Big Think

gfds fds commented on Lifestyles of the Rich and Religious on June 30, 2008, 3:36 PM

UMAction is a reactionary group that is IRD supported.

gfds fds commented on Is Mathematics Spiritual? on June 26, 2008, 11:26 PM

HerbieP, you said, "I don't hold onto any assumptions." I would challenge you on this. I won't say that you are incorrect, but from your posts, it seems that you do hold onto the basic assumptions of science. (eg. orderly universe) I am not saying that they are not very good assumptions, but that they do for the framework of your outlook.I'm really just being mean. I know that this is not precisely what you were discussing. I did some of the same work you did as an undergrad, and agree with your statements. Those who are trying to prove a young universe are not only being scientifically unrealistic, but also miss the point of the creation myth: which was not about describing the process of how things came to be, or even a describing the universe; but about making theological assertions about God.

gfds fds commented on A sermon excerpt for your critique (long) on June 26, 2008, 9:58 PM

Pokoj, the sound file is the theme from Mr. Roger's neighborhood. I thought it made kind of a fun counterpoint to a rather depressing story.jesseakers: thank you! That was exactly the point--that we all do things that are wholly unjustifiable (all fall short) and therefore must be completely reliant on grace. I was afraid that the implication would be too hidden.

gfds fds commented on Lifestyles of the Rich and Religious on June 26, 2008, 7:12 AM

Jenn, It's kind of funny that you mention these groups. Every so often they (particularly UMAction) send me a newsletter asking for money. I don't know of many pastors who give the group much credence (and I'm in ultra-conservative Alabama). I also receive similar propaganda from the opposite end of the political spectrum which I file in the exact same place (I would offer to send them all to you for review, but I'm not going to dig through the land fill).I think that our current Bishop was right (don't tell him I said he was right about something) in declaring that these groups on both sides of the aisle are subversive, agenda driven, and are more interested in politics than the good of the church. There are some big names in the Confessing Movement that hold a lot of sway in the UM Church(notably Maxie Dunnam). So does Reconciling Ministries (notably Bishop Shamana). Both have some good things that they say loudly to gain support and hidden agendas that they don't like to talk about.You may have recognized Shamana's name from the video "Renewal or Ruin". It was made by UMAction's political opponents and distributed to delegate to our General Conference. Don't think that I am defending the IRD, I think they are dirty and underhanded. I just think that some of those pointing fingers at them are guilty of similar tactics.Don't you just love being attacked by both sides?Hedges on the other hand, seems solid. Fascism on the right, self-absorption on the left. I think he is backwards in one way, though. I don't think that the Christian right has co-opted politics, but that power politics has subverted the Christian right. I will try to check on the lecture that I got this perspective from (it did not let the leaders off the hook, but pointed out that the grass roots people were being duped).

gfds fds commented on Science and Religion: They're the Same. on June 25, 2008, 10:52 PM

I can see how that could be particularly helpful for someone dealing with incest. In the greater community we've got a lot of different groups that deal especially with drug issues from many different angles. So far we have been able to put doctrines and faith differences aside and agree that helping the person overcome their issues is the mission of all of our organizations.The one thing that I think that we all agree on and that makes the programs work is that our problems are dealt with in caring community. It is good to not have to face your problems alone.