We're studying some pretty heavy stuff in my English IV class. I've probably (definitely)crossed some sort of state vs. church line seeing as I asked the students to read and respond to a religious article called "Where Was God?" The article compares the 2005 Indian Ocean tsunami to the 1755 cataclysmic Lisbon earthquake, Voltaire's "inspiration" for writing Candide, and then asks the million dollar question, "Where was God?".
The students are supposed to respond to the article which, in the end, suggests that it is not our place to ask any questions, but says that we should instead spend our time helping each other and loving each other (no matter our religious or non-religious inclinations), especially in times of crisis. After all, we are co-contributors to this earthly chaos! The kids can choose to agree or disagree with the author (who happens to be a rabbi). They can write about how reading the article makes them feel, or about the points they think are relevant or those they would change.
We talk about whether or not God, if he or she does indeed exist, is (can be) benevolent since he /she/it allows horrific things to happen to good people. We talk about what that means exactly to us, and I am always horrified and have to swallow my self-righteous anger when students suggest the idea that God, through a tsunami or earthquake or hurricane, was getting rid of the "non-believers" or "sinners" in his wrathful vengeance. (I've heard the same ridiculous bullshit reaction in response to New Orleans and hurricane Katrina.) These students are, unfortunately, speaking of the Christian God when they respond like that here in Bible Belt, USA.
Despite my internal upheaval, I do think that it is extremely valuable for the kids to think about these things, whatever their belief systems.
I, for one, absolutely refuse to believe in a God who would intentionally hurt people to prove a point. Even the stories of Noah (where God implements a global human "do over" by drowning all) and Job (who gets everything back 10 fold (and in a different order), even though he was tested beyond measure so that God could win a bet against Lucifer, the fallen angel he created in all of his omnipotent power) grate on my nerves, but then again the Old Testament differs greatly from the New testament where Jesus on the cross takes on the sins of the world, an act that demonstrates that the wrath of God is unnecessary. If we are being literal, then that sacrifice alone atones for the "non-believer's" non-belief. Therefore no tsunami, earthquake, flood, or anything else would be instituted by God to prove any point.
Voltaire challenged the philosophy and religion of his day in order to show that in his estimation, God could never be defined as benevolent OR wrathful and that time spent philosophizing anything was time wasted since in this human form we will NEVER know.
I would respond in the same way to those who think that their definition of God involves hell -fire and damnation, as if they know.
GO and DO is the important thing. We know nothing else other than that we should love each other and take care of each other here and now. There is no exception.
I'm calling for an all out grace and mercy type of love thy neighbor in teaching this lesson... and I'll probably lose my job for it someday.
11 comments:
Well at least we'll be unemployed together. Today I had the kids debate whether or not humans are inately good or bad. It always ends up a religious discussion (as did the debate about fear being a motivator, which I found very insightful on their part). But you're right that they need to think about what they think about these important issues.
The book I'm reading right now, The History of God, talks a lot about the West's anthropomorphic concept of God and how problematic it is. If we conceive of God as a human (or superhuman), then we can imbue him with our own prejudices, thus justifying our own position. (This same human image of God also led, ironically, to the rise of atheism; once we conceived of God as something we could explore like any other earthly thing it became obvious that this definition of God didn't work -- for the very reason your kids discussed.)
So, I'm taking the side of the mystics, who for centuries have been marginalized and even demonized in the West. They have it right. "I am what I am." And that's all you get. And the hard part (for me as a westerner) was to be okay with that uncertainty. But I find freedom in that uncertainty because that place where we question and wonder IS God.
I feel intimidated by the intellectual level of this blog and comment, but nevertheless, I love what you both are saying.
I hope you receive the inspiration you need to teach this lesson because I feel it is so important. I personally believe in a tangible, loving God who WANTS us to question, wants us to get to the point where we don't live on borrowed faith. So my hope is that your discussion will at least trigger the thought that personal beliefs are too important just to be spoon-fed and that their minds will open to the possibility that there is more out there than what their parents have loaned them.
