We were at the dog park when it happened. When you have something in common with people, in this case dogs, strangers are usually quite willing to strike up a conversation. We had walked over to a bench in a shady corner of the park when a couple in their mid-60s strolled up to watch their Portuguese water dog play with our retriever, Noah.
We started talking about dogs, but one thing led to another and the topic turned to the oil spill and the government. My first instinct was to stick to dog talk and avoid politics with that pair, but Trish decided to engage them. The man quickly announced that he was a ‘religious conservative’ and that the liberals were destroying the country, that Obama was pushing socialism, intent on taking money from the rich, etc, etc.
Trish took after him, asking if he and his wife collected social security and took advantage of medicare. Yes, they did, and apparently saw no conflict in their beliefs and their actions.
The husband and wife became increasingly outspoken about their religious belief that only the faithful followers of Jesus would be saved, that the rapture was coming. “But you’re condemning billions of people,” I said.
“I’m not condemning them,” he answered. “They have a chance to be saved. Read the book, read the book.”
I suggested that the God in the bible, especially the old testament, was wrathful at times, and that the bible was written and re-written over centuries by PEOPLE. The couple vehemently disagreed. It was the word of God and a benevolent God, at that. Not like the Muslim’s God, who provoked terrorism.
“Do you think Obama is the anti-Christ?” I asked to see how far they were willing to stretch their beliefs.
The wife responded. “Oh, no.” The husband quickly followed up: “But he knows him. You can be sure of that. He’s alive now, after all.” (Hm, maybe it’s Bo, the Obama’s Portuguese water dog.
Read the book, it’s all there,” the man repeated before we parted ways.
Something about these people disturbed me, beyond what they were saying. There was something familiar about them. Then, as we started to walk away, the woman turned to me and said: “You know, you are our yoga teacher.”
Oh, my god, these people were in my Wednesday evening class. That’s where I knew them from. They’d come to several classes, always parking themselves in the far right rear corner of the room. There were usually 20 or more people in the room and it was dimly lit. So I hadn’t recognized them. They did their best in class. The man, in particular, was stiff and now I realized he was as inflexible in his mind as he was in his body. (Synchronicity or cause and effect? ) When I mentioned to Trish who they were, she responded, “So what!”
My next yoga class arrived and there they were. All I could think, when I looked in their direction, was the man saying: “Read the book.”
Now, here comes the synchronicity. In the aftermath of that encounter, we received an e-mail from a friend that was literally filled with bible quotes. We were being nudged to read the book. But wait a minute. Who wrote these verses, anyhow–God? If so, she just might be crazy. Take a look for yourselves.
+++
Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God’s Law.
I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination … End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God’s Laws and how to follow them.
1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can’t I own Canadians?
2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of Menstrual uncleanliness – Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord – Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?
6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree. Can you settle this? Are there ‘degrees’ of abomination?
7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?
8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn’t we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I’m confident you can help.
Thank you again for reminding us that God’s word is eternal and unchanging.
Your adoring fan.
James M. Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, Dept. Of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education University of Virginia
(It would be a damn shame if we couldn’t own a Canadian 🙂
+++
God winks. And, oh, how tempting it is to bring a copy of that e-mail to yoga class and tell the couple. Guess what? I’ve been reading the book. – R
Hilary – you're so right about those dogs as teachers for this couple.
Oh, I have been *so* lucky in the Christians I've met. Like the parish priest my parents sent me to talk to when they found I wasn't a Christian – who listened completely, and lent me Bede Griffiths' 'Return to Centre'. Wow.
I'm sad for the inflexible couple, but glad they're blessed with a Portugese Water Dog as their live-in teacher.
I think this one's a keeper, Marzel!
That is a fabulous post and I so enjoyed the letter!!
Agreed, Sansego, on all points. Then we have to understand that the "Book" was re-written, totally revised, at the Commission of Constantinople, and much of it was altered and deleted as a means of "controlling the masses via Fear". And, it has been translated into hundreds of languages. And, if it was actually written at all 2000 years ago, (it was written much later, if at all), it was written by men according to the culture and mores of those time frames, which are totally non-applicable today. How can people be such utter fools? I think it's because folks don't want to take responsibility for their own actions and need to use a "Saviour-Figure" to do it for them! That's my story and I'm stickin to it! 🙂 cjc
Another point…if those people are unaware that Medicare and Social Security are government run programs, which are undeniable FACTS, why should anyone believe what they have to say about God, Jesus, and the Bible? After all, they weren't around 2,000 years ago, so what do they know?
