Religion Feature Page

Jerry Moyar, Editor

How are we doing with this material? gjmoyar@aol.com

A Finger Pointing to the Moon

As a result of my conversation with Turhan Tirana on his upcoming Class Notes in the PAW about Arbie Thalacker and mention of other classmates with Buddhist connections, I'm trying to learn more about Buddhism and those classmate experiences. The brief comments by a few of them in our 50th Reunion Book intrigued me. (More on that later.) Yet I find the teachings and practices of Buddhism in its many forms difficult to grasp – as I suppose they are to most in the west.

Nevertheless, when I recently read the following excerpt from Thich Nhat Hanh's no death, no fear – Comforting Wisdom for Life I came across a passage (p. 52) which resonated at once. (I had marked this excerpt in the book a few years ago, so this was obviously a rereading.)

"In Buddhism there are no ideas or prejudices that we kill for. We do not kill people simply because they do not accept our religion. The teachings of the Buddha are skillful means; they are not absolute truths. So we have to say that impermanence and no self are skillful means to help us come towards the truth; they are not absolute truth. The Buddha said ‘My teachings are a finger pointing to the moon. Do not get caught in thinking that the finger is the moon. It is because of the finger that you can see the moon.' "

The biblical scholar Marcus Borg quotes the same metaphorical saying of Buddha in his book, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time (p. 34). After commenting on the Buddhist tradition, he writes the following about Christianity:

"To apply the metaphor to the Bible, the Bible is like a finger pointing to the moon. Christians sometimes make the mistake of thinking that being Christian is about believing in the finger rather than seeing the Christian life as a relationship to that to which the finger points."

Buddhism is the religion of choice for some of our classmates including Arbie Thalacker. I will soon share a conversation with Arbie. Charlie and Mary Fuqua's son David decided to become a Buddhist ten years ago and later to become a monk. Here are some thoughts from the proud parents.

Revisiting Two Classmate Authors

I just reread the books by Bellinzoni and Borsch assigned to those attending our seminar on Science and Religion last September. Here are my thoughts.

Reflections - Fred Borsch's Message at Memorial Service

Reunions Weekend

click here

A Widow's Story of Tragedy and Faith

A tragic accident in 1975 was fatal for our classmate, Bruce Bringgold and his three children. His wife, Diane survived and just recently wrote about her experience. This is her story.

Only In Jerusalem

John '57 & Nancy McKenna

Only in Jerusalem

Under a blood red moon,

When his city stands still,

Lovers hold in their arms

The longing grace,
The Messiah's tumultuous promise

Written with light upon the walls,

Thundering in their homes upon the hill.

Go study Beckett in Bagdad

Or walk the sands in the wind

On the way to Timbuktu awhile,

Read Godot in Parisian nights,
With liberty accused in Moscow Square

And beside the Krystal-nachts of Munich

Not far from the tower of London's Thames.

Pray too in the caverns of New York City,

Point the skyscrapers of the American way

To China's millions and millions.

Only in Jerusalem,

A Sabbath's Day journey away,

The morning star is rising

Under a blood red moon.
Their bones are on fire in David's town,

Where the nightingales are singing
And Moses' song whispers there a symphony

Sung in the arms of the only King:
Deep with the first dead

The lion of Jerusalem

Roars the lamb's death

Under a blood red moon.

'The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: "One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne. If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies, which I shall teach them, their sons also forever shall sit upon your throne. " (Psalm 132:11-12)

Chicago Retreat/Seminar Judged

a Success by Attendees

All attending were generous in their praise for

this very different mini-reunion. For details click here

Edward Said was a co-star in the DVD shown Saturday night to the Retreat

Group. He partnered with Daniel Barenboim to sponser a youth orchestra composed

of mid-eastern musicians from Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and Palestine. They made

beautiful music while their peers shot at one another at home. The DVD is available

in many retail outlets including Amazon.com.

