Most Rev. Isaac L. Kramer

Chasing the wrong carrot

2010-12-14T14:56:00.000-08:00

All of us at some point in our lives have had dreams and goals. We have set them as the dangling carrot in front of our face to encourage us what we are working towards. For some of us though, it may seem like that carrot is a mile away and never getting closer. Every time you believe you have just finished that final step and think of your sweet reward, you look up to see the carrot further away from you.

Life can is chaotic this way. We never really know when or why but we do know how. How can I get the love of my life? How can I get that promotion? How can I land that job? These are questions where it seems the answers land in our lap like a dog or cat wanting attention. Why is it though that when we take the time ask the harder questions we never receive an answer. When will I get that promotion? When will I land that job I wanted? When will I find the love of my life?

Patience. We are always told to have patience. "Good things come to those who wait" after all. So why not be willing to wait? That is the real issue here. We are not a very patient society. We are a society that has become dependent on the now mentality. Everyone at some point in their life has heard the word "Now" being demanded of them, more so if you have children.

So how do we break this "Now mentality" and replace it with patience as one of the virtues all over again? The answer is simple. Remember that all things happen in God's time and not our own. Remember that goals are dreams that we like to achieve however, sometimes God has a different plan for us.

I have had a calling to the Priesthood since I was about 9 years old. My dreams were to be a Priest, even more so a Roman Priest. God called me over and over again, each time louder than the previous. I would ignore this because I had a passion for music. Through high school I kept insisting that I was going to be a music teacher. Next though is where I had my first experience. Immediately following my high school graduation, my family moved to Davenport, IA and I didn't know the area and moved with them. I didn't look at any colleges in Iowa prior to the move. The person we lived with worked for the local college, St. Ambrose University. She told me about them and I went to the school and was immediately accepted into their music education program. It was there that I met a father who helped shape my life. I was only at St. Ambrose for a semester, but it was an important step.

My family came back to Ohio and I with them. I struggled in my jobs because my heart wasn't there. I would get promotions but never the promotions I wanted, always the assistant manager. I attempted a few times to go back to college for music education but each time something would come up and I would have to back out. The story of life right? We all have had this happen to us. Family issues, time issues, transportation issues, you name it. That was sign number two that I ignored.

Eventually my relationship went to hell that I was in. We fought and had issues every day. I wasn't happy and I knew why but still denied to accept it. It was in 2001 when I finally had a therapist I was seeing tell me that I was struggling because I wasn't answering my calling. After all, she should know because although she was great at counseling her heart wasn't their. This was sign number three. With her assistance she helped me reconnect with people who I had rode off. At this point I was a priest but not Roman. I obtained my full ordination, but again not Roman.

I had a church and everything was going great. We were large. We provided services. We were compassionate and merciful to all. We supported the neighborhood. Everything was going great, except for one thing, my calling was still knocking. Next thing I knew I was attending Catholic Mass again different days while attempting to serve my church. Here we have sign number four.

That carrot that I placed in front of my face as my goals was only going further away because I was chasing the wrong carrot. I was chasing what I wanted and not answering what God wanted. If only I would have been patient and actually do what I felt was right I never would have suffered through what I believed to be my own sorrow. I would have been a happier person the entire time.

It works a lot like walking into and windstorm. We are fighting against 35MPH winds when really we should be using the wind to our advantage. Usually after fighting the winds we get where we thought we wanted to go and usually find the item is sold out, it wasn't what we wanted, or no one was there. Take this as a simple sign that if we had patience and waited another time things would have gone differently.

So the next time you say when or why, let the question be why aren't I using my patience right now? The phrase "let go and let God" is not only beautiful but also true.

Yours in Faith,

+++Isaac

Burning a Qur'an

2010-09-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

Radical thinking to extremes causes such chaos, hatred, and disorder that it disturbs everyone around them. This is my instant thoughts about Rev. Jones in Gainesville, FL.

The Muslim faith was not to blame for 9/11, specific thinking and people were to blame.

As we are approaching the nine year anniversary of 9/11 many people are living a life of fear still to this day. There are people who believe that something will happen again. There are others who will not let go and insist on blaming a race or religious group. The actions were caused by humans. The actions were caused by people who held radical thinking far more extreme than we usually care for. Radical thinking similar to those of Rev. Jones of Gainesville, FL.

Sadly these people have caused a great deal of injustice to their own lands. Today we are still fighting over placing a mosque close to ground zero.

Let us take a moment to really think about the name "Ground Zero". With a name as that shouldn't it mean something to all of us. Zero means back to the very beginning or end of something. Zero holds no real value. If we are calling it Ground Zero then perhaps the best way forward is a new beginning about healing, love, and humanity. We should allow any organization that is about healing and love, which benefits humanity as a whole, to be there.

Rev. Jones I have a special message for you. Keep your hatred. Keep your chaos and distrust. You should recheck your calling from God because I'm pretty sure Satan is the only one controlling your vocation. May God bless you, feed you, clothe you, love you, and teach you what HE is really about.

To those out there considering this extreme action, stop and pray. Think about what will really come of it. What will actually happen to our troops, to our land, and to our family and friends around us. This action will only lead to a war on American soil started by our own actions. Find self-responsibility for your actions and words. Take a moment and really read the Qur'an. While your at it, read other religious texts and you will find parallels to your own New Testament.

May God bless you and assist you in your actions.

Yours in Faith,

Archbishop Isaac L. Kramer

When there is no tomorrow

2010-08-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

We must all take action today, because there could be no tomorrow to take action in. Each of us must open our eyes and look around us. Several countries are fighting the same battle, discrimination by color of skin.

Here in the U.S. we see a battle ground taking place in Arizona and New York. In Arizona the state has taken up arms against the very people who help stabilize their state, the Hispanic community. The Hispanic community in Arizona has existed for years. They have increased profit through the creation of new jobs, working while paying taxes, and spending their hard earned cash locally. There is no reason for Arizona to take such harsh actions against their longtime brothers and sisters, yet they do.

In New York the discrimination of skin is towards the Muslim community. There are good people wanting to help heal the 9/11 aftermath by building a house to GOD there. Though their house isn’t Christian, many view it as a sin or another possible terror plot. Here in the U.S. we are permitted freedom of religion, however there are many who believe that that freedom is only for Christians. I say this to them, cast your stones and see if Christ still stands beside you.

This is a prime example of what Christ was fighting for some 1,980 years ago. The Jewish High Priest were telling others that they were wrong if they didn’t believe in their GOD, their dogma, and their laws. Christ was teaching it doesn’t matter what name or how you worship as long as your intentions were pure and you followed the honor written. Where did those teachings go today? Instead we have Christians saying Christ said this and that but are misinterpreting his words for their own power and corruption.

If we are truly about freedom of religion, then we should allow a mosque to be built at ground zero. We should look past the color of their skin and say, welcome brother and sister.

In France we find for the second day them turning gypsies away and flying them out of their country. They are rounding them up and placing them on planes back to Romania. At least some of the people of France are willing to admit to discrimination due to skin color unlike the United States.

Has history taught us nothing? Was World War II fought and won in vain? Have we come to a point again where we believe that the actions Hilter took were okay, since it isn’t “me”?

Time and time again we have oppressed one another. Today we need to stand united and bravely say, “don’t treat my brother and sister that way again”. We need to acknowledge that everyone has equal rights and freedoms in this world, not just the privileged. Remember that those who are in power now could find themselves in the opposite position at any moment. We must unite and live today for one another.

Let us believe that there is no tomorrow to “try again”. Let us believe that right now is the “end of the world”. Let us believe that when we go to sleep that we will not wake up and have another chance. I believe that only then will we truly love one another and truly want to see each other benefit from all that we have around us. That is the greatest gift that we can give our fellow brothers and sisters. Our moment of success. Our moment of equal rights. Our love for this life. Be brave and live today because there is no tomorrow.

If you don't believe, then why ask.

2010-07-30T23:20:00.001-07:00

If you don't believe in GOD, how and why do you expect GOD to believe in you?

When you pray asking for miracles and they aren't answered you get discouraged. You begin to question GOD's existence. You even deny GOD any attention. But why should GOD help you? GOD doesn't truly know you.

Imagine it this way. A stranger comes up to you and says, "I need $50.00 for my family, please help me." You may have the money, hell you may even have enough to spare right now, but you don't know the stranger. Would you give them $50.00 not knowing if they really have a family? Most of us would say no or give them something much smaller as a consolation prize.

Why then do we expect GOD to give us our large miracles if we in exchange do not give worship?

It is through worship that GOD gets to truly know us and know our hearts, our dreams, and our intentions. All of this just like how through interaction that stranger becomes our friend. We learn about their spouse and children. We learn about their goals, their dreams, and their intentions. We then long to see them achieved and go as far to help them. That is because there is a small form of worship in all friendships.

Worship goes beyond chanting, singing, and waiving about of censors and wearing of articles of clothing. It is about prayer and conversations. Worship is the placing of a value on an item or aspect of our lives. If we value a friendship then we worship that friendship. If we value GOD, then we worship GOD.

So what is the moral?

-GOD is like a friend. Don't expect miracles from GOD if you don't know each other. You wouldn't expect miracles from strangers and you aren't likely to provide them to a stranger either.

Start your friendship now and have a small heart to heart conversation with GOD daily.

