One of America's great writers, John Updike, died today at the age of 76. Updike is the author of about 50 books, numerous short stories and reams of superb literary criticism. Having been first exposed to Updike as a student at Marianapolis Prep by an amazing English teacher, I came to discover RABBIT, RUN, which to this day remains my favorite novel. Not far behind is Updike's remarkable IN THE BEAUTY OF THE LILIES, a real classic and unique story which weaves religion, history and culture into a signicant narrative. After 9/11, Updike also wrote TERRORIST, an absolutely gripping work exploring the tensions existing within American culture.
Updike always impressed me with his indepth knowledge of philosophy, theology, language and culture. In my view, much of his work is worth studying if one wants to look at American religion through a literary lens. First and foremost, though, Updike could just write a very good story!
On a side note, Updike's essay on Ted Williams' last at bat is a classic in American sports literature. The baseball fan reading this owes it to her/himself to read 'Hub fans bid Kid adieu'.
I write this in gratitude to John Updike for what he has contributed and with thanks to Mr. DiNocenza, my English teacher, for letting me know there was such a man.
May he rest in peace. +
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
The annual January abortion discussion...
As you will see from the comments after the post below, the issue of abortion continues to be a rather intense one politically and among people of religious faith. I'll be happy to elaborate on this more and already have in some responses, but I'd like to echo Colin McEnroe of the Hartford Courant in suggesting an approach to abortion that renders it SAFE, LEGAL ,and RARE. In so doing, I believe we can find consensus among 'pro choice' and 'pro life' people, the kind of consensus that has eluded us since January 22, 1973, the day Roe v Wade was decided!
I'd also like to add the moral perspective that, even in defending the law of this country, human life can never be viewed cheaply and taken anything but seriously. The law acknowledges a range of understandings in a religiously pluralistic culture and takes into account what we might call the 'primacy of conscience'. It should not be used to celebrate abortion, an act which has SERIOUS moral implications.
PB
I'd also like to add the moral perspective that, even in defending the law of this country, human life can never be viewed cheaply and taken anything but seriously. The law acknowledges a range of understandings in a religiously pluralistic culture and takes into account what we might call the 'primacy of conscience'. It should not be used to celebrate abortion, an act which has SERIOUS moral implications.
PB
Monday, January 19, 2009
THE INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT OBAMA
Tomorrow our country witnesses and experiences the inauguration of our new President. Many words are being offered these days about this incredible event, one that appears to be bringing our nation together, with a sense of common purpose.
Let us join our prayers to those of millions for our new President: for his wisdom, health and well being. Let us pray also for our country. Be we Republican, Democrat or Independent, there is something special having that word UNITED as part of our identity, part of our country's name.
With best wishes to our new President and with continued HOPE for the land we love---
PB
Let us join our prayers to those of millions for our new President: for his wisdom, health and well being. Let us pray also for our country. Be we Republican, Democrat or Independent, there is something special having that word UNITED as part of our identity, part of our country's name.
With best wishes to our new President and with continued HOPE for the land we love---
PB
Friday, January 16, 2009
A REMARKABLE EVENT......
One day after that remarkable event in which a disabled plane landed in the Hudson River and EVERYONE survived, the enormity of what happened has been settling in and the realization of the disaster that COULD HAVE BEEN has become more apparent.
It is right that we give thanks to God BOTH that no one died and that somehow we have planted within us the possibility of empathy and the sense of the commonality of all of us who go by the name human.
Governor Patterson of New York has dubbed this event the 'Miracle on the Hudson', evidence again of how the language of spirituality is so naturally used to describe that which is so indescribable. At some other point, it will be worth our while to delve into the nature of the miraculous, but, for now, let's pause and give thanks.....
If you can ever find it, and i will do my own internet search, I commend to you James Carroll's poem THE CAPTIVE SPEAKING as material for reflection on this event( It's found in his collection FORBIDDEN DISSAPOINTMENTS)......In the meantime, I end with the words of Carroll's poem about the crash landing the poem's character survived:
Thank you, God...Is that really you, God?
I don't know, but how do I thank a wheel?
Pastor Bob
It is right that we give thanks to God BOTH that no one died and that somehow we have planted within us the possibility of empathy and the sense of the commonality of all of us who go by the name human.
Governor Patterson of New York has dubbed this event the 'Miracle on the Hudson', evidence again of how the language of spirituality is so naturally used to describe that which is so indescribable. At some other point, it will be worth our while to delve into the nature of the miraculous, but, for now, let's pause and give thanks.....
If you can ever find it, and i will do my own internet search, I commend to you James Carroll's poem THE CAPTIVE SPEAKING as material for reflection on this event( It's found in his collection FORBIDDEN DISSAPOINTMENTS)......In the meantime, I end with the words of Carroll's poem about the crash landing the poem's character survived:
Thank you, God...Is that really you, God?
I don't know, but how do I thank a wheel?
Pastor Bob
Sunday, January 11, 2009
REMEMBERING MARTIN LUTHER KING
Next weekend, our nation ( and our church community) remembers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. During this week, I will post some commentary about Dr. King on this BLOG. I have just completed reading David Garrow's amazing book on MLK entitled BEARING THE CROSS and I will allude to it as the week goes on.
For today, let's begin with the final words of his final public address in Memphis, Tenn in 1968:
www.metacafe.com/watch/1107318/martin_luther_king_jr_s_last_speech/
Pastor Bob
For today, let's begin with the final words of his final public address in Memphis, Tenn in 1968:
www.metacafe.com/watch/1107318/martin_luther_king_jr_s_last_speech/
Pastor Bob
Saturday, January 10, 2009
A SPECIAL INAUGURAL FEATURE.....
See the link below for an explanation of a project in which i will be involved....
A fascinating historical remembrance of this Inauguration....
www.loc.gov./folklife/inaugural
The sermon will be on January 18 at 10:45
PB
A fascinating historical remembrance of this Inauguration....
www.loc.gov./folklife/inaugural
The sermon will be on January 18 at 10:45
PB
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