John Ruvane shared with the group his encounter with Edward Said. there was a very grand piano on the upper floor of Whig Clio Hall. Two classmates had keys to the room, Edward and John. John said Edward's was legitimate and his was his room key. Letting that go, John said he admired Edward's mastery of the piano. "He played Beethoven and I played Brubeck."

Immanuel Kant 1724-1804

This email was sent to the Retreat Group.

I attach the memorial to Immanuel Kant whose eighteenth century cosmology would be considered primitive today. He also lacked the insight that Darwin and evolution would have made to his view of a priori knowledge. Still, I can't read this without admiration for the man's wisdom. Bart Reitz

Your Editor (GJM) responded:

Bart:

Yes, Kant's "awe and reverence" for the cosmos, life and self awareness is moving. Interestingly, I find something like that ‘sacred' awe even in the contemporary philosopher and skeptic, Daniel Dennett. Read what he quotes from his own earlier book, Darwin's Dangerous Idea, in his recent one, Breaking the Spell (p. 245):

"The Tree of Life is neither perfect nor infinite in space and time, but it is actual, and if it is not Anselm's "Being greater than which nothing can be conceived" it is surely a being that is greater than anything any of us will ever conceive of in detail worthy of its detail. Is something sacred? Yes, say I with Nietzsche. I could not pray to it, but I can stand in affirmation of its magnificence. The world is sacred." [my emphasis]

I took the opportunity to ask Dennett about his use of the word "sacred" when he lectured at Fermilab last winter. As I recall, he was at a bit of a loss at first, but admitted it was more than respect and bordered on reverence. I couldn't help thinking of Albert Schweitzer's concept of "Reverence for Life." In Schweitzer's little paperback book, Out of My Life and Thought, (p. 124) we read of his moment of "revelation" on an African river:

"Late on the third day, at the very moment when, at sunset, we were making our way through a herd of hippopotamuses, there flashed upon my mind, unforeseen and unsought, the phrase, "Reverence for Life." The iron door had yielded: the path in the thicket had become visible. Now I had found my way to the idea in which affirmation of the world and ethics are contained side by side!"

Are these revelations all evidence that the "spirit searches everything?" Even your "faithful" might not find that so very troubling.

Jerry

In response, Harry Lacey sent an email, Subject: Experience of Awe and Reverence

This was Harry's impressive statement.

Harry Lacey, all dressed up.

"We don't know Shi'ite."

--- Title of a session examining Western ignorance of Islam

at the Edinburgh Fringe arts festival in Scotland (AP)

Becoming Human

Once a man came to me and spoke for hours about
“His great visions of God” he felt he was having.
He asked me for confirmation, saying,
“Are these wondrous dreams true?
I replied, “How many goats do you have?”
He looked surprised and said,
“I am speaking of sublime visions
And you ask
About goats?”
And I spoke again saying,
“Yes, brother—how many do you have?”
“Well, Hafiz, I have sixty-two.”
And how many wives?”
Again he looked surprised, then said,
“Four.”
How many rose bushes in your garden,
How many children,
Are your parents still alive,
Do you feed the birds in winter?”
And to all he answered.
Then I said,
“You asked me if I thought your visions were true,
I would say that they were if they make you become
More human,
More kind to every creature and plant
That you know.”

From The Gift: Poems by Hafiz, the Great Sufi Master,
translated by Daniel Ladinsky

I like this poem, The Place Where We Are Right, by an Israeli poet, Yehuda Amichai. What do you think?

Retreat, September 7-10, Science, Religion and Faith

Details here Who Came? check here

New Material

Turhan Tirana '57 Reviews Bellinzoni '57, The Future of Christianity, Can it Survive?

Click Here

Conversation with Fred Borsch - February 24

Classes and classmates remembered...Read On

The Spirit Searches Everything - Keeping Life's Questions

A review by Jerry Moyar and Preface to the book.