Yours in Faith,

Archbishop Isaac L. Kramer

The wrong doings of "Religious" men

2010-07-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

The vocational world today is faced with a myriad of issues. When you take the time to actually read an article on Yahoo News, AP, or any other internet news source, regarding religion, the same issue seems to be reoccurring, homosexuality. Homosexuality by no means is a sin. It isn't stated anywhere, that is truly written or spoke by GOD, that homosexuals are wrong and should perish. It is written by the hands of man claiming to have inherit truth that GOD wants such a law, to propagate their own hidden agendas.

We have seen in the last ten years alone the number of people speaking out irreverently about homosexuality being caught in their own traps. These confused and misled men and women caught on tape and photo performing same-sex acts. Their own disgrace is only exalted because of their hatred they first spewed.

The Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican church, and many others today are fighting this age old battle. I recently read an article about Pope Benedict XVI calling homosexuals to come out of the priesthood. Let me be clear, no human has a right to determine and force another's vocation. When did these so called religious leaders become GOD? What allowed these religious leaders to take such actions against the words of GOD?

We have been instructed time and time again to love each other; to treat each other as ourselves; and to understand the equality that all of us share. Where has these words gone in our current religious structures? All I seem to see is two large religious leaders dictating their way or get out. The messages of hatred that they share with their members is no better than the words Hitler shared to the Nazis.

Hitler shared a message of hatred towards different groups, but specifically the Jews. Pope Benedict XVI and his Anglican counterpart, are calling for hatred towards the homosexual community. Pope Benedict XVI has even gone one step further and continued to spread the hatred against women's vocation even. All I can say is, GOD must be so proud to have a bigot sitting on a man made throne, in a man made palace, telling HIS people who to hate.

Blind & Deaf

2010-07-08T03:07:00.001-07:00

God help the blind and deaf, for they do not fully see nor hear your glory.

For the record, I do not mean the actual handicapped blind and deaf. I mean those who can see and hear but don't fully. They only see what they want and hear what they want. The Lord said, "Let those who have ears to hear, hear".

Today we have several people running around deaf and blind. They are blinded by hatred and long for injustice. They seek revenge instead of peace. They believe that their way is the only way and do not hear the advice of those around them.

I was reading a yahoo article about a recent Supreme Court case. The case disturbed me greatly. It is a case about a religious group picketing the funerals of fallen soldiers. Not just any fallen soldiers but ones who are not Christian and heterosexual. Isn't it bad enough for a parent, loved one, or child to have to see their family member dead? Now we have religious groups flashing signs that say stuff like, "Thank God for Dead Soldiers" and "You're Going to Hell".

This religious group has lost all sanctity for life, both living and dead. Funerals are just as much about the living as the dead. If they truly are believers of God shouldn't they be consoling the family instead of condemning their loved one?

Their website is filled with hatred and spews fragmented bible verses. I always love how if you take a few verses and only use a few words from each, that you can edit and destroy precious scriptures. Doing this twist doctrine to shape it to fit anything you want. I have noticed though it is always the people with messages of hate doing this, never a legitimate religious organization.

So if you "have ears to hear" and "eyes to see" be aware of how you are portrayed by your peers. We may not be God, but we too have a habit of judging.

I intentionally did not mention the name of the religious organization. I do not wish to promote them or add to their rage. I simply hope to allow others to see and hear what they personally could be doing to society as a whole.

Yours in Faith!

Feast of Union

2010-07-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

The month of July is always a special time of year. When we look around us we are reminded that we are truly in the full of summer. The sun is fuller, the days are longer, the trees are greener, and life is a bustle everywhere you turn. This is when we find ourselves longing to be outdoors and with friends and family the most.

Let there be no surprise that July to us is marked as the Feast of Union. Union of family and friends; Union of life in general, and Union of the Earth. July is known to be filled with weddings, celebrations, family reunions, fun picnics, and of course here in the United States, Independence Day.

We always encourage togetherness of family and friends, no matter the feast. July is one of those special months where no real pushing is needed. We as humans long to be among others when compelled by the Spirit to do so, and July has always been filled with that Spirit.

With that I say, back your bags with towels, swim wear, and good food. Then call all of your friends and family and have a day of Union with the full sun in the sky. Answer God's call to be with one another because you never know what tomorrow actually brings.

Feast of the Patriarch

2010-07-04T13:21:00.001-07:00

When you stop and think about an average household you would be surprised to find that most of them are ran with a mother and child. That leads to the question, "where is the father?" More over today we find that the father is either absent or a poor example to the child. What has caused a society to go from a patriarchcal to a matriarchal?

It has been said throughout history that the mother makes the religion but the father makes the tribe. This theory has held true through thousands of years. The statement could be taken in a sense that the father is only needed for procreation and nothing more. On the flip side, I have begun to see many families run only by the father without a mother present. These families have done just as well.

The Feast of the Patriarch is to show support to all the fathers who are there for their children and families. In times like today where divorce is high and stress is higher, we need to ensure that families have the emotional support to survive. We take much of the year to celebrate and pat the mother on the back. Perhaps just for the month of June the mothers would be willing to allow the father that same moment of "great job" that they are use to. It doesn't mean they aren't appreciated, just fathers are needed too.

Find time this month to say thank you to an active father. Congratulate him on being supportive to his family. This is all dad really wants in the end a thank you said with a sincere smile.

He Was Risen 1,977 years ago

2010-04-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

Today to celebrate Easter people around the world are saying not only Happy Easter but following it with "He is Risen". The general response to such a comment is "Truly He is Risen" or "He is Risen Indeed".

There is a fault in this comment though. Christ rose from the dead 1,977 years ago at Easter. He did not die on the cross just 3 days ago. We as a human race desire to feel a connection with things that are important to us. That is the reason why we replay the Passion every year. We want to believe that we were there and have a deeper connection to His pain and suffering. The point of the matter is, we weren't there.

When we say "He is Risen" we contradict Christs very deeds and words. He was crucified because of our sins and to expose them for future generations. He rose after 3 days to show that we too can rise back up when we are down. To say that "He is Risen" is to deny that He exist for 3 days of the year. Christ lives every day now since 33 A.D..

It is alright to want to feel a deeper connection, but remember that we today did not crucify Him. We today did not judge Him. Most importantly, we today live with Him and He lives with us. Think twice before you say "He is Risen" and deny His existence in your life for the last few days.

Yours in Faith,
+++Isaac

The radical changes we forgot

2010-03-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

I want to take a moment to address something that concerns, no bothers, me. One of the most common things I hear is, "aren't you awfully young to be an Archbishop?". I respond with "no younger then John, Peter, Paul, or Jesus." I usually get a strange look at that point.

People tend to forget that Jesus was only 33 at most when crucified. Peter was the first Pope while being somewhere between 26-30 years of age. John was baptizing in the River Jordan before turning 30 years old. Paul was 34 when he converted to Christianity and in his early 40's when he began telling others what makes a good minister and bishop. Where does the old men come into play? Where did the women go that Jesus had appointed through Mary to lead? Jesus taught to rebel against the Jewish temple laws and to live a life devoted to God the Father.

Today, it has all been thrown to confusion with old men sitting on thrones telling younger men what to do. Women banned from standing at the pulpit or leading others like Mary once did. Forgiveness has become confused with a blind eye. And most importantly LOVE has been transformed to "not my problem, not my life". We are not practicing the true Christianity that Jesus taught some 2000 years ago. We are teaching a twisted form that has benefited those in power to remain and those without to be subservient to those who have.

We need to have that radical aspect back in our lives today to truly live a life that was taught to us. It isn't easy to love everyone. It isn't easy to be concerned for those around you in their times of need. We have generations of mistakes to correct but I'm confident that if we try others will try and that will be a great start for our children. Stand strong. Stand united. Mostly, stand with faith in what you believe.

Yours in Faith,
Archbishop Isaac L Kramer

Enough. Take a stand already.

2010-03-13T15:29:00.000-08:00

Allow me a few moments to stand strong on my soap box and vent.

I do not understand why equality on all levels is such a novel concept here in America. We are suppose to be the leaders of the world, but yet we seem to be falling behind in the pack. Other countries already have gays and lesbians in their military with no problems. They allow same sex marriage with no issues.

I listen to several people telling me what they believe we should do. Everyone seems to have the same want, "treat me with the same respect as I treat you". This give and take needs to be finally exposed for what it really is, double standards.

Everyone is created equally. We are all born from another human and thereby making us human. What we should be doing is treating everyone as if they are ourselves and equal.

When Jesus was faced with Mary not being a man he said, "then I shall make her a man". He didn't mean change her genital, he meant make her equal to all the others. Give her the same education and rights as all the men had at that time. We should all take a lesson from this page and move forward into the 21st century.

Over 2000 years of discrimination is sickening. How long does it take for a country to be considered an adult? I would think that after being over 220 years old, America would finally be wise enough to understand the errors of the past and move forward to truly be the land of the free. Restricting the rights of others is not freedom it is a form of slavery.

People of America, wise up and encourage politicians to vote for equality on all levels not just the ones that make them popular today. And on that same note, love others the way God commanded, AS YOURSELF.

Yours in Faith,
Abp. Isaac L Kramer

Feast of Our Lady of All Time

2010-02-28T14:06:00.000-08:00

Our Lady, Great Mother & Queen, who has withstood through all time and who will be in the end. Guide me closer to God through your selfless acts of humanity. Heal me as I pray to you in all your names as one. Nourish my Spirit to allow me to see and feel your everlasting epiphany. Forgive me though I had forsaken you. Wash away my past in your cleansing tears of love. Blessed shall always be your names. Amen.