For me, credibility begins with consistency. When people are ignorant of current events, there's really no need to listen to anything they have to say about events that occurred before their time. After all, if you get your facts wrong about things going on right now, why would you have any credibility for your opinions about what happened before your lifetime? You don't. Those people are ignorant.
I don't waste my time with people who think like that. They are incapable of reason and I don't think many of them have read every single word in the Bible.
The idea of rapture is obscene, but also ridiculous as they believe it. In their view, it requires no action on their part. Jesus will come back and save only those people who profess to believe literally in events that cannot be proven 2,000 years later, regardless of how they behave towards their fellow humans or our environment.
I much prefer the idea of rapture promoted by "The Celestine Prophecy"…which is that when humanity becomes spiritually enlightened, we will have the ability to transform our human bodies into light. It requires a lot of work on one's spiritual evolution…not going around preaching obedience to an ancient book that has little relevance to modern society.
Like I said, a waste of time communicating with such folks.
I don't even know where to begin with this one! Maybe I'll take a stab at it tomorrow.
Hi Shimmickite – the questions really are hilarious. But the whole episode was troubling.
I roared with mirth at the list of questions from "the book" but I find the rest of your post quite disturbing. Closed minds are so dangerous.
P.S. I'm a Canadian!
We have a 'friend' who bombards us daily with 'the book'. One of these days, he might find it where the sun don't shine.
Want me to come over there and clean up the Dog park too?
*wink*
Von – I don't know anything about the adoption industry, but those figures are outrageous & you're right, everything here has its price.
I'm particularly fond of 2 as it applies to a subject dear to my heart..the immorality of the adoption industry.A fair price these days seems to be anywhere from free-ish, up to around $80,000 depending on whether you're buying a 'domestic baby' an orphanage baby, how many and what disabilities and of course race and gender.Everything has it's price in The Land of the Free, even children and babies.
Spiritual bypass…what a great phrase!
Connie – I had much the same experience. Raised Catholic, I recall sitting i catechism class one sunday, bored out of my mind. The nun was talking about what happens when we die – the usual catholic litany – hell, limbo, purgatory, or heaven. And I suddenly though, Wrong, all wrong. What happens is what you think happens, at least initially. At that point, my search was launched.
You know, Guys, I was obviously born with questions, because at a very young age I started asking the question: How did the death of Jesus on the Cross redeem me from my sins? What could His death possibly have done to do that? No priest, minister,no preacher, theologian, NO ONE, could ever give me a straight answer except, "It just did". Well, I can't relate to it and never could, and later knew it was in direct contradiction to my convictions concerning the concepts of reincarnation, etc. But to believe that you'll "go to heaven if you believe Jesus took your sins away"…HOW did His death accomplish that??? Never, ever have gotten any answers to such a direct question. As for me, I expect to experience many more lifetimes SOMEWHERE, whether on this old planet or as a raging river on Arcturus. I hope to travel all the multiverses before I settle down and retire my Soul from experiences! cjc
It's also a form of "spiritual bypass" where they don't have take responsibility for their own actions. They skip the hard work. "I don't have to do the hard work, the dirty work, or the work on Self, because Jesus did it for me." Jesus will come down from the sky and remove them from the mess they've made.
At the risk of sounding arrogant or short-sighted, I tend to think of the ardent followers of Jesus as young souls clinging to the physical world, which is why the rapture idea–taken to heaven in their bodies and clothes–is so appealing.
They see the savior as a figure outside of themselves, the son of God, who will come back–hopefully as good Christian this time, not a Jew 😉 –and save the day.
It's such a simplistic, ethnocentric perspective, and not so different from past religions, now considered mythologies, that gave the common folk a set of beliefs that set up God or gods as separate beings worthy of worship.
These same folk are enraged by the idea of the God within, the higher self, the godhead, or Christ-consciousness. Or the idea that we are all creators. Essentially, they are saying we are not worthy of such attributes.
All that said, I've also met Jesus people who are more evolved and put it all into a wider perspective. But for most of them, it's 'read the book.' – Rob
Good for you, Marlene. People like Rush and their ilk have done so much damage to this country.
Oh I want to add.. I have stopped making comments to them..I stay quiet now and just listen..you can NEVER get thru..the mind can not grasp any meaning beyond "the book" ..but I CAN'T stay quiet about the oil spill.. ! I had a friend tell me it was all exaggerated by the liberals..and that R.L said on the radio….ect..i was in her car and told her to turn around and drop me back home…that enrages me to no end!..