Guess I will teach something today... but your words will stick with me.
i agree that the mystics are the best
clearly, conventionally speaking, what with death, sickness and all, either god doesn't exist or he/shes's a bit of a c***. [sorry mum!]
but on reflection, how could it be any other way? a changing universe by definition requires things to pass away, and that's probably what makes it so beautiful. if things didn't pass, there'd be no time, nothing at would ever happen and no-one would be born.
so maybe God got bored? the Hindu idea of leela, that the universe is a divine play for God's [and our] enjoyment?
so maybe God's an artist?
all the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players?
definitely God's an artist! just look around if you don't believe me
that's a pretty tough job to fulfil though isn't it: to be parts in a real play involving life and death without any clear confirmation that there's an afterlife
and the stories of the angels attitudes to us human certainly reflect this: on the one hand they are said to feel real pity for us, that we have by far the hardest job, having to contend with all the terrible, beautiful crap that God's enormous universe throws at us
and on the other hand: in the islamic tradition is is said that satan is cast down to hell precisely because he refuses to bow down and worship us [as ordered by God].
therefore, clearly on any religious count we have a *seriously* difficult role to play in God's plan
but finally, to the good news of the mystics.
by focusing our overall practice of worship on otherwordliness: in Buddhism 'nibbida' precisely not this life, not this body, not this world [including the ups and the happiness AND victims of war, hurricanes & all the rest of the tragedy, ie tree of k of good & evil] we can then paradoxically taste His Eternal Nectar, Tathagata/Suchness of the realm beyond, Lord of all Hosts
we do this, [again paradoxically] by practising mindfulness, attention to what's really happening, to the truth of our lives. but not taking any of it seriously [because it passes] cultivating nibbidic disenchantment with ups and downs, and developing instead an overarching interest in the *invisible one* suffusing the impermanent scene.
this impermanent scene is what Muhammed warns us against - the fire that is burning everything, with different levels of ferocity, at all times
so overall it's probably in the interests of yr students, though maybe not a quite career for you, to know the full story of God.. including that of tathagata/suchness [the buddhist quality that is to all intents and purposes in this life, God]
what does yr conscience say? would you find support among yr peers?
can you tell 'em yr to practice meditation, look for their salvation not in this world, [go beyond Katrina] in short to be scientific about religion?
as the mystics would say: then this world might be glorified by their divine nature as, having put themselves out of the equation, only that of God shines through
& surely that is what all good christians want?
[ps i like to use names other than 'God'. i particularly like your Go, Do instead, for example :-)]
Good luck!
X
I'm with Voltaire on this one, although I am intrigued greatly by the mystics (especially the Celtic ones & Hildegard von Bingen) as well. Oh, and History of God is a phenomenal book.
Sadly, as someone about to head off to seminary to study these things full time, I'm not sure I have a whole lot to add to the discussion. The voices I read here already reflect a maturity and depth lacking in most of "Bible Belt Christianity."
Wow. I hope I find a church full of you guys one of these days (only we won't call it a "church)...
dear Neal
that sounds very nice! one question though, if not church. mosque, temple - what then shall we call it?
i have no idea at the moment but would love to hear suggestions - just to get the creative juices flowing :-)
& yes, Ginger - you make an excellent philosophy teacher! hmm, on reflection i should just put it all down to that, God talk or no [in class]: philo sophia / 'love of wisdom'
beauty, truth, all ye need to know & all that jazz.
overachieving monkeys ?? Darwin notwithstanding - never!
underachieving angels more like
;-)
[or, to paraphrase JRumi, who put it so very well: 'and when we die to the angels, what we shall become, one cannot imagine..']
Love and Chocolates to all
M
ps thanks for the photos in the next post
pps Dear Brooke. No need to worry about the intellectual stuff. What you are drawn to will show you what you need to learn. God is def NOT an intellect, though He/She appreciates the power of the thinking faculty.. at the end of the day, as Shakey said it all of these things are much ado about nothing. enjoy the beautiful nothing & nurture it's best creations!
Wow, I must confess that I, too, used to be one of those who thought God was 'cleansing' the earth of 'evil-doers' whenever such catastrophes ever happened.
But then I guess I got to thinking: Isn't this the same thing that terrorists think before they go create some catastrophes of their own? You know, the more I think about the brand of super-fundamentalist Christianity we have around here, the more it sounds like the super-fundamentalist terrorist beliefs. Both doctrines run on the people's fear, both believe that their own religion is the best ever, and see themselves as God's hand on earth, free to kill (or at least harrass) anyone who disagrees with them.
Honestly. Whatever happened to "What would Jesus Do?" I liked that. Didn't you?
(on a side note, click my URL if you're wondering who I am. You already know me... ;) )
If there were no mysteries to ponder, no moments to "rattle our cages," there would be nothing amazing about God. We would not stand in awe of Him, would not passionately pursue Him. If we had no questions, we'd have no room for faith.