Throughout history there is one thing in religious connections that hasn't changed, the worship of a mother. The first known reference was to Venus of Hohle Fels around 40,000 BCE. From Germany it went to what is now part of the Czech Republic as Venus of Dolní Vestonice in 29,000 BCE. We find her again around 25,000 BCE as the Venus of Willendorf in Lower Austria. Moving forward, we find another transformation and this time she becomes known as Mother Goddess and worshipped throughout the world in different cultures. Some of her names were Gaia, Isis, Ninhursag, Tiamat, 'Ashtart, Durga, Sophia, Great Goddess, and several others. The names continued forward as new female deities were born. It wasn't until one was born around possible 17 BCE that would change the world practice behind female deity worship, and that was Mary.

The Virgin Mary who gave birth to a new world religion and is viewed more over as a modern day Spiritual Mother. She has many names throughout the world from Mary, Queen of Heaven, Lady of Lourdes, Lady of Guadalupe, Theotokos, Madonna, Mother of God, Our Lady, Notre-Dame, Star of the Sea, Nur, and many others. Her image varies depending on where you are and how she is worshipped. The main spiritual purpose is still the same though, Mother of God, bringer of life, and bearer of wisdom.

We have chosen March as our Feast of Our Lady of All Time because it is Spring and represents a time of renewal. All of life that has been in hibernation is beginning to awaken and creating new life, just as we see Our Lady through history. In regards to Mary, Mother of God, March is the time of her Annunciation when she was informed that she will give birth. In some countries today it is called "Lady Day" and marks the New Year for them.

Let us together say the Prayer of Our Lady Through All Time. Allow it's powerful message to live in your heart this month as we celebrate the feast that truly shows our religious unity for over 42,000 years. It is through her that we are guided closer to God. It is through her that we are forgiven and healed with her wisdom. It is through her that our past is truly our past making way for a better tomorrow.

Yours in Faith,
Abp. Isaac L. Kramer

Where Faith Goes to Die

2010-02-22T07:09:00.001-08:00

As a minister is it always our biggest fear to be prepared for service and on time to find a room full of empty seats. We dream of it happening to each of us. Why? Because this is a sign that faith has died. Faith in ourselves as a leader; Faith in our beliefs of our religion; Faith in all we stand for. The problem is we had faith and belief. We can not force faith on others though.

Faith is defined as a Belief, Trust, or Confidence, not based on Logic, Reason, or Empirical studies, but based fundamentally on Volition often associated with a Transpersonal relationship with God, a Higher power, a Person, elements of Nature, and/or a perception of the Human race as a whole. Faith can be placed in a person, inanimate object, State of affairs, Proposition or body of propositions such as a religious Creed.

When you look at this definition it appears to be a broad one. But when you simplify it Faith just means believing when all else fails.

As a minister I have faith that my congregation will grow and that I will not let any of them down. This is a huge step for anyone and those who are in my shoes understand what I mean. To be a minister is a full time job without pay mostly nor benefits as most would understand it. The benefits we really see are the change in someone’s life as they found acceptance. The smiles on a sick persons face as you are visiting them. The benefit of helping someone by being there whenever you are needed, including all hours of the night.

We as ministers can have all the faith we want, but the harsh cold reality is, usually not all of our congregation will. Someone will lose faith in us and stop believing at some point in every minister’s career, even the best of us. As a minister this hurts and we look and turn to see what we did wrong. How did we lose that one person? How could we have done it all different? Where did the faith end?

These are questions that sometimes we have to place into the hands of God and allow Him to guide us. We are not Him, and therefore we do not know all of the answers. Was it a test of our faith? Possible. Will it happen again? There’s a good chance.

Faith has died in most of the people today. They have been burned or scorned in some way by religion. As humans we sometimes have a difficulty in differentiating religion and church. We believe that if the church was bad than the religion is bad so now we have no faith. Why you may ask? That’s because we feel that the next church will do the same. God is punishing us for some reason therefore, if I don’t believe in the church the punishment will cease.

This illogical thinking is driving the world today. Faith is diminishing in front of our eyes and the religious leaders are trapped in the middle. Every day a minister looses their way and falls helpless to the same beliefs mentioned. We fall because faith has died in us. We fall because we believed that our seats will be filled one day with members who respect and love us the way we dreamed of loving them. All of us ministers have faith that we will do well and serve well. We can but our congregation must trust us as we trust them. We vow to have open hearts and not judge, but we are human just the same.

So where does faith go to die? It goes to the internet. It goes to the families who have been wrongly hurt by a church. It goes deep inside to wither into nothing but cold, darkness.

I speak with different people almost daily that tell me why they will never return to a church again. My first question to them is a natural one, where did you use to go? They usually tell me very quickly the name of the church and are more than willing to tell me their story as to why they hate all churches now. My next question to them is usually a little bit more of shocking one to them. Did you try another church afterwards? At that point I usually get a look of shock mixed with “are you kidding me?” To which most usually reply, “No, and I never will”

We as humans are quick to lose our faith for this reason. Just by telling you this story you would question your own beliefs and faith in me and God and church. God is not bad; do not lose faith in Him. People can be bad, it’s in our nature. Church is not bad, but sometimes those who lead are. I just ask that if you are going to lose faith in something, please don’t make it the church or God. Make it the people who lead that church and try again.

We have a desire to worship in groups. We long for companionship. We live for social events and gatherings. Why would you deprive yourself of something as valuable as this? When you take these desires away you find that you lack wholeness and Spirit. When you lack in faith you lack in you.

Remember to keep faith in your hearts no matter how difficult a situation may become. Faith is not a bad thing.

Yours in Faith,
Abp Isaac L. Kramer

Feast of Radiant Light

2010-02-14T11:10:00.000-08:00

I must admit that procrastination has kept me from actually completing this months discussion on time. I knew 3 days before the beginning of February what I intended to write but as the time drew near I couldn't find the words. The joys of the month overwhelmed me, as they should. We focus all of our time on November through January that many of us miss the true magic of February. Not because of Valentine's Day, but because of what the month is to truly symbolize. The first day of the month is known to the Pagan Community as Imbolc while the second is known as Candlemas to the Christians. It is amazing how both have different names and on two different days side by side but have the same meaning, Renewal of Light.

You see, with Imbolc it is about the rebirth of the Sun (Son). The Earth is starting to come back to life from the cold darkness that winter has brought. Life as we know it begins to be refilled with hope that longer and warmer days are just around the corner. Imbolc is about getting things ready for the year to come. Not just physically but Spiritually as well. We recognize that we aren't alone anymore and trapped in our homes surrounded by snow. The hibernation has come to an end and we must think of our fellow brothers and sisters. Candlemas is much of the same. It is the "Feast of our Lord" as a reminder that the Light has come and darkness is fading away.

There are two songs that immediate come to mind whenever I think of both holidays. The first one is because of a simple line from the song, "Hallelujah light has come". The other which I find more fitting for this time of year, our Festival of Radiant Light, is the song "Light a Candle" by Avalon. The chorus of the song rings true about every aspect this great feast for us.

Light a Candle
Light the dark
Light the World
Light a heart or two
Light a candle for me,
I'll light a candle for you.

We should spend this time turning towards the needs of one another. February through history has a name associated with it's full moon, storm moon. This month was known as a time of hardships for everyone. People struggle with not only catching up on their debts from the Christmas cheer but their depression as well. As one winter storm after another pounds away leaving people to believe that spring isn't going to happen, we look for hope. We long for something from one another in the communities to help us survive.

I believe that all of us should allow the cupids to aim for our hearts and fire away their arrows of love. Once struck, it will allow us to see the love for our fellow humanity and light a candle in their name for their hardships. This in time will only come back around to us. We should remember that we aren't alone in our struggles and that the renewal of light has already happened and Spring is just around the corner for us all. What we need to do is be the crutch for our friends and family now and then in the Spring watch everything blossom together for a life time of not only renewed but, in some cases, new found love and friends. So I ask you to light a candle for me and I'll light a candle for you.

Yours in Ever-loving Faith,
Most Rev. Dr. Isaac L. Kramer, Ph.D. Meta.
Presiding Archbishop

Look Past

2010-01-12T11:46:00.000-08:00

Look past that which is nothing more than a shell that we have given a name. Inside all living things is a Spirit that unifies us.

Look past that name for which we give things and seek it's truest intentions. So often the heart is missed because the name has blinded us.

Look past the books that teach us and seek the wisdom that surrounds you. Life is lived and not fulfilled from pages in texts.

Look deep into the eyes of another and know their Spirit comes from yours and yours from theirs. It doesn't matter what physical shell we have, we all came from the same mother and father.

Look past the generations of lies and hate. Give the love and compassion that we are created to give to one another.

This will generate a new tomorrow and you today can be the seed of a new beginning.

Time of New Beginnings

2009-12-30T23:06:00.000-08:00

Throughout history the month of January held different beliefs for everyone. In American culture and other places around the world, it is viewed as the mark of a New Year. What we tend to forget is that January is the marking of a New Year according to the Gregorian calender. Different religions around the world, including the U.S., have already celebrated their New Year together starting as early as September.

Rosh Hashanna marks the start of other New Years throughout the world. It is the first High Holiday for the Jewish communities. Rosh Hashanna is observed on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, as ordained in the Torah, in Leviticus 23:24.

The Coptic Orthodox Church is next with their New Year starting around September 11th of the Gregorian calender. Most neo-Pagan religions celebrate New Years on Samhain with we commonly refer to as Halloween, October 31st. Leaving the Muslim religions celebrating on the first of Muharram. Muharram is the first month of the Muslim calender and can occur anytime between the Gregorian December 18th and January 16th.

