing is for sure, no one religion or belief system has all the answers. I'm a retired Interfaith Chaplain who believes that kindness, compassion, and mercy are common themes in most (if not all) world religions.
Right there with you, Nancy.
Some day, over a drink or cafe, we should have a further discussion. I struggle with this all the time. Thanks for sharing.
Looking forward to February ... as this conversation requires wine.
This is the second piece of yours that I have read. I have liked both very much. I am also an expat. I commend your choice of Portugal. I love that country, the people, the food, the wine. Portugal is still on my shortlist of places to move to. I look forward to more of your thoughts.
I happen to just be reading "Small Gods" by Terry Pratchet. The main god is a one-eyed turtle called Om. The religion that originally worshiped him was called Omnism has descended into bigotry and inquisition. Pratchet, who is awfully funny and has a mind like Velcro, could very well have latched on to Spanish Omnism and decided to poke fun at bigotry.
Indeed Nancy! Beautiful reminder. Thank you. The ongoing learning in my experience is the that meaning is right here! In this body :-). In the exquisite balance of suffering and joy life offers us.
Buddha taught that these were two sides of the same coin.
🙏🏻 Beautifuly said Nancy.
Trust me, the orange man does NOT represent Jesus!!!!!
Just quoting one of the US Representatives that voted not to impeach him.
I know. we have dangerous baffoons running amuck and supported by bastions of idiots.
Trying to visit more of Portugal this year and road trips to Spain.
— WORD FOR THE DAY —
We do not need to travel around the world when the source of all joy and all beauty is right within us.
EKNATH EASWARAN
As usual, I love your thoughtful and heartfelt column. As I sit in the airport in Thailand ready to board a flight to Cambodia I completely agree at travel opens the mind to other cultures, ideas and brilliant insights and inspiration. Thanks for sharing.
I loved this part of Córdoba and the idea that all religions can get along and the culture can thrive in the learning of different viewpoints.
As we visit more and more towns in Europe we learn that this was the norm in most towns until a specific ruler or leader of a religion (generally uneducated and not as traveled or open to all ways of life) decided it was a good idea to torture and kill everyone who didn’t believe in “his” way as the only way.
Unfortunately wars and loss of lives continue today because “I am more right than you” mentality.
The beauty of travel and knowledge is always so refreshing. We are all the same...but different and the differences in each of us is what makes the world such a beautiful place to explore.
Ok, I still have a long way to go to understanding other’s behaviors as I just watched a guy on the airplane stand in the isle and strip to his panties (not boxers but panties) and even took off his shoes.
Clearly he thought this was a good place to change clothes. We all had to wait in the isle to get to my seat while he finished disrobing and getting dressed.
I have a loooooong way to go to understand this behavior. Unfortunately I think he is American :(.
Ahh he was Dutch and left his shoes off the entire flight. Hmmmmmm, must be me.
I guess that's where you are losing me. Your trying to find meaning in the world is already tarnished by your view that it's not only chaotic, but "increasingly" chaotic. How did you arrive at that conclusion? I'm guessing the various media bombardments are an influence, or maybe your natural intellectual/emotional inclinations. Regardless, there is no where to go when you're already convinced of chaos.
I apologize if I'm dumping too hard, but what punched my buttons was the idea that accepting all religions is somehow applaudable or progress. Yes, it's a quite unusual for the times. In the long run though, what's the use? They're still manipulating their own and murdering each other now. And it's pretty much been a steady stream throughout history, and will no doubt continue.
For sure!
Unfortunately, too often bad or tragic things make total sense. The idea of a Supreme Being, afterlife, people communicating with The Lord, et al, makes me cringe. It's barbaric. However, I accept your thoughts and reaction to your gestalt as a sensible reaction to the way the world is.
Albert...I am not a believer but still try to find meaning and understanding in an increasingly chaotic world.