Thursday, May 28, 2009

What is Interfaith?

by Archbishop Robert J. Guffey

Interfaith is a bridge...
that allows members of all religions and spiritual teachings
to reach out across the waters of life,
in understanding and communication with each other.
Interfaith affirms and supports the underlying
goodness of each person, the healing of our planet

Interfaith does not seek to homogenize religious differences...
Rather, it honors the sacredness and uniqueness of each faith,
and then creates ways by which the many paths can meet
on common ground or unite in a new and sacred creative form..
Differences between various religions and philosophies
need not divide and separate
but can instead enrich our lives
and deepen our capacity to love

Interfaith provides a structure
whereby individuals of different faiths
can dialogue and share their experiences,
making a safe place to accept and learn about each other.
As fluid, mobile societies
and instantaneous communication
change the cultural landscape of our world
this structure becomes vital

Interfaith also speaks to those who feel alienated from mainstream religions.
By providing a spirit of openness and resources for change,
interfaith encourages these individuals and groups
to discover new ways to worship and to participate in
the meaningful ceremonies of life.

The pace of social and personal transformation quickens
as our world approaches the Millennium.
We all have a part to play in the unfolding story.
Through interfaith, each person contributes to the whole
while fulfilling their own unique role.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

More than just prayer

A few days ago I read an article on the AP (Associated Press) that really had my jaw dropped. There was a woman in Wisconsin who's 11 year old daughter was suffering with diabetes. Diabetes is horrible in itself but in a child it is dangerous. She prayed for her daughter, which is great. What disturbed me though is she prayed for her "sin" to be removed. This "sin" was her symptoms of the diabetic attack, but she didn't seek medical treatment for the child.

Her daughter died of diabetes related issues, because the mother only prayed instead seeking medical help. I for one could never stand there and watch someone sick just dying and think that all they need was prayer and no medical attention. I support her for her faith, but I am saddened by her lack of medical efforts.

My point is this, medical issues do not just go aways with prayer. It is a beautiful thought and a beautiful mythology. Some call it a miracle. The true definition of miracle is a wonderful event occurring in the physical world attributed to supernatural powers. How often do you think this will really happen? If this happens for everyone than it is no longer just an event but every day life. Don't assume that your life will have a miracle in regards to your health. Seek medical attention and if God gives a miracle it can be attributed at His choice and you still have your life to live.

I am all about the power of prayer, but the reasonable side says medicine is needed too. We are not living in a time of cave people and barbarians. Fire is no longer a great mystery that can't be discovered. We are examining life deep in the oceans of earth. We are visiting planets outside of our own. We are learning more wisdom than we have ever before. We should be at a point to know that prayer great, but medical attention is required.

In Faith & Spirit,
+Isaac

Thursday, May 7, 2009

National Day of Prayer

Today is National Day of Prayer. It is a day where all are asked to pray, as if we should need a day to remind us though. I want to challenge everyone to take a moment today and just give a simple prayer from the heart. Allow it to resonate and move you in a way that you haven't done before or just haven't done in a while.

Great God, lord of love and all creation, I pray to you as your humble servant. Bless those in need today. Allow peace on earth for just one day. Protect not only our troops but everyone fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Let their hearts be heavy with their burdens just this one day so that goodness and peace may possible come from it. In your powerful ways and your name I pray. Amen.