The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates New Years on the 14th of January. Since that day is actually January 1st according to the Julian Calender. The Chinese New Years celebration can occur anytime between January 21st and February 21st.

Behind it all New Years can occur anytime of year depending on your beliefs and traditions. That is why here at The Holy Order of St. Raphael Interfaith we have marked the Gregorian month of January as a Time of Beginnings. We encourage you to find those things in your life that you long to change and attempt it. Perhaps you have wished you could have done more last year to help others. It is never too late and you should make that a part of your new beginnings.

If there is one thing that should be noted, it is that all religions and customs believe in a new beginning at some point through the year. Why not make your new beginning now, no matter what your beliefs. Perhaps you had your new year and just need to start again because of personal reasons. I personally will strive to dedicate my life more to having fun as my new beginning. Take a moment and meditate on yours.

Yours in Faith,
Most Rev. Dr. Isaac L. Kramer, Ph.D. Meta.
Presiding Archbishop

The Interfaith Creed

2009-12-20T18:11:00.000-08:00

I believe in one God who goes by many names and is worshipped throughout the world. My God doesn’t care what name I use as long as I give honor.

From this God came forth all humans who are created equal as brothers and sisters of this world. Each of us, no matter what we believe, are the sons and daughters of God with the ability to have a oneness with God.

God granted unto all humans unconditional love, peace, and self-responsibility.

As a gift, God gave each of us Spirituality to express it any way we choose. In doing so, we have used it as a way to suppress one another.

God commanded us to “Be Still and Know that I AM”, but we did not listen. God then commanded “The kingdom of heaven lies within you” as a way to remind all of our equality to one another, but again we did not listen.

So to assure that salvation could be reached, God sent forth messengers to all faiths of the world. Through these great teachers, we are able to be saved from our own destruction. They were given many names and many titles but we used that as a way to divide us further.

Their messages were said louder of “You shall love the Lord Your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Yet we still did not listen.

God has promised salvation to any who believe in unconditional love for all, peace, and self-responsibility.

Therefore, I believe in the Spirituality of a loving God who does not care what name I give, but only that I uphold the promise of a better tomorrow through my own actions.

I believe in a Spirituality that does not seek to divide humanity but bring us back together through the foundations of God.

I believe in the message set in stone and parchment that has been told throughout all generations of a God who walks with me.

I believe that when I am silent God is near and that my body is a key that unlocks the spirit of heaven within me.

I believe that one day all my brothers and sisters, made by and in the image of God, will unite again as one for the salvation of humankind. Together we will give honor to God as the messengers have instructed and God has commanded.

Until that day I will know that God is and always will be.

A Miracle

2009-12-13T12:16:00.000-08:00

Do miracles really exist and if they do what really constitutes as a miracle? Does it have to be ordained as some large event that requires trumpets blowing and angels singing as the crowd looks on with shock? Is it required to only be performed from those beyond the physical body? If you answer yes to either of the last 2 questions then you may be in for real treat.

Miracles happen every moment of every day. Several of them are just taken for granted by us. They don't require parlor tricks or some spirit without a physical body to create them. You and I alone create miracles.

Every time that we give a coat to someone who does not have one we have given them a miracle. They didn't expect to receive a coat from us. They didn't ask us for it. We willing gave it and that is a miracle for them.

When driving through a fast food drive thru and asking to pay for the person behind you. Especially when you don't know who they are, that creates a miracle for them.

When we walk up to someone without and hand them money of any denomination, that is a miracle for them.

We look at miracles as being cured from blindness, disease, or being saved from a horrific car wreck. These are miracles from a Spirit beyond the physical body. What we do with each other without being asked or expected to is the true miracle that opens our own and touches others hearts.

My question...no challenge to you is, what miracle have you performed lately? It doesn't require money to perform miracles. Giving your time to someone else is the most precious gift ever.

You can read to the elderly. You can teach a child to read who has difficulty. You can listen to someone who just needs a shoulder to cry on. You can volunteer in a soup kitchen or other shelter. There are so many things that don't require money. Even finding something around your home that you no longer need or use and giving it to a needy is the beauty of a true miracle.

Whenever I see the look on their face, either shock, smile, or tears, that is the true meaning of a miracle for me. That touches and warms my heart and allows me to know that I'm doing what I should be doing, helping one another.

Please create a miracle for someone else today. We all have people in our areas that we can share with. Find them and give anyway you personally can. Money is never an issue, time is always free.

Yours In Faith,
Most Rev. Dr. Isaac L. Kramer, Ph.D. Meta

The truth behind the Red Kettles

2009-12-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

Giving to the Salvation Army is a way that makes us feel good this time of year. When we see their red kettles and bell ringer standing in the cold for their cause, our hearts are warmed with compassion. We believe that we are doing the right thing by giving to a cause that they are willing to freeze for, but are we really? Many people blindly give without even knowing what they are giving to all because of nostalgia. We grew up as little kids begging mom or dad for a coin to place into the kettle and today as adults it helps us reconnect with our childhood. Before you drop another coin into the kettle there are somethings you should know. Perhaps you may be surprised to learn that their views are opposite yours and you could be appalled at what your money has gone to through the years.

The biggest battle to date in almost every state is the issue of civil rights. Civil rights has been a dominating forefront even in our Presidential election this last year. Everyone wants to be treated equally, after all our constitution clearly states that "all man is created equal". Then why is that the Salvation Army is clarifying that homosexuality is wrong? On their website it is written that homosexual should live a life of celibacy. The website goes on to state that they do "not consider same-sex orientation blameworthy in itself". The Salvation Army believes that "Homosexual conduct, like heterosexual conduct, requires individual responsibility and must be guided by the light of scriptural teaching."

Where is the loving compassion for all that the Salvation Army is preaching? When you continue reading they make it clear that anyone is welcome to attend their church. That's right, their church. The Salvation Army is an actual church with buildings located throughout the world.

I took a moment to visit the Chapel at Worthington Woods in Worthington, Ohio. I spoke with their facilities manager about their sanctuary. He informed me that they don't allow for any weddings to take place there so they can "better control" who rents their facilities. They don't want people who stand against their beliefs renting their sanctuary. He went on to tell me about another chapel who had an issue up north with a homosexual couple wanting to have a ceremony there. That is what helped them to determine their new facility rules.

The Salvation Army's website goes on to state that they are "committed to promoting, strengthening and protecting God's institution of marriage". If you need to think what is "God's institute of marriage" don't worry, the Salvation Army has already defined that for you on their site as well.

"The Salvation Army affirms the New Testament standard of marriage, which is the loving union for life of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others. Marriage is the first institution ordained by God (Genesis 2:24), and His Word establishes its significance (Matthew 19:4-6). Marriage is the only proper context for sexual intimacy."

They have gone as far to determine some of the things that the Catholic church has tried to enforce for generations. Perhaps we are blinded by the Salvation Army because instead of Priest and Bishops they call themselves Captains and Majors. The real question is what are they trying to cover with these military titles?

It is clear that we don't know everything about the Salvation Army. When we drop a coin into the red kettle we don't see how their religious beliefs may actual conflict with our own. Instead we still eagerly give to their red kettles every year and sacrificing our own convictions, without ever knowing.

There is much more you should know about them before you give again. Take the time to really visit their site and see. If you are like me, someone who openly supports same-sex marriage and partnerships, then perhaps you should move onto another worthy organization to donate to this year. With the way the economy is today I'm sure any non-profit would be thrilled to accept your holiday cheer, then you could believe you are "doing the most good".

Season of Family

2009-11-30T20:35:00.000-08:00

The air begins to fill with the wonderful aroma of spiced cranberry, cookies baking in the oven, and the crackling sounds of a fire going. As we sit on our favorite spot admiring the music of our favorite holiday tone while relaxing to a cup of hot chocolate. This of course only happens in a perfect world, unless you are Martha Stewart. Today we have the bustling sounds of horns and sirens as we drive like maniacs from one shopping center to another stopping for a quick bite to eat before dashing off to another year end sale. We begin to think about our to do list of presents to purchase and how many more shopping days are left until the dreaded morning of the paper shredding ceremony aka Christmas Day. Let us not forget about the real reason behind this time of year, family.

December always leaves my heart full of compassion and joy for those around me, including my family. Most of us consider family as blood relatives, but let us not forget about those whom we have adopted into our lives. The purpose behind every story related to all religions is always overlooked. When we look at the oil lamps of Hanukkah we think of the miracle of it lasting and the greatness of Elohim. Regarding the birth of Jesus for the Christians we are focused on Mary and the virgin birth. Last we are left with the rebirth of the Great God who left us at Samhain. All of these have a theme of God, but there is another theme overlooked, family.

Each story tells about the struggle of a family who stuck together through difficult times in their lives. Family of not only blood, but of close friends who chose in that moment to be a part of magnificent changes in history, without ever knowing the effect they would have. As we approach the Feast of Togetherness this month, let us not forget the main ingredient in our holiday meal, family. Take a moment and spend time together with those who you consider to yours and have a wonderfully blessed season together.

In the fullness of Faith,
Most Rev. Dr. Isaac L. Kramer, Ph.D. Meta.
Presiding Archbishop

Feast of Thankful Giving

2009-11-22T16:31:00.001-08:00

As we are fast approaching The Feast of Thankful Giving let us take a moment to recognize what is important in our lives. What blessings have we been given in the last year? November is the time of year to remember all that we have. Most of us only think this way on Thanksgiving. We spend the rest of the time whining about why we have nothing, but if we were to look we have much. We have a good health, a home, family, and friends.