Alan Tucker was pretty worked up about the lack of separation between church and state. Religious leaders in Iran, Iraq and Israel are deeply involved in state affairs and most Americans believe we have a better system. But there is plenty of involvement by our religious groups in secular affairs. The new Pope has some advice for American Catholics which all will not be pleased to hear. As an ex-Catholic Alan has issues with the new leader while applauding the work of compassion done by followers of Jesus. Read on

Arnie Fink died on March 28. A conversation between your editor, Jon Murphy and Bart Reitz began in June and continued into August. Arnie influenced us and others in very special ways. Read on

Conversation with Arthur Bellinzoni on his forthcoming book

Turhan Tirana forwarded me the response he received from classmate Arthur Bellinzoni about his forthcoming book on the future of Christianity to be published this year by Prometheus Books. I include below Arthur’s succinct summary, followed by our e-mail ‘conversation’ about his teaching career at Well’s College and his book.

John Ruvane Shares Thoughts on Religion

My old PU suite mate, John Ruvane, offers the following aphorisms or proverbs on pluralism, terrorism, and divine grace. Anybody want to take issue? Perhaps you should know that these are pre-Pope Benedict XVI musings from John.

“God’s house has many windows and doors. Are we to argue whether we get in by a window or a door?

“The Qu’ran is essentially a ‘Judeo-Christian’ book, so what are we fighting about?

“Terrorism is manifest ignorance — often masterminded by extremely evil and motivated individuals. When they control millions, they are disproportionately powerful and dangerous.

“God has never spoken to me, but I know he loves me because he puts up with so much crap! I could never stand it.”

Turhan Tirana's Encounter With Author Marilynne Robinson

One of Marilynne Robinson’s books, Gilead, that Turhan reviews below, has won a Pulitzer Prize, has been on the NY Times best-seller list and was listed by the Times as the best book of last year. Turhan read it several months earlier, before all this fame, when, in fact, it was in galley proof. He received the proof from the husband of the author's literary agent. The agent and her husband are friends of Turhan and his wife, Denise, who is also a literary agent. Subsequently, the agent invited Turhan and Denise to meet the author at a dinner. Turhan was impressed by the author's quiet, deep intelligence and sweep of knowledge. She also was less ethereal than he'd expected. Turhan is amazed, however, that the book has done as well as it has. While he and those who know good literature see its merits, it's not an easy book and certainly not one he, anyway, would expect many to enjoy. In his words below,it's not a page-turner. Nonetheless, considering that you're reading this, the chances are that you'd like it.

Interested? Click Here

Andy Flaxman on Sufi Tales

Since the variety of Islamic traditions, particularly the wisdom or spirituality tradition, is not generally known or appreciated in this country, I asked classmate Andy Flaxman if he could share some insights on Sufism. Andy agreed and offered the following article from his Humanities program (http://www.onlinehumanities.com/) on the role of Sufi tales as a key to true learning and self discovery. I recommend it and the enlightening encounter with several of these provocative tales that Andy provides.

You might also take a look at his other web site: http://www.spiritualsciencebiblestudies.org/. This site has a short free course on understanding the Ten Commandments. In view of the Supreme Court consideration, this course might be of interest to class mates.

Kulok on Religion and Terrorism

"I continue to enjoy every electron of our digital discourse. What else can we thrash out together?" Winston Kulok click here

What is Winston talking about? He and Jerry Moyar have been engaged in a discussion of peace in the mideast. They don't have all the answers but they are trying to understand the two opposing positions and each other. It seems to be working. Read on Kulok Terrorism & Religion Dialog Aug-Sep 04

9/11 Commission Report nominated for National Book Award

The 9/11 Commission under the direction of Tom Kean and staff leader UVA historian, Philip Zelokow have produced a best seller. I finished reading it two weeks ago and recommend it to all. It is a "page turner" and difficult to put down. I was particularly interested in conclusions and comments on terrorism and religion. My summary is attached. Please read on and give me your comments. Jerry

Religion and Terrorism 16Aug04

Classmates Respond

Four classmate responses make up new religion page postings. They range from the declaration of a provocative "Fatwa" against religious hypocrisy by Alan Tucker, to an interesting recounting of "My Faith Journey" by Bruce Foresman. Also included are two e-mail "conversations" between your editor, Al Kissling and Jim Perry, that address topics of religious commitment, philosophy, and pluralism.