I am so lucky to have you guys in my life.. I need to tell you more often, but for now:
Fougs - Thank you. Oh my God, thank you. I love you so much and am so ridiculously lucky to have you in my life. I adore all of our discussions and idea sharing on this topic (as always, you amaze me with your insight!), and on the goofy ass topics we tend to laugh at (as always, you amaze me with your oxen shisen!). I very much value you!
Brooke - You and I are so much alike! I am so glad that we have gotten to know each other better in the last year or so. I think you're an amazing teacher and an awesome friend! Plus, we can talke about bitch wombs together..
Mark - I think you're amazing. I hope you know that. You're totally the yoda! I SO value your wisdom and patience with me. I hope to be able to actually converse with you on your level someday.. Until then, you get me in all of my insecure glory. Good luck with that in 2 months time..(Can't wait to push you off a curb!)
Neal - What you say is very dear to me. You've known me probably at my most vulnerable. I won't get into all of that high school drama. And I am so glad to call you my friend. I love that you are so open-minded in your faith. It completely makes me want to be a member of your "church." Thank you for being you.
Naomi - Welcome to my blog! I think you are wise beyond your years, and you are brilliant! I am so lucky to have a student like you!!
Michelle - Thank you for your optimism! You are always so steadfast and honest; I very much appreciate the strength of your character. You have helped to shape who I am more than you will ever know.
Love you guys.
Your post and all the lovely comments bring up a lot of scattered thoughts. I’m not even going to try to tie them together.
I. That has to be one of the central questions of Christianity if not all religion. 'In a world of so much pain, how can God be called good?' I can accept that the universe requires change and by extension death, but is all this aguish really necessary? So any celestial uber-observer must be unable or unwilling to intervene. An omnipotent being must therefore be unwilling. Either He/She is unconcerned with the suffering of the masses or unwilling to intercede on their behalf. So we are left to assume that a loving Provider must have some greater plan that we cannot understand – small comfort to the grieving widow.
II. Many scholars believe that the end of Job is not nearly as old as the rest; so originally it didn’t have the shiny happy ending. So basically the text read “And the Lord spake unto him saying ‘Who do you think you are? Here’s you bucket full of shut the hell up.’”
III. Also, isn’t the I Am, the one great Mystery beyond the realm of genitalia labels. Does mankind really benefit by debating whether the Creator has a penis?
IV. Religious leaders – and all the rest of us – get so hung of on this phrase of scripture or that phrase. But the overwhelming theme of every religious text that I’ve have the pleasure to peruse can be summed by the greats Lennon and Sir Paul (not to be confused with St. Paul) ‘All you need is love. Do-da-do-do-do’
V. I’m with you Neal. Not ‘church’. Anything but that. Call it ‘Bob’ whatever. Labels have such baggage – create new nomenclature. If the business world gets to do it, why can’t we?
VI. Ginger, I love your response, ‘as if they know.’ That is my reaction to almost all dogma. Why can’t the zealots see that we’re all guessing at meaning here. Isn’t it a bit presumptuous to think we can know the mind of God?
VII. You’re right it’s good get people thinking about such things. Punishment theology is hopefully just a phase they move through. God fearing Christians die horrible deaths too. Does that mean they are being ‘cleansed’ by the God of some other faction. I’m still stunned by those ‘Thank God For AIDS’ banners held proudly aloft by ‘GodFearinAmericans’ at marches.
VIII. If you buy the divinity of Katrina, that means that God missed the French quarter. Is he a bit nearsighted? He is old.
IX. Not that I’ve arrived. I’m not at nirvana. I can’t even see it from here, but I’ve come a long way.
X. I’m with you Brooke. ‘God wants us to question.’ Blind obedience might make us a good republicans, but not good humans. We must grow and change. We do that through exploration and introspection. I love your expression that our beliefs are on loan from our parents. It shows that we are expected even required to form our own.
XI. History of God is a great book, but so dry. Come on Armstrong throw in an amusing anecdote, a comedic illustration, something.
XII. Mark, I love your thought that we should see ourselves as underachieving angels not overachieving monkeys. I think it’s a conscious choice we have to continually renew - a fundament life directive we must endeavor to realize, in ourselves and in the world.
XIII. Finally, any school that would dismiss you for such ‘atrocities’ is not worth teaching at anyway, Ginger.
Kudos to you Ginger.
Edification is something that the human race desperately longs for yet rarely provides.
'Shower the people you love with love' - the poet J. Taylor
Michelle- Well said! I agree with Ginger. You always have a positive outlook...and it is short, to the point and SO true. Thanks!
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