We are all Olympians to God

 This was sent to me today and I think it teaches us a lot. Peace.

The "Right" Religion

Isn't it interesting that Christianity, Islam and Judaism are three religions that claim to hold the truth, the way, the possibility of going somewhere after death. Do Eastern Religions focus on this? Or do they focus on harmony, balance and living fully in the present? Where does peace come from in all this? Where does unity come from? Can I be Catholic and not believe my religion is the best religion or the religion that points the way for everyone else. Jesus was Jewish and tried to help his fellow Jews think bigger and more broadly and more inclusively. What does this mean for Catholic Christians today? How should I lead as a Catholic Christian? Give me some feedback on this one if you get a chance. Thanks!

PS. I have been studying Venn Diagrams this summer and I thought this one looked interesting. Many of my students have been talking a lot about Zombies and Vampires this past year. Hmmm.

Gay Marriage

I find this topic so controversial. People, including me, are really struggling with Gay Marriage. To me it seems that there are two parts: How do I deal with my own uncomfortableness with my sexuality and how does that limit me from being able to understand other perspectives. I have been raised in the United States to believe sex and sexuality is bad or something not to be talked about except in seventh grade health class, the locker room or behind closed doors with the one I love. Therefore, I have really struggled to understand homosexuality from Jesus' perspective. Jesus loved those on the periphery. He loved the outcast, the sinner, the person that was untouchable by society. I think these may be homosexuals today. As a modern society we have made homosexuals second class citizens. We think we are better than them, we won't give them certain rights, we talk about them in a way that makes sure they are never our equal. This is not what Jesus was about.

 I think my fear of allowing gay people to marry has really been a fear of me admitting that I don't understand myself fully. I think it has to do with my fear of loss of control, of a "this might lead to that" mentality, of some power I have over someone different than me.

The Catholic Church is really caught in a tough position on this issue. She has to talk about each relationship being open to unity and creation. That is her theology. Is creation helping children grow? Is being a co-creator helping "parent" many children. Can unity be formed through intimacy in a variety of ways? These are tough questions.

I have much to learn, think and pray about. I hope you will join me. Also join me in loving one another as Christ has loved us.

Peace

PS. Here is an interesting website that might be informative for us as we move forward: http://gaymarriage.procon.org/

Today I have received some feedback about my new blog. It is motivating. People really do want to talk about faith and life. I read a letter to the editor today. You can find it posted on my blog. Apparently there are people who do not find God believable. That is incomprehensible to me. The church is founded on the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The God that has been God forever and forever will be God.

Many of my students ask me when I speak about holy sites in Israel, "Mr. Fuller, how do you know that is really the site where it happened." My response is always, "I don't." Then I tell them, and this is where faith comes in, that for thousands of years people have been coming to this site to remember this event. Their footprints are carved in to the stone. What makes this site a holy site is not whether I believe it is the actual site that the holy event took place. What makes this site holy is that for thousands of years people have known and believed this site to be holy and have venerated it and made it so. Now that is faith
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Freedom from religion - North Platte Nebraska's Newspaper: Letters To The Editor

Freedom from religion - North Platte Nebraska's Newspaper: Letters To The Editor: In response to Mr. Eckhoff's letter, July 3:

I have blogged at different times over the years. Some days I am a big fan and other days I think it is odd for people to share their thoughts or streams of consciousness on the web. Today I am beginning a new blog with a new purpose. I am going to write about my perspective of the Roman Catholic Religion. I want to do this for a few reasons. First, I love being Catholic and I love my faith. Second, I want to help my students (I am a teacher) have the opportunity to work with me on this blog. Some days you may see ideas and posting from them on here. Be gentle please. Finally, I think it is time I speak rather than observe. So, here we go. Hang on and enjoy the ride. Peace, Kevin