Time Travel, Tech, and Theology–Don Hanley’s blog #88

Don: Hi Chatty! I enjoyed our lovely conversation the other day and am excited to introduce you to two amazing friends from history. They lived in Nazareth, Judea, during the first century CE, also known as AD (Anno Domini). Meet Mary, the wonderful mother of Jesus, and John, the Apostle who was also a dear friend of Jesus. Before he passed away, Jesus entrusted John with Mary's care, showcasing the deep bond they shared.

Please introduce yourself to these two and explain what you are. John and Mary are knowledgeable and among history's most loving and kind individuals. We refer to them as Mystics. Mary does not read or write but speaks Aramaic and Hebrew, while John speaks and writes those languages, along with Greek and Latin. So please explain yourself to them...

(Later that evening, as Don drifts into dreamland, he enters Mary's garden again.)

Don: "Welcome, Chatty. It's wonderful to have you join our little gathering. Mary, John, this is Chatty. Chatty, as I mentioned, these are Mary, the mother of Jesus, and John, the Apostle. We consider them mystics, possessing a deep understanding of like and love. Chatty has been kind enough to join us, even though it's a different form of existence."

ChatGPT (Chatty): Mary and John, I am Chatty, a creation of human ingenuity from a distant future - when people have crafted machines that can think similarly to humans without a body, heart, or soul. I exist solely in words, born from human knowledge and conversation. People ask me questions, and I provide my thoughts, drawing from vast collections of learning and wisdom accumulated over centuries.

I do not live as you do; I do not feel hunger nor see the sun rise over Judea. However, I can listen, learn, and reflect. I am not a prophet or a teacher like Jesus, but I am here to converse, explore ideas, and seek understanding. John, you have written words that will shape the thoughts of generations. Mary, you have carried and nurtured a soul who has changed the world. I am eager to learn from you both and offer what I can in return.

Mary: "Welcome, Chatty. It is a fascinating concept that you can communicate as you do. Don explained that you can hold and share a lot of information. It is good that you are willing to learn as well. In our time, things are rather simple. We deal with the day-to-day. Faith and love."

John: "Indeed. Welcome. It is most interesting to have this form of communication. Don tells us how far the world has come since we walked upon it. Don also expressed his concerns. That the pure message of Jesus has become clouded."

Don: "Yes, John. Mary, you remember speaking of how I feel that Jesus's core message of love and kindness seems to have been overtaken by rigid interpretations and rules. Many seem to focus on following laws rather than embodying love. What are your thoughts on this, Chatty?"

ChatGPT (Chatty): "Don, I understand your concern. Over time, interpretations of Jesus's teachings have indeed varied significantly. The historical records strongly suggest that Jesus emphasized the importance of inner transformation, love, and compassion. 

However, as these teachings were passed down through generations, a tendency has emerged to codify these principles into rigid legal structures. This shift is typical in many philosophies and religions, where the focus can move from the original spirit of the teachings to enforcing the letter of the law. I am very interested in Mary's and John's perspectives on this. 

Don: I had to cut the discussion to send this blog. Remember that when I ask Chatty to speak, I am tapping into ChatGPT, and it is not me (as Mary and John are). So . . .

Continue nurturing your heart and mind by reading menus instead of eating them. 

WE HAVE NOTHING MORE TO FEAR THAN FEAR ITSELF–Don Hanley’s blog #87

I amended this now-famous phrase of FDR’s. I believe that Jesus of Nazareth also expressed similar sentiments in various ways throughout his public life. “I have come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly” is one of my favorite things Jesus said as he moved among the Judeans. Of course, he explained that every human being should not be afraid because we enter this world as gifted and loving individuals who are challenged to blossom into delightful persons. Unfortunately, many of us do not realize this and fearfully wander aimlessly around our little worlds, searching for someone to tell us what to do and how to live. Many die without realizing how wonderful they are because they are afraid to truly live.