If you happen to be missing any of these in your life I strongly recommend you take the time to evaluate what went wrong. We only lose our health by our own will. People with deadly diseases still find themselves to be healthy at times, why can't we?

If you lost your house there could be a number of reasons. What you must know is home is where your heart is. It doesn't matter if you lost your house. If you happen to move back with parents, a family member, or a friend, that is home. That is where you longed to be otherwise you wouldn't have picked them. You needed that person more then before at this moment in your life. They hold a key to help you heal and move forward into the new year.

If you find yourself with a home and good health but no friends, I can only ask why. Why do you have no friends? Is it because you are antisocial? Perhaps you ran everyone who had concerns for you away. Friends will always be your friend no matter how hard you push them out. They may take a leave, but deep down they still care and love for you. Maybe this year you should find the time to reach out and express your thanks to them for their love in a sincere manner. If they don't care for you, then they weren't your friend to begin with. Take the time to move on to the next one no matter how distant the time has been between conversations. You may find yourself surprised to see someone still cares.

The Feast of Thankful Giving goes far beyond that which we could fully understand. It encompasses the pure love of our maker as a whole. It is about extending our hearts past the full marker and knowing that we still have more of ourselves to give to others. I ask everyone this season to give. You don't have to give money or food or supplies. Your time and love is the greatest gift you could give anyone, including yourself. Find time and find love for those who have been in your heart and on your mind lately. Make this giving season a holiday to remember.

In the fullness of faith,
+++Isaac

Friday's Luncheon

2009-11-22T16:27:00.000-08:00

I wanted to let everyone know how last Friday's luncheon went. The luncheon was sponsored by Equality Ohio's Faith division. It was created to have open dialogue between ministers and politicans in the Senate district 19. Needless to say, no politicans showed up. There were a small group of ministers but it was still good. I was asked ahead of time to be one of 2 guest speakers. I was asked to speak about what I have been doing in Ohio to benefit the cause, how others can help, and how we move forward tomorrow. I was very well received and several ministers kept refering back to my speech.

We have all agreed that Equality in housing and employment is important. We are going to be pushing for bill passage in May 2010 in the Ohio Senate, after primaries. In the meantime, public education on basic humanity is needed. I stressed that we must make people realize we are all the same, human. I ask that all ministers please keep this in mind when addressing concerns of others.
As human beings we all want the same, love and acceptance from our family and friends in all we do.

It was a great event and I hope that others will get the chance to join me in events in the future. It seems like I attend plenty a year. :)

+++Isaac

Salvation Army: Know the truth before you give.

2009-10-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year where we begin to think about the Holiday shopping. Delightful sounds and smells will fill the air as we are engulfed in our surroundings of joy. We will be filled with the Holiday feelings of compassion for those who are without. Only finding ourselves turning to the mass collective of red buckets and bell ringers of the Salvation Army at the entrance of every store.

There are some things you should know before dropping even a penny into their hands.

1. The Salvation Army is a church, not just a charity organization. http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-dynamic-arrays/B6F3F4DF3150F5B585257434004C177D?openDocument&charset=utf-8

2. Make sure your religious beliefs match up with theirs. For instance if you believe that homosexuality isn't a sin then the Salvation Army isn't for you. On their website under position statements they have a section designated to Homosexuality.

It reads, "The Salvation Army holds a positive view of human sexuality. Where a man and a woman love each other, sexual intimacy is understood as a gift of God to be enjoyed within the context of heterosexual marriage. However, in the Christian view, sexual intimacy is not essential to a healthy, full, and rich life. Apart from marriage, the scriptural standard is celibacy."

"Scripture forbids sexual intimacy between members of the same sex. The Salvation Army believes, therefore, that Christians whose sexual orientation is primarily or exclusively same-sex are called upon to embrace celibacy as a way of life. There is no scriptural support for same-sex unions as equal to, or as an alternative to, heterosexual marriage."

They do go on to say that their doors are open to all regardless of sexual orientation, but they will not currently support same-sex marriage.

3. Are you pro-choice? Well, The Salvation Army isn't.

"The Salvation Army deplores society's ready acceptance of abortion, which reflects insufficient concern for vulnerable persons, including the unborn. (Psalms 82:3-4)"

4. Are you for Marriage Equality?

"The Salvation Army affirms the New Testament standard of marriage, which is the loving union for life of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others. "

The Salvation Army is more then what most people realize they are. They are a church just like several others with their own views and beliefs. They may help those in need, but they have the power to discriminate just the same. I ask everyone who is considering on making a donation this year to fully look at who you are giving your money to. Do they fully represent your beliefs or does the charity happen to be at the right place at the right time? There is nothing wrong with taking information from the charity and doing your own research to make a healthy donation later. There should be no pressure to donate now to any reputable organizations.

"Holy Father, Love me still"

2009-08-02T06:26:00.000-07:00

"Holy Father, love me still. I have fallen from your will." When I awoke this morning, these lyrics were running through my head. The song is from the Christian music group Selah. These words are something that many of us fear on a regular basis. We think that sometimes we have made mistakes that will make God no longer love us, but why?

What did I really do to cause these lyrics to run through my head? I did just only awake for a normal dream. I didn't have any impure thoughts or actions in my dreams either. What "will" did I fall from?

I continued to lay there thinking about the lyrics as the song kept playing through my head. "Holy Father, love me still. I have fallen from your will." I realized that I was worried about God not loving me for me. I realized that because it is a Sunday and I wasn't jumping at my childhood actions of attending a church, I had believed subconsciously that I had "fallen" from God's "will".

This song can make one become very humbling and sorrowful at the same time. Why must I feel ashamed of my actions to not attend a church on Sunday? As we age, we find ourselves not caring in our 20's, to being concerned in our 30's, to looking for answers by 40's, to eventually reverting to conservative beliefs by our 60's. We continue in a pattern that we say from our youth that we will not be like. Is this God's "will" for us to come to a point in our life where we are worried about disappointing him?

The answer is simply, no. God's "will" is for us to love ourselves and one another. It doesn't matter if we attend church on Sunday. It doesn't matter what our fears of age tell us, God does love us all the time. It is next to impossible to truly "fall" from God's "will". I realized now why this song was running through my head this morning. It was to help inform myself and many others that the "Holy Father" does love us still. And that we have not "fallen" from His "will".

Please keep these words in your heart as you enjoy your Sunday and Summer time fun. And don't forget to take just a few moments out of your day to just say "thank you" for what you have.

In loving faith,
+Isaac L. Kramer

Looking past the pain

2009-07-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we just have to continue forward in our lives. We need to fight to survive and recognize that we are still living. There are many things that make us hallow inside. Different events will break the heart and rip the soul right out of us. At least that is what we want to believe.

Everyone has friends and family to lean on for support during these hard times. What happens when you fall back and no one is there though? How do you learn to trust again? How do you figure to pick yourself up and become whole again?

We have to look past the pain to see things brighter and better. We have to look past the pain to see a real meaning and reason(s). Many of us though are very selfish people. Let's face it, we are in a time of "me" and not others. Even when donating to charity we want to ensure we are recognized for our "good deeds".

There are several organizations out there who were created by people looking past their pain. I look at them with respect. I don't want to mention any of them by name, because I fear that my views could change when confronted with why didn't you list mine.

However, you don't have to create an organization everytime you lose someone close to you in life. You could donate to another one who's cause is close to yours.

We always believe that no one knows what we are experiencing whenever we are faced with personal pain. How many of you stop to think about someone else who lost the love of their life; lost a kid/family member; just got fired with a few years before retirement; or many other tragic life curve balls. We tend to forget that we are here to learn and grow. If we didn't suffer, how much growth would we really have? Let's face it, suffering causing growth, but looking past the pain and moving forward creates the largest amounts of growth.

It is tragic when we are faced to look our lives and ask why. It is easy to wallow in self pity and want to stay in a state of desperation. What would our world be like though if everyone was to remain in this state? Everyone knows someone who has chosen to live in this state. Most of us try to help them, with no success. Next we become hardened by them, and lastly we decide for our best interest we need to move forward without them in our life.

Let's face it, all of us have had to make this happen at some point. My question to you is this though. How do you look past the pain?

Letter of Support for EHEA

2009-07-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Ohio Legislature:

As clergy representing a broad spectrum of religious traditions from across Ohio, we unite our voices to urge you to pass HB176, the Equal Housing and Employment Act (EHEA), and ensure everyone in Ohio has equal access to employment, housing and public accommodations. Your support of EHEA is the just and right thing to do and it would align Ohio’s laws with Ohio’s values.

We provide for identification purposes only our denominational backgrounds because, as religious leaders, we can speak only for ourselves and not entire congregations or communities. But each of us clearly embraces the call to love and respect one another.

To fire someone from their job, or to deny a person housing or other public
accommodations simply because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender--or even straight, for that matter--does not pass the litmus test of the Golden Rule, nor does it treat our neighbors and fellow citizens with the dignity, kindness, justice and respect to which our faith traditions aspire.

Ohio law already bans such injustice based upon race, gender, age, disability, ethnicity, national origin and religion. We believe all people should be given equal protection under the law.

We acknowledge that people of faith often hold very divergent views regarding the theological, biblical, and ethical issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.

However, we submit that it is imperative to maintain and assert our cherished and unique American value of religious liberty for all of our citizens, including gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people as well as those individuals and religious institutions whose convictions are not supportive of or comfortable with GLBT inclusion. Religious liberty in America demands that one particular religious conviction not be allowed to deny equal rights and protections to those of differing beliefs.