Oh fantastic post!!! I love it..I was raised strict catholic…never could embrace the negativity..to my parents dismay..I have had people quote bible passages before..i think of them as if they were toddlers…limited in thier scope to process information..still growing..its a bit scary these "children' with limited minds are able to vote and make decisions in this country..we are int he hands of small minds at times!
We're surrounded by the nobility class–people who spend $10K a week on their horses without a blink-some of whom I'm sure funnel money to the rabble-rousing, gun-toting tea party types.
Very good post! Bill Maher is a good antidote for this kind of thinking! I was raised in a religious stew Protestant, Catholic and atheism. Very confusing mess.
Where I currently live, I am surrounded by tea party people. Maher calls this "the bubble that excludes reality". Very apt!
I was raised similarly on my mother's side. I laughed at my grandmother one time who was trying to tell me not to be cremated when I die or I wouldn't have a body when the Lord comes to raise the true believers from our graves. I asked her if she believed that literally, and she said yes. So I asked her if she actually believed all the long-dead corpses would rise and walk the earth in their same bodies, flesh hanging, etc? She did look a little shocked to think of it that way, but held to her conviction.
All of these people that believe everything written in a book, based on oral history, that was not even started until 75 years after the death of Christ, but say no way to universal consciousness?
oh, and yes, connie, from another "raised southern baptist hell fire and brimstone" girl who always questioned it all –
ok, gang, could not help but share this magnificent documentary which is at the moment playing out on the sundance channel – called BURNING ICE – where writers, artists, journalists and others travel to the arctic to view firsthand the effects of global warming – am trying to get all of boy's birthday gifts wrapped and watch this at the same time – i find myself drifting into this great film –
have a glorious day –
later – j
Tut tut – smiling on a Sunday, that won't do. Super post.
My nearest neighbour is a Jehovah Witness – we've had some 'interesting' conversations about The 'Good' Book. May well quote a few of the email points to her to see the reaction.
It's been raining here but you sent a ray of sunshine.
Intolerance, DJan, was the rule of the day at the dog park – except from the dogs. Good points, Connie. Enjoy the barbecue, Gypsy!
I find this terrifying. The closed minds of so many people to reason, and the blind following of "the book" bodes ill for the future. I am scared for our country, and for the world.
I just need to add a P.S. to my comments that I was raised in a southern Baptist home and went to church twice on Sundayus and on Wednesday nights. However, my parents were extremely balanced in their convictions, and my Dad especially walked the walk but didn't talk the talk. He was truly an inspiration, and I was taught, and still have the conviction, that the Creator, whatever that Creator or Creators may be. is Divine Love, not war-mongering or vengeful or filled with wrath. But, that's just me. Who can look around at the simple but complicated universe and doubt the Love of its architects? More people have been killed throughout the ages, according to historical data, by Christians and other groups in the names of their "gods", than by any other factions. To me, this is an affront to the Universal Consciousness of whatever God(s) may be. Obviously I'm no longer a Baptist! OK. I'm off my soapbox for today! P.S. Gypsy, enjoy those sacrificial cows and pigs! Sounds like a feast for the gods to me!! lol cjc OH! LOVE this WV: asess (asses, as in rear ends, or even mules??))
ok, too too good! i'm still LOL, you two!! but would that i could have been there at the dog park with you all – what fun that would have been to witness – love love love the email!!
sorry i have to run – but it's time to start our bull and pig sacrifices on the grill – [yes, sadly, i've fallen off the veggie wagon!]
and connie – oh, no, not "A" MCP, but many many!!!
ya'll have a great day and don't forget to read the book!
Good morning all. WONDERFUL post!! There is also an admonition in the Old Testment….I'll have to drag mine out to get it, I have it marked….where God tells the People that if a wife's husband SUSPECTS her of adultery, he is to take her to the temple, mix the dirt from the temple foor with water (mud) make the wife drink the mud. If she vomits, she is guilty and "must be cast aside". If she doesn't vomit, she is innocent and the husband need not cast her aside. Also close to that is the admonition
"from God" that women are not allowed to attend the church (temple) because they are "offensive to God". I've never forgotten these examples of God's divine love. Sounds to me like these ancient "laws" were penned by a male chauvinist pig. Anyone agree? cjc