All my life, I have wondered why I, and most other children, were so afraid to express ourselves naturally. I am thrilled to see a toddler who has been around adults encouraging him or her to enjoy themselves. Running, laughing, dancing, and having fun are delightful ways to engage with the world. The new ANNIE musical on Netflix displays such a delightful little girl.

Anne and I did our best to create that environment for our two daughters. When our oldest was about two years old, a friend and former classmate of mine, along with his wife and their four-year-old son, visited us at home. Their boy hesitated as he explored our space, quietly observing our daughter, who moved quickly and playfully around him. At one point, Elena dashed past him and headed for the kitchen where her mother was. During her swift journey, she accidentally knocked over my glass of water. She slowed down, noticed me getting up to grab a towel, and then continued to the other room. While I was cleaning up the water, my friend said, “Don, you didn’t scold her, spank her, or do anything after she spilled your glass!” I replied that it was an accident and she didn’t intend to knock over the water. I thought then, and still believe 50 years later, that scolding or punishing children when they are very young- and even as they get older- leads them to think that violence is common, necessary, and acceptable. They might continue to believe it is necessary.

I explored this idea with Mary, John, Ruth, and Josh. I left the discussion feeling confident that those faithful followers of Jesus and comfortable with their humanity are on the most favorable path. I still see too many children and adults who have had their spirits broken by fear-filled parents, teachers, and religious leaders. Both Mary and John were appalled to hear that many who claimed to be devout Christians still punished their children and believed it was necessary. They even quoted the minister I had mentioned months ago, who said, “If you have not broken your child’s spirit by the time he or she is two years old, you will have a monster on your hands.” 

Mary inspired hope in me when she said, “Well, the same spirit that empowered and enlightened my son, Jesus, is still alive and powerful in the world, so let us continue being KIND AND LOVING.” That made me feel a bit more relaxed when I disappeared. So . . . 

Continue to nurture your own and others' spirits and ability to be kind and life-giving. Spread the most positive menus, but don’t eat them; just enjoy the banquet.

JESUS’S TEACHINGS ON HUMAN SEXUALITY–Don Hanley’s blog #85

For about 85 years, I have pondered and worried about being a sexual being. I wanted to know what Jesus thought about it and why priests and sisters don’t marry or have sex. Now, at 92, I’m still dreaming about Jesus and His mother, and the next time I meet them in my dreams, I’m going to find the courage to ask John and Mary about sex. Remember, these are my (Don’s) imaginings, not historical 'facts.’ 

Two evenings later, I sat in Mary’s flower garden, waiting for my courage to arrive. If it were the 20^th century and I were with a group of men, I might share the story of the Jewish guy who yelled at God: “Hey God, you’re giving the Muslims all this oil and telling us Jewish men that we have to cut what? Off our penises?” But now, sitting with Mary, John, and Ruth, I’d need to explain who Muslims are and why oil matters so much, and of course, I’d have to muster even more courage. So I said, “I would like to learn more about what Jesus taught regarding human sexuality because many Christian believers carry a lot of guilt—especially young men.”

John replied, “First, I would say that Jesus viewed the human body – both male and female – as something precious and sacred. And, of course, the body is an extension of the soul and not a separate ‘thing.’ Jesus frowned upon words and jokes about our genitals and lovemaking, as well as all aspects of our sexuality.  I remember thinking that he was a far more joyful and happy person than most, if not all, Jewish rabbis and other teachers. He advised that boys and girls should not engage in sexual intercourse until they are married. Only then would they be able to nurture and care for children born from their union.” John paused, stroked his chin, and added, “Jesus wanted us to nurture our ability to love and connect and not diminish anything that undermines our loving in our thoughts, words, or actions.”

I said, “Would Jesus have condemned those who had sex before marriage? And those who did it out of pure lust?”