In a time of profound crisis Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, "The ultimate question for the responsible person is not how he might heroically extricate himself from the affair; the ultimate question is how the coming generation is to live." His question applies to many challenging situations, including your action to do what’s already been done by twenty-one other states, 433 of America's Fortune 500 companies, and sixteen Ohio cities.

Please support HB176. Act now to help create an Ohio where everyone feels at home; where core values of equality, diversity and inclusiveness are universally honored; and where government stands for fairness to all people.

In Faith,
Rt. Rev. Isaac L. Kramer
Bishop of the Interfaith Diocese of Ohio

Marriage Equality by 2010

2009-07-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

No minority group should have to defend its right to equality. Yet in 2008, anti-gay groups organized to pass Prop 8, which took away the right of gays and lesbians to marry in California.
Prop 8 proponents won by a small margin, 52-48%, by spending over $40 million on deceptive ad campaigns. They won votes with claims that allowing gay people to marry would change school curriculums and put churches at risk. These were lies.

This isn't about gay vs. straight. It's not about religion. This is about love and equality. If you value human rights and feel that protecting minorities is one of the things that makes our country great, please join us and vote "YES" for marriage equality in 2010.

http://equality2010.org/

De-sanctifying God's House

2009-06-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

I read the most appalling thing today. I have heard about it for over a week now, but I really just hoped that it was more talk with no action. I had hoped that divine wisdom would move them to realize the error of their thoughts, but it didn't happen that way.

As ministers our primary responsibility is to the safety and well-being of our congregation. We are to supply for them ways of growth on all levels, however more spiritual then anything else. We are to avoid political actions that can be construed as propaganda. We are to move about in a manner that should be viewed as leadership. Showing the way forward with our own responsible actions and deeds that are to be looked upon as moral, wise, just, and glorious. Somewhere along the line, several ministers seem to lose this concept.

This is more than true for Pastor Ken Pagano. He has intentionally, recklessly, and immorally De-sanctified the House of God today. God's house is a home to everyone where they can live without fear, prejudice, and find unconditional love and support. It is suppose to be the center of promoting peace and harmony with compassion for all. God's house is a strong-hold that should never be penetrated by outside influence and corruption. Today, this man who calls himself pastor violated all that by allowing guns in church.

They were not allowed to be loaded, but I wonder if the only reason for that was because insurance required it. His board and congregation paid $700.00 to insurance today alone to have this moment of blasphemy. This was his attempt to send a message about the second amendment of the constitution, the right to bear arms. I have a very loud and clear message to "Pastor" Ken Pagano and all others concerned with the constitution.

As ministers our job is to uphold the commandments of God, not the United States Constitution. Our vows, our duties, our loyalty is given to God first and the United States President and government second.

By wanting to send a message to government, you have instilled a belief of violence in God's House to others. You have gone against God's commandment of Love thy neighbor by show boating the use of military weaponry. You want to send a clear message, try a message of peace, love, and honor.

In Faith,
+Isaac

Ohio H.B. 176

2009-06-24T17:14:00.000-07:00

Allow me to get on my soapbox for just a few moments. I want to talk about something that has been pent-up for a while now, Ohio House Bill 176. I have spoken with different people at Equality Ohio for a few months now, even before HB 176 was introduced.

I want to say that I agree with one and only one thing about HB 176. It places an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation. I like that, but here is my issue. Instead of wasting tax payer's dollars on a bill like this why don't we go for Marriage Equality (same-sex marriage). By passing a bill about marriage equality we would be encompassing discrimination issues at the same time. Several other states throughout the U.S. have issues in their state house and senates about marriage equality and we are talking about discrimination instead. Where is the logic and common sense in that?

If there is momentium running through the U.S. for a issue and it is getting results, then why not add to that momentium.

At the same time though, we should all come together and pass HB 176. I don't like taking small steps, but at least we are getting something.

This is just my quick little soap box issue. Thanks for reading.

In Faith,
+Isaac

What is Interfaith?

2009-05-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

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.

More than just prayer

2009-05-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

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

National Day of Prayer

2009-05-07T10:23:00.001-07:00

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.

Good Friday/Black Friday

2009-04-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

It seems that I have taken up being a Bishop of controversial topics and this one will be no different. But at the same time, it should be enlightening for most.

I referred to Good Friday as also Black Friday. Black Friday is one of the other names for that day. I find myself often saying Black Friday instead of Good Friday. There is a reason. Not all good came from Jesus's crucifixion. According to most Christian traditions, Jesus died for the sins of humanity, but let's say for a moment he didn't.

What if he was actually showing us through his Crucifixion our sins. After all, his first of seven sayings on the cross was "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34. Is that not saying to God that we have sinned by crucifying an innocent man? Some would come back with the fact that Jesus prophesied that his death was essential for the salvation of humanity. Did we possible misinterpret that though? We assumed that it was because he took our sins. This will help support my cause even more. Luke 23:28 "At one point Jesus turned to the women and said, 'Daughters of Jerusalem, don't cry for me. Cry for yourselves and for your children.'"

"Cry for yourselves", interesting statement for someone who died for our sins. The passage goes on to state that they who do not have children should be lucky. Why would they be lucky to not have children if we were coming into a day of "salvation" of our sins?

Let's backtrack a little here for a quick moment. Jesus was preaching God's love for everyone. What made him deserve any less? Now some people will be quick to point fingers and blame the Jewish community. "Oh, they are the one's who crucified him", and so forth. However, others had a say and chose to let a murderer go free instead. Not all of them were Jewish who "voted" by cheering for his Jesus's crucifixion.

So now we get to "place blame" onto those outside the Jewish community, but we still aren't done yet. If those who lined the streets weren't all Jewish why didn't they rally to support Jesus? Instead they spat on him, cursed him, laughed at him, and wouldn't help him. Wait, there is one person who did help, Simon from Cyrene. He was ordered to carry the cross, but he didn't refuse or fuss. For a moment, Simon bore the weight of the fate of humanity. He carried the cross out of love and compassion for Jesus all the way to Skull Hill. This is loving your neighbor. The cross was too heavy for Jesus to carry and Simon "loved his neighbor" and carried it all the way.

Now they reached Skull Hill and the Romans began the actual art of crucifying. With each nail driven into the body was the fate of human sins. They no longer loved, they longed for a show. They stood around the cross taunting Jesus, "Then let him get down from that cross. We'll all become believers then!" Matthew 27:42. Even the "criminals" who were crucified beside him mocked him. Wow. At this point why save anyone from their sins?

What we seem to forget is what happens next. Jesus "died" on the cross and the sun went black in the sky, the earth quaked, the Temple curtain ripped top to bottom, and tombs opened. Does this sound like our sins were redeemed? It sounds like justice to me. God was getting vengeance for crucifying a messenger. Everyone was scared to death. I always pictured "salvation" to be a little more peaceful and calm, didn't you?

Perhaps it is because Jesus didn't actually die for our sins. He died because of our sins to show us how we are wrong in our actions. It is not okay to take pleasure in others sorrow. It is not okay to accuse the innocent. It is not okay to bare false witness against your neighbor. Mostly it is not okay to hate/dislike/mistreat others, including your God.

These are the sins that are brought to light when you really look at Black Friday. We should be remembering his crucifixion as our own towards one another and ourselves. It should be a day of love, respect, and compassion. Once we start following and believing that, Black Friday will once again be Good Friday.

In Faith,
+Isaac

Clarification to last post

2009-04-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

I want to make one thing very clear. The last post "God may love, but the Roman Catholic Church may not" was directed at the Pope, Bishops, and Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church. It was also directed at the politicians in America. This is a letter to help pull the wool off of their eyes and allow them to see clearly.

Let me make it perfectly clear. Nowhere did I state that ALL Roman Catholics were to blame. I did mention that there are some who do not fully believe what is being demanded of them, but they fear excommunication if they break from their orders. This is their internal struggle that they must fight and no one else.

I do understand that there are several other religions out there that have taken a few of the same stances as the Roman Catholic Church. Not so much with Reiki, but with same-sex marriage. This letter is for them as well. The only problem is that the Roman Catholic Church is so large and places themselves in the "lime light" on a weekly basis. That is why I directed it to them.

I hope that this helps with those few who needed clarification and expressed it. I will have to say that support for this has been very overwhelming and I want to personally thank all of you for that.

And remember, God loves EVERYONE!

In Faith!
+Isaac

God may love you, but the Roman Catholic church may not

2009-04-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

As you can tell from the title, if you are catholic you may want to stop reading now. If you are a Catholic with an open mind you should be fine.

I was excited to hear that equal rights is finally finding its way around the United States. Just yesterday Iowa joined ranks with a very select few states in legalizing gay marriage. Now here is the part that makes me sick. I had a say the word "Gay Marriage". Why must it be Marriage and Gay Marriage? Why must we characterize the difference of these two? Isn't marriage just that, marriage? What is marriage really?

When you look up "marriage" on Wiktionary you get several definitions.
1. The state of being married
2. The union of two people, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.
3. A wedding
4. A close union.
5. A joining of two parts
6. (poker slang) A king and a queen as a starting hand in Texas hold'em

Now tell me where does it state that marriage is defined as "a union between a man and a women". It doesn't. Do you know why? That is because it is a religious definition that has clouded our personal judgments and corrupted our legal systems. We, in the United States, are a country of opportunity and change. We are a country of equality and freedom. This is what we tell other countries, but where is that equality and freedom? Where is the opportunity to marry who you choose?

