Thanks for your input Arlo. Very interesting. I'm not adding my religious views on here and expounding on them as I don't want to offend others , so I'll just simply say that I believe Jesus is the only way and he is my Savior.

This is my first time here, so hello and nice to meet ya'll. I've been playing Woody, Arlo and Pete songs for almost 35 years and catching Arlo and Pete concerts every time it was possible, and sometimes when it wasn't. I'm looking forward to hanging around others who recognize Arlo for his wisdom, humor and spirituality, not to mention his awesome musical talents. Peace to all, Kevin

Brava, Cheryl, for your tolerance and respect for others. We're happy you're happy, and that you can still show up (and you do!) and share in the reason we're all here. That's the spirit! There is room for everyone at the table. Mangia!

I'll say it again another way: It's not what we believe about God that matters, as much as what God believes about each and every one of us. In that spirit of humility I offer a peaceful hand to anyone willing to put aside their own judgement and work together for a more peaceful world. That is not a religion, that is a philosophy. True religion, for me, is what you know to be true from your own experience, not what wise men say, or what is read in books, or what others believe - but what God has revealed to you in person - one on one. All the rest is immaterial. I could never betray or back away from what I know, although I am willing to shut up about it and keep it in my heart, until someone asks with a pure and sincere heart. At that time I am willing to share what has been given to me - to a friend.

I remember a quote from you from many years ago that has always been very meaningful to me: "It is better to be unknown for who you are, than known for who you are not". Thanks and peace, Kevin

Save us from you

Whoopi Ti

According to the Bible, God created man in His image. Well, if that is so, look at the diversity in all of us! And look at yourself and all the people who know and love you. Do they all think of you in exactly the same way? No. To one person you're a son or daughter, to another you're a father or mother, to another, a friend. And probably no two friends think of you exactly the same. How can God, who is supposed to be infinite and eternal, be looked at in exactly the same way by any two people in any place and time? I was brought up and remain basically Christian, but I welcome what I have learned from and about other religions, and honor and respect them and have worshipped in their holy places, because they have helped to open my heart to the Love I know as God.

I missed dinner last night, so could I bring some strawberries for breakfast?

On the Church website it says (among other things):

"As the world becomes smaller we must find ways to embrace the spiritual journeys of those whose traditions are different, without abandoning our own."

How that translates to anyone preaching a one world religion is unknown to me. Jesus himself makes it clear that your true neighbor is the one who lends you a hand (good Samaritan story), and not necessarily those who may be like-minded in their religious affiliations. And that's what the church is all about - creating a world of good neighbors who will lend you a hand in time of need, allowing us to embrace those who may have a different tradition or faith who is not threatened by our own spiritual journey.

(more to follow)

Thank you, Judy, for the apt analogy. I've been having an ongoing conversation (for years) with a friend who thinks his is the only way; he's gentle but adamant about it and it puzzles him greatly that we agree on so many (though not all) things and yet I cannot and will not put a label on my beliefs. I'm going to quote you (and Arlo and Larry, etc., etc.) the next time we have an exchange. I'm not trying to change his mind, just explain myself adequately.

And, you're welcome at breakfast anytime, strawberries or no strawberries! Dinner was excellent because of all the Blunderites 'attending.'

Edited to say thank you to Jim for being the catalyst. I've been missing the Rolling Blunder Review; if you go over this whole thread and look for Arlo's posts and put 'em together, that's kind of what we're getting here, but with interaction among the motley Group W Bench crew as well.

"Concepts create idols; only wonder comprehends anything. People kill one another over idols. Wonder makes us fall to our knees."
Saint Gregory of Nyssa

I love strawberries. Down here we're having watermelons for breakfast. Anybody want some?
P&L, Kevin

Goodmorning Arlo,
I read your posts and it would be an honor to be able to call you friend. It must be difficult to have every word you say picked apart like a chicken bone. I kind of understand what it feels like by talking openly on this board. People get you wrong, I understand that. Please forgive me if I am reading you wrong but, this quote IS a one world religious statement (maybe I am wrong) :

"As the world becomes smaller we must find ways to embrace the spiritual journeys of those whose traditions are different, without abandoning our own."

Here is my question.
It would be VERY difficult for a Christian to sit through a Voodoo service. How could he or she "embrace" such a service while worshiping a jelous God? I'm using Voodoo as an extreme example, I'm not trying to be funny.

When someone tries to gather all the world religions together in blind faith it is normally called an antichrist spirit.

Jim

Who/whom is trying to do that?

Speaking only from my own experience and not trying to put words into another's mouth, I feel that I can "embrace" others' spiritual journeys without adopting their "religion." I can understand your concerns, and your analogy was very good, about a Christian "embracing" a voodoo service. Rather than looking at it from that perspective, how about merely embracing their "right" to hold their service without feeling so threatened by it?

Hi Terrie,
I'm sorry but, if someone comes into a church and chops the head off a chicken, I'm heading for the door!