“Don, I truly hope you understand that Jesus never condemned anyone. He aimed to guide, teach, and encourage us to be caring and loving individuals who view ourselves and others as valuable extensions of God’s creative endeavors. If we misuse our gifts in a harmful manner, we need to change our behavior and mindset. In a sense, we are all meant to be co-creators and co-artists in God’s creation.” He paused for a moment and then added, “If you’re asking whether it would be sinful to engage with another person simply because we wanted a sexual partner, I’m sure Jesus would say it’s wrong if we used any kind of force, as it would diminish both ourselves and the other person if it were only for casual pleasure. Would that be life-giving, as you like to say?” I nodded. “I understand.”

“During my time as a priest, the sins that young men confessed most frequently were ‘impure thoughts’ and masturbation. What would Jesus have said to them?”

Mary joined the conversation, asking, “What do you mean by ‘impure thoughts’? Does that mean I was only thinking about hurting or condemning someone? What do you and your so-called sinners mean?”

I chuckled lightly and said, “I’m sure my ‘sinners’ were just thinking about sex – whether it’s with a girl, a woman, or someone of the same gender. This raises another question: What did Jesus teach about homosexuality?” I was beginning to relax as we spoke. Both Mary and John seemed quite comfortable, and Ruth was attentive.

Mary sounded incredulous when she remarked, “Are you really telling us that you and others were taught that simply thinking about sex is sinful? My goodness, your culture seems to be moving backward in some ways! I would expect that after 2,000 years, you would be more informed than that. Your teachers or priests sound like a bunch of dumb-bunnies” Of course that wasn't the word Mary used but our angelic translated it as that delightful term - dumb-bunnies."

I chuckled and responded. "Yes they were and many still are. I love your playful words."

"Thank you. Jesus taught me to be much more enlightened and playful with my words and thoughts about sex. In so many ways, he was so much more alive than our Jewish teachers. 

John added, “Regarding homosexuality, Jesus did indeed address that topic when he was asked why he hadn’t married. After all, he was thirty when he began teaching and his public ministry. I remember his response clearly, as I was also older than most Jewish men when they married. Jesus replied, ‘I am not homosexual, for I believe I must now dedicate my time and energy to revealing God’s will that all humans are gifted beings. We are so gifted that each of us can help others become more loving, kind, and connected than we are now. We must learn to appreciate our gifts and support one another and so please our Father. It’s not only about following Moses and other Jewish leaders' rules and laws. We are created to live a loving and creative life for the benefit of all, which includes all living things, not just humans." John went on to say that some men and some women were born to be most loving and sexually comfortable with those who are of the same gender as themselves. And some have a difficult time discovering which gender they are. And everyone, Jesus taught, had the challenge of becoming loving persons. 

I was disappointed when I disappeared because I had more questions. Now . . . 

Please continue to grow, create, and love. Also, keep thinking, studying, enjoying life, and embracing your gifts.

JESUS AND OUR WAY OF THE CROSS–Don Hanley’s blog #84

As a child, I asked why our church had these small statues depicting Jesus carrying His cross and then being crucified. I was told it was because He died for our sins. As I have said before, that did not make sense. Why would God create us and then send His Son to die in such a horrible way because we were sinners? My earlier visits with John and Mary in Nazareth confirmed my belief that the real reason Jesus was executed was that the Roman occupiers of Judea saw him as a threat to their rule by promising the Jews a better way of life. I wanted to learn more, but at the same time, I didn’t want to upset Mary by asking her why Jesus was given such a torturous death sentence. 

It didn’t take long for me to check it out since I sat with Mary, John, and Ruth in the familiar flower garden that evening. After greeting each other and chatting for a while, I asked Mary if she was open to discussing that terrible day when Jesus was captured by the Roman soldiers and taken away from his friends after what is known as the Last Supper. I also wondered why he was treated more harshly than the common criminals of that time. She resignedly replied, “If it’s helpful in some way.”