I saw a sign on the internet that a person was holding in Vermont that stuck to me. I don't fully recall the exact wording but it goes something like this, "if we're equal would you trade your marriage for my civil union?" How real is that?

Now I want to start my real bitch-fest about the Roman Catholic church. Iowa gets this historic moment and the Roman Catholic church has to destroy it. Their Bishop's have decided to send a letter out immediately attacking the news. They have to make comments in this statement like, "This decision rejects the wisdom of thousands of years of human history. It implements a novel understanding of marriage, which will grievously harm families and children."

How does equal rights for everyone "grievously harm families and children"? Is it because we are sharing God's second law that Jesus came to enforce "love everyone". The real reason is we are coming into an age where the Roman Catholic church's oppressions aren't being heard anymore. We are starting to believe as King Henry VIII did, perhaps the Roman Catholic church is wrong and not everyone else. The Roman Catholic Church has not existed since the beginning of time. Actually they have only existed since 32AD.

The sad part is that this isn't the first act of hatred from the Catholic church this month. Let us not forget that just last week they decided to come after Reiki practitioners. They declared that Reiki was basically placing demons into people because it wasn't "God's way". If that wasn't bad enough, the week prior we had the Pope declaring that condoms promote AIDs while visiting Africa.

Although it would be a noble thing to become involved in a cause, these are not the ones that the Roman Catholic church should have chosen to become involved in. Perhaps instead of all of their condemning they have done in the last month, they should had decided to be involved in the Holocaust instead of enforcing their theory of non-involvement. They should have been completely condemning of the so-called aryan perfect race who practically single handedly, at the orders of a dictator named Adolf Hitler, annihilated a race of God loving, compassionate, people in Poland during WWII. Perhaps they should have been involved in halting the children’s crusades centuries ago in the name of their God that destroyed hundreds of thousands of tiny children. Perhaps an alternative therapy such as Reiki should be left alone by the Roman Catholic church as it helps and not hurts one single soul unlike the vile statements, innuendos, and misnomers perpetrated by the Roman Catholic church in the name of their God.

The Roman Catholic church with their definitions of marriage and their hatred towards the gay community is setting the world back. They are setting us back to a time of hated. Where does the difference lie between using the words "gay marriage" vs "marriage", "faggot" vs "homosexual", and "niger" vs "human"? These are derogatory, hateful words that come from closed minded thinking and not practicing God's law of "love everyone". We need to transgress towards a time of peace, equality, and understanding. I’m sorry about the off colored words, but I want to stress my point even though these words are not in my vocabulary.

Let us not forget, “let he who is without sin cast the first stone”. The Roman Catholic church should be taking a cold hard look at themselves and their place through history to the present day. Those who are of the same sex, who love one another, should not only have the right legally, but in faith, to be married to the one they love. Even in the eyes of God and in whatever house God inhabits. “Gay marriage” is not an abomination unlike the pedophilia that we have witnessed several times from the Roman Catholic church.

Perhaps the upper echelon of the Roman Catholic church should hold themselves to the same judgmental limited standards as they view the rest of the world. Let us not forget what makes a good religious leader according to Timothy I 3:1-7 “…A leader must be well-thought-of…”. When you lead your flock astray in such ways, how can you be “well thought of“?

God loves me. God is compassionate. God is non-judgmental. God celebrates friendships, brotherhoods and love. What I have come to realize is that God and the image of the Roman Catholic church’s God are two entirely different Creators. Since when are we suppose to fear a God that Christ came down and instructed us to love because he loves us. The Roman Catholic church wants you to fear God and in turn fear them, since they are the “Successors of Peter“ and the “Rock that Christ built his Church upon“. Their beliefs of this sort of practice regarding “do but do not question” is a way of old that we need to no longer accept as today‘s standards. Then there are those rarities in the Roman Catholic church, whose open minded Bishops and Priest are now being threatened with excommunication should they perform a “gay marriage”.

Although many of us are fascinated by the ritual, beautiful ceremony, the pomp & circumstance that we see coming from the Vatican, we must be reminded that all that glitters is not gold. All that is beautiful on the surface can be ugly on the inside. What appears to be beautiful on the surface is only camouflaging the rotting stench of hatred and prejudice. This is the what "grievously harms families and children".

When does it all end? When do they learn that God's mission was to promote love and understanding not hatred and division. I just want to tell everyone who is suffering from this foolishness, God loves everyone. I want to say it again. God loves everyone. EVERYONE. So the next time that you are looking for that right religion just remember, God may love you, but the Roman Catholic church may not.

In Faith,
+Isaac

Bishop Attire

2009-03-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

I posted this because not very many of my friends get to see how I look in my full attire. Some of them were very curious.

What is your model of the church?

2009-03-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.quizfarm.com/quizzes/Fashion/McBrien/what-is-your-model-of-the-church-dulles">

You Scored as Mystical Communion Model

Your model of the church is Mystical Communion, which includes both People of God and Body of Christ. The church is essentially people in union with Christ and the Father through the Holy Spirit. Both lay people and clergy are drawn together in a family of faith. This model can exalt the church beyond what is appropriate, but can be supplemented with other models.

Mystical Communion Model

78%

Institutional Model

72%

Servant Model

61%

Sacrament model

50%

Herald Model

50%

What Constitutes Peace

2009-03-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

This topic is something that is somewhat controversial when first looked at, but I promise you by the end you will be asking why. Why is this such a big deal to me and to others? Why did I allow this to go so far? It is okay to ask those questions, as long as you remember the answer in your next conversations, actions, and thoughts.

All religions have different laws. Those of us who are religious allow these laws to dictate and judge who we are and what we do. The most controversial set, for the United States, is the Ten Commandments or also known as Decalogue. We watched last year as different court houses and state house yards were fighting to keep monuments up with these Ten Commandments listed.

Now I want to make one thing very clear, we live in a country of religious freedom. With that said, contrary to popular belief not all religious follow the "Ten Commandments". The ones that do are Jewish, Orthodox, Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, and most other Christians. There area a lot of other religions in the U.S. who don't follow all ten of these.

I want to give a quick refresher on them based off the Jewish (Talmudic) source

1. I am the Lord your God
2. You shall have no other gods before me, you shall not make for yourself an idol
3. You shall not make wrongful use of the name of your God
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy
5. Honor your father and mother
6. You shall not murder
7. You shall not commit adultery
8. You shall not steal
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
10. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Now depending on your religious beliefs, from the one's stated above, these will be in a different numbering order. Again, another fine example of how we as religions must find a way to vary from one another. Heaven forbid if we even agree on the exact numbers of what we all believe in! Though I digress.

You would think that following these 10 simple laws would be easy to do. If you think that you are wrong. Years later, we have the New Testament which states that Christ says all of the laws of old are gone with him. Now I find it a bit funny that we have "Christ" saying no more old laws, and yet so many want to continue to cling to these ten. Most other religions were willing to throw out the dietary laws instantly, but not these ten. Why is that?

Here is your answer. Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence." This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it. "Love others as well as you love yourself." "These two commands are pegs, everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them."

Now, I want to summarize that into the easiest terms you ever heard. Love your God and treat others as you want to be treated. These are the 2 laws/commands/Decalogue that we are to follow. If you follow them, all of the previous laws will follow in naturally. Think of it! If you love your God you won't use his name wrongly and you won't want to worship another. You will also remember to keep the Sabbath holy by honoring your God.

With treating others like how you want to be treated is even easy. You wouldn't kill someone else. You won't steal from them or take from them what they have earned. You won't lie about them. You won't have an affair with someone else if you are in a relationship.

I didn't touch one of the ten commandments for a reason, "Honor your father and mother". I saved it for last because I believe that this law is not fully explained or understood. If you were to divide the Ten Commandments by Heaven and Earth value you have 4/6 ratio. That means 4 commandments for God and 6 for Earth actions. I believe that is not suppose to be the case. I find that the fifth commandment is actually a blending line. It is designed to actually stand for both Heaven and Earth.

"Honor your father and mother" means both your Earthly parents who gave physical birth to you and your Heavenly parents who gave Spiritual birth to you. God the Father and Queen of Heaven/Holy Spirit/Goddess or any other name that you wish to use to describe the mother.

Now where I'm going with this is simple. If we take the time, no matter what religious views you have, to honor the basic foundation of the two commandments given to us our world would be better. "Do what thou wilt as long as it harms none". This is the Golden rule. Also, what all religious people tend to forget is the first commandment states "I am the Lord your God". This means whoever you interpret God to be to you personally, not who another religious leader says he is.

When we finally take the time to realize that we must each follow "Honor your God" and "Love others as you would yourself" we would stop violence on all levels. We would know the real meaning of peace. This is what ministers should be preaching, not hell, damnation, and sin (which I will cover sin another day).

In Faith,
†Isaac

If your heart had eyes to see

2009-03-08T21:41:00.000-07:00

This one is a little different coming from me. I want to point something out to all of my friends that are having difficulty in their life right now. You are fighting a battle, actually everyone is. We are not aware of it, because we are sleeping or even blind to it. I didn’t realize how true this really is until I read and meditated on it.

On of my closest friends tells me at least once a week that she feels that she has to “prepare for battle”. I tell her every time that she will never see “battle”. Well, today (tonight to be exact) I’m going to say that I am wrong. She is in battle now, just as everyone else is. We live our life day in and day out with schedules and meetings and bills, but for what? What does it all mean? Who placed these task, these obstacles if you will, in our way?