As a preface to these new postings, a very brief biographical reminder of each of our four classmates seems appropriate here.

Alan Tucker majored in Philosophy, was a member of Campus Club, made a career in marketing and advertising, and lives in New York City.

Al Kissling majored in History while a Cloister Club member, obtained masters' degrees in Theology and History, was ordained and served as a pastor of several churches. He lives in Las Cruces, NM.

Bruce Foresman majored in Art & Archaeology, was a member of Prospect Club, obtained an MBA, and served many years as Treasurer of the United Church Board for World Ministries. Bruce's home is North Kingston, RI.

Jim Perry obtained a PhD in Philosophy, is a Professor of Philosophy at Hillsborough Community College, and lives in Tampa, FL.

More than two dozen responses have been received on "Thoughts on a Religion Page." But they were invited under the implication of confidentiality in order to encourage the receipt of frank evaluations. Previously, only numerical summaries of these unattributed responses were included in the article entitled, "Remarks on Class Response." (See Archived Material) The responses now posted on this page have been approved by the authors for inclusion, and are presented to encourage more class participation (and, we hope, less editorial opinion!). You needn't be a published author to join in! Especially invited are reflections and commentary on religious topics that are generally succinct, but a bit more "premeditated" and longer than might be expected to appear in the Forum `57 feature.

Karen Armstrong's The Spiral Staircase

Religion writer Karen Armstrong's (Battle for God, Holy War, Islam) most recent book, The Spiral Staircase, My Climb Out of Darkness, is the fascinating story of her struggle for faith as she moved from the convent life as a nun to that of a secular, but empathetic, scholar of religion. An outstanding insight into Armstrong's book and life is available as an audio recording on the Internet at http://www.speakingoffaith.org/. National Public Radio host Krista Tippett interviewed Armstrong in a Speaking of Faith program, aired first on March 19, 2004, entitled "The Freelance Monotheism" of Karen Armstrong. I highly recommend the program and book, and welcome classmate reactions.

Current Material

All by Tony Abbott:

'Soul Print' in Novel & Poem, an exerpt from "Leaving Maggie Hope" and his poem, "Raining on God."

Don Stake's Cartoon Epiphany on Peace

Although I knew Don Stake at Princeton, as well as in the early years of his ministry when we lived in the same town (Schenectady, NY), I didn’t appreciate the full dimension of his talents. In addition to his preaching, pastoral, and organizational skills for the Presbyterian Church in the USA, it turns out he is a good cartoonist! Don explains the inspiration of his perceptive cartoon on Peace that appears on this page:

"At the end of a recent visit with my rheumatologist and his assistant, the three of us got into a discussion of the situation in the world today, specifically the Middle East. Since the rheumatologist is Jewish and the assistant is Muslim, we began to discuss what our respective scriptural heritages have to say about war and violence, and any hope there might be for peace in the world. All three of us offered pertinent quotes pointing to peace, and then there was a moment of silence as we looked at each other. I don't remember who said it, but we all agreed: "If the people of the three Abrahamic faiths would follow their own holy writings, there would be peace." It was an "ah-ha!" moment."

Don describes the main focus of his service to the church for over 43 years, and his current commitments:

"I have considered myself a 'practicing theologian' in that worship is the focal center of the life of the church and, I am convinced, where theology (our understanding of God) finds form and substance in our lives. From that center, theology radiates outward into the world as it is practiced by the people who are the church.

"As I mentioned on the phone, I am currently working on a project for the denomination through the Spiritual Formation office. You can find an article by me at their web site in the current issue of "Hungry Hearts" (pp. 12-16)." Click here for that article.

Don's special talent in liturgy and worship has been widely recognized in the Presbyterian Church. His editorial consulting for the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship, published in 1993, is a good example of his leadership and theological insight. We can hope that Don will share more of his talent with his classmates on this page.

-Jerry Moyar