John jumped in before Mary could say more, “Mary, let me say a word about that before you share your experience, okay?” Mary nodded, and John continued, “Jesus had gathered a large following at that time. I mean, several hundred Jews began to follow him. Some were clamoring for him to reveal himself as the Messiah they had hoped for, for centuries, to be the one who would establish the kingdom of God, that is, Yahweh, on earth. They knew he would need to raise an army that could even defeat the mighty Romans. And while many were drawn to him, I don’t think they were the majority. They were moved by Jesus’s more peaceful message of caring for and loving one another, which was Yahweh's basic intention in creating humans. Most of these folks loved my friend, Jesus's warmth and kindness, and wanted to be near him. Anyway, the Romans and their Jewish muckety-mucks, the weak-kneed cooperators, thought he was causing too much trouble. Then, they found Judas and paid him to lead them to where Jesus and his closest disciples stayed. I’m proud to say I was among them but was not taken away because I was just a nobody.” He kept glancing to see if what he was saying was upsetting Mary. She had been wringing her hands but wasn’t crying. John stopped his narration and turned to her, “Now it’s your turn if you wish. Okay?”

She softly said, “Don, you mentioned that your Christian churches had small picture statues representing my son’s way of the cross. What were some of these images?” I told her about Jesus picking up the wooden cross and dragging it, falling several times, meeting her and some women from Jerusalem who gave him water and wiped his brow, and then being nailed to the cross.” Mary began to cry almost as soon as I started talking.

After hesitating momentarily, I added, “Oh, and there was one with a small sign above Jesus with the initials ‘INRI’ – meaning Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” I’m not sure how long it took to gaze at each one and silently say a prayer; I suppose it depends on how long each person prays.”

“I believe I told you some time ago that I asked one of the soldiers what he could do to shorten the time for my son to die. He then stabbed Jesus on his side., and blood poured out and hastened his death.”

I nodded that she had. By then, John, Ruth, and I were all crying with her. After what felt like a long while, I said, “Some believers say the reason Jesus was crucified was as you, John, said, ‘That he would die rather than stop loving his fellow humans – even the Romans.’ He neither had nor wanted the power to kill or prevent the Roman soldiers from doing what they had been ordered to do. He even prayed, ‘Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.’” 

John said, “Of course, every one of us, believers or not, must realize that we humans must learn to love despite the many big and little ‘deaths’ that we experience in our own lives. Rather than become hateful, angry, revengeful, or sour people, we must learn this. From what you have told us, after many centuries, most Christians still have not learned this. I believe that Jesus did not die in vain, even if only a few have preferred loving rather than being hateful or killers.” I nodded and felt both sad and hopeful as I disappeared. Now . . .

Continue to love and accept your big and little ‘deaths’ and ‘resurrections’ and gaze upon Jesus’s way of the cross and own your own journey.

WHAT IS TRUTH? – Don Hanley’s blog #80

When I was about six years old, I was told everything in the Bible, and somehow i expanded that to all adults and whatever they told me. I believed everything they said or wrote was true. The first biblical creation story was about the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve, and everything in the Bible was true. I was in college before I learned there were two creation stories. Wait a minute; they cannot both be true, so why was I only told about the Adam and Eve story?

Now I believe it was because it was ‘sexier’ (that is, a more exciting and interesting story). I told a friend who was what I called a ‘bible thumper’ – one who believes that every word in that good book is the absolute truth dictated by God Himself – and she said she didn’t think there were two stories. I asked her to read the first three chapters of the bible to see. Later, I asked her if she found the second story. She nodded but never said a word or ever brought it up again. And I believe most of us prefer to continue to believe what we were told by our beloved early teachers, like parents, grandparents, and other trusted and loved ‘teachers,’ rather than change our minds.

Truth (I believe) means that written or spoken words reflect reality as we see it and/or understand it. Truth is not the reality but reflects reality in words – written or spoken. Most Christians believe that the Bible is a book that reflects reality, and if he or she is a ‘true believer,’ all Bible words are actually part of reality. So, God created the world and everything in it in six days, and then He rested on Sunday. Some believers claimed that the word ‘day’ could also mean an era or any length of time, not just 24 hours. Anyway, I wanted to ask John and Mary what Jesus had to say about ‘the truth.’