These are battles. We fight to find a good job to make good pay, to pay rent, to have a place to live, to support ourselves and our families. And at the end of the day, we are exhausted as if we have battled a war in Iraq or any other war. Is this how life is suppose to be?

I have the answer to that. The answer is simply put, NO. We are not suppose to be battling to survive, we are suppose to be taking control of our destinies and living our life’s purpose. I know that this sounds like a fantasy more than reality, so I am going to brake it down for you.

Imagine if you will that you are Jack of Jack & the Beanstalk. You are down on your luck, you have nothing left but your cow. You take Betsy (your cow) for sale, only to be tricked into accepting “magic beans”. Now this doesn’t sound familiar to you yet but it should. The magic beans are nothing more than contracts from credit card companies, wireless phone providers, and other crap that we get sucked into daily that we believe is going to make our lives better.

Now you come home all excited because you believe these “magic beans” are going to save you and your family. Instantly you run outside and you plant these “magic beans”, but you notice after a few months that all you have is a huge “beanstalk”. This “beanstalk” is troubles and woes. It didn’t make anything easier, now you have a larger mess to clean up you have to cut this thing down, chop it up, haul it off for waste. You are still suffering from your financial issues, your contracts have added their “hidden fees” that you didn’t see. You have an interest rate of 21.9% on that credit card or personal loan that you thought was going to save you.

But Jack, that’s you, decides to wake up and see how far the “beanstalk” really goes. He decides to play into the myth of it all. “Perhaps the beanstalk goes to a magic kingdom with lots of food for me and my family”, Jack says. So you climb up the “beanstalk” more alert than you have ever been in your life. Your heart has eyes to see everything going on around you. You are anxious, scared, and excited all at the same time. When you reach the top you see riches beyond your wildest dreams.

Why riches? Because you have taken your life into your own hands. You have fought back have decided to let your heart see what is really going on. You have decided to think outside the box of what those contracts really wanted you to see. But it isn’t over yet, you are discovered trying to take the riches by the evil giants (corporate companies). They don’t want you to fight back. They want you to pay that 21.9% interest and late fees and over the limit fees. How dare you think of going against the grain and being a free thinker. As the giant is running towards Jack he climbs down the “beanstalk” just in time to find an ax. The giant is still pretty high up on the stalk. You cut the “beanstalk and cause the giant to fall dying from the impact.

When that giant fell, you fought back. You battled to save your family and yourself. Your heart had eyes and you were awake to see the reality around you. “Wow, I never should have taken those magic beans.” or should you’ve? In doing so you have learned something new about yourself and became stronger. You just have to remember to keep your heart’s eyes open now is all. You must know what is around you and learn that this life is a battle. There are several things that want us to fail, but your personal God/your higher self wants you to win.

This is just a small “myth” to help you really see something that may be affecting you personally. Perhaps love is your real issue. If that is the case, think of the Little Mermaid. The sea witch didn’t want to see Arial happy either, but Sebastian tried only because Arial kept fighting to win. Good always over comes evil, but sometimes it is hard to see what evil really is. When we open our heart’s eyes we are able to see good and evil. We are able to win our battles and life becomes everything and more we wanted it to be. And it is simple to start doing too, just a quick prayer or meditation and you can begin seeing things a whole lot better.

I want to say Thank you to author John Eldredge who wrote a little on this topic in his book “Waking The Dead”. It allowed me to have a new perspective to help my friends help themselves who are “preparing for battle”.

In Faith,
+Isaac

Call To Action

2009-03-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

Today I have the distinct pleasure of being able to attend Governor Strickland's Faith-based Luncheon. It was great with around 700 leaders from the Faith-based community. There is one think that I did notice more than anything else though. The majority was Christians. I understand that Christianity is the leading religion of the U.S., but I was disappointed that others were willing to be properly represented better. I sat and listened countless times to the word "Jesus" and the "New Testament".

What upset me even more was the fact that those who are of other faiths really didn't get much of a chance to speak. We did hear Ms. Usha Aswath play the Saraswati veena, and she was fantastic. There was a speech from a man on behalf of Imam Farooq Aboelzahab, who regrettable was unable to attend, to represent Islam. We had 2 Rabbis speaking towards the end. The music before and after was Christian. 7 out of 10 speakers were Christian based. There were no one representing Pagans, Buddhist, Taoist, Hinduist, or any other religions.

This was suppose to be an open forum for Interfaith dialogue, which we did promote at our table. We had a few different religions sitting there discussing our work and how important it is to us.

Where am I getting at with this, right? I am wanting to take this time to go beyond the message of today's luncheon. I am asking, no calling, all minority religions to action. It is time that we allow the Divine spark to encompass our Spirit and bring us forward. We for too long stand in the shadows of Christianity and fear to be the beacon we are. When called to ministry, we are all called the same way, through God. God the Universe, God the Light, God the Alpha & Omega, God the Allah, God the consort of the Goddess, or any other God that you personally identify with. We are in a time of Spiritual healing and a time when we must build bridges and lead our groups by being the beacon of light they know we are able to be.

There are several books that talk about how to be a good minister or religious leader. We could spend years comparing them. All of them give the same message though, live your life for God, share the joy and love of the All, and keep your flock/group in the best of intentions. All of these involve hard work and dedication. Ministry is not a joke or a kewl title to have. Ministry involves serious devotion. Those who are called know why we are called through personal and tedious discernment. I believe that too often we forget why we are called. Working in our field opens us to so much hatred, animosity, and discrimination. As we progress further sometimes we allow these darkness es to take over our light and dim it. What must be remembered is, our light is a gift from God and no one or thing has the "power" to weaken it. We must stand strong and unite together to bring about faith and healing that we need today.

I want to make this clear. I am calling and challenging all other minority religious leaders to action. Stand strong and unite to bring about change. Let us be heard and show the goodness that we can do to help Ohio, the United States, and the World.

Keep Faith & Allow your Light to shine for all!
+Isaac

World in Chaos

2009-02-13T07:46:00.000-08:00

I want to start by saying that this is in no way a dooms day/judgement day blog. Allow me to be abundantly clear. This is just a blogging about the current events not related to any form of hells fire and brimstone.

I have been reading and in some cases, being informed about the tragedies that are taking over our world this week. Australia has had flooding on one end and fires on the other. The fires have claimed the lives of nearly 200 people, while the floods have taken a 4 year old boy (eaten by a crocodile). Today in New York 50 people were killed in a plane crash. Our world is turning into a state of chaos, but why?

We have fighting in Gaza that never seems to end. Political turmoil in Israel with 3 people claiming victory over the other. And to top things off an excommunicated and then rehabilitated Roman Catholic Bishop claiming the Holocaust never happened. Only to recant when the Pope intervened, forget the fact that his peers told him he was wrong.

We are living in total Chaos. The worse part is, it is pure greed and pride consuming our every day lives. I understand about wanting to be something and make it some where, but why is it considered proper to stand the backs of others. We forget one thing, that is very important. We are not Americans, Australians, Europeans, and such. We are people! We are all humans and we all want the same for ourselves and one another. A good home, friends, family, great health, and a decent living.

I believe that it is time for all of us to stand together and support one another. Perhaps if we prayed/meditated for one another and started showing signs of compassion things could get better. We could not have people starting wild fires as signs of attention and acting out. We would have a clear picture of a leader in Israel. We could support one another in difficult times such as the plane crash in NY. We wouldn't have religious leaders denying the Holocaust. The most certain part is, we wouldn't have another potential Holocaust on any scale.

The Bible, Koran, religious creeds, and doctrine all teach one thing. When you take away all of the words, stories, rules, and beliefs of every religion you are left with one word, LOVE. I'm not saying be a "flower child". I'm saying love others in a way you want to receive love. Once we begin with love, healing will follow and chaos will be subdued. Just remember it takes time to bring about this type of change. Don't expect to love everyone overnight. Start small and show just one small sign of love and allow that to slowly grow daily. You will see in a month a difference one small action really makes.

With tomorrow being Valentine's Day, this is a perfect time to start!

Imbolc

2009-02-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take a moment to inform them of what today is. Today is Imbolc. Unless you are pagan, you are not familiar with this word. Feburary 1st is regarded as the Feast of Saint Brigid of Kildare by most. To learn more about Saint Brigid http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigid_of_Kildare or to learn more about Imbolc http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imbolc.

Have a great day either way!

First time

2009-01-17T17:22:00.001-08:00

This is my first attempt ever at blogging so I ask that you please bare with me. I should probably start with who I am. My name is His Most Rev. Isaac Kramer, Interfaith Bishop of Ohio. You can call me Bishop Isaac for short if you like. I'm not too big on the formalities of my name unless it's a social event or function that really calls for it.

I have been studying religion for over 18 years now, it just fascinates me. Not any one in particular, but all of them. I have started off in one and worked my way through several of them over the years. I believe that the perfect religion isn't just one religion. We are here to better our Spirit and to experience things for our maker. Religion is something that hinders Spiritual growth, Faith builds it though. I believe that once you start using doctrine and creeds you prohibit the Spirit from being free to experience pure love. Faith is something that I ask everyone to believe in, not religion.

Through the series of blogs, I hope that I can help convey that message. I hope to write about Faith, Spirit, and God (the Maker). I intend to write so everyone can understand and have some connection to it without a religious attachment. I hope that you check back and really get the chance to challenge your every day thoughts with what I write. I also want you to know that I would love to hear from you as well. Email me at Bishop.IsaacKramer@straphaelinterfaith.org anytime with any questions. In the meantime, have Faith!

+Bishop Isaac