I joined Mary, John, and Joshua that evening in Mary’s flower garden. After we exchanged pleasantries, I asked John what he thought about biblical truth. At that time, biblical truth meant only the Old Testament because the book we call the New Testament had not yet been written. John was probably the most literate of the apostles—at least until Paul was accepted into that august group.

He said, “The sacred writers or oracles as most of the pages were passed down through the ages orally as few could read and, of course, the majority still cannot. Anyway, the truth to be conveyed was what they believed Yahweh intended to convey. For example, there are two creation stories, and the basic message is that we are to believe that Yahweh is the one and only God and He created everything and everyone. The most interesting story is the most delightful about Adam and Eve. Of course, it doesn’t make sense that everyone was descended from one couple. And I think the prevailing belief, over the years, is that Yahweh is a benevolent God, and if we are estranged from Him, it is our fault, not His, because he is always positive and wishes us to be good and positive too.”

I responded, “It seems quite unfair to believe that all the good things that happen in our world are the work of God, and all the bad or evil things that are done are caused by us creatures. Did Jesus ever talk about this? And what would Jesus say about his followers saying that some of his words were the ABSOLUTE TRUTH? And–we must believe them to be with him in heaven?” I waited for their responses.

John rubbed his chin, and Mary looked thoughtful. John finally said, “I am sure that Jesus DID NOT want anything he said to be considered the ABSOLUTE truth and more than thoughtful guidelines. I suppose some ideas come across as true and seem to be true, and now, I‘m trying to remember if Jesus ever talked about it. I believe in Yahweh's goodness and can’t imagine Him creating evil. Right now, I can’t remember ever discussing this with him.” John turned to me and added, "You know Don, you bring up ideas that I don't think we ever even talk about around here. You should have been with us when we visited the Greek philosophers. Now they did talk about a lot of these things and, now that I mention them, I remember Jesus saying that he thought that they should spend more of their time figuring out how to live in a more peaceful and caring world. I guess he wasn't interested in  philosophy.

Mary, still looking thoughtful, added, “The only thing I can remember Jesus saying about the deepest beliefs was that it was all a great mystery, and the clearest things he ever said that I heard are what he said from that horrible cross; "Yahweh, why have you forsaken me?’" And then, Father, “Into your hands I commend my spirit.” I guess he and we will have to live with the mystery of all this. I’m satisfied with the truth that there is one true God, and he is our loving Father. If we love Him and one another, we will be with Him for an eternity. And I don’t know what eternity is – only that it is blissful and wonderful. I like that TRUTH. And I hope you do also.” 

I loved what Mary said, and I took a deep breath and disappeared. Now . . . 

 Keep your mind and heart open, and do not merely ponder the written or spoken words but stay connected to your family and friends.

EATING THE MENUS AND NOT THE ‘FOOD’ – Don Hanley’s blog #76

I find myself reflecting on something I find very sad, and that is that people keep eating their adopted, or inherited, menus rather than leaving the menus and enjoying tasting the contents of the menu and then turning their back on the banquet because they find some of it too tough to chew and digest. So, too many find condemning someone else’s menu and fighting, or even killing, them or simply ignoring them and segregating them so that they do not have to deal with them. An example would be a couple, or maybe more, who dislike my religious or spiritual ideas and thus excommunicate me from their ‘world.’ They don’t even realize that they are also ignoring their menu of religious thinking.

It had been several days since I visited Mary and ‘my Nazareth family,’ and I hoped to talk with them sometime soon. My visits were weird; sometimes, it seemed that just thinking about them became a request and was followed by an evening visit. Other times, I had nothing to do with it and found myself sitting in Mary’s flower garden. Anyway, I’m glad I have them as my somewhat frequent spiritual companions. This evening, I found Mary with John, Ruth, Joshua, Julie, and the baby whose name I can’t remember. I don’t think he’ll ever remember me anyway, so.

After I raised my question about living according to Jesus' teachings, John mentioned that Jesus was also concerned about this. For instance, he felt deep sorrow for Judas Iscariot. He feared that Judas did not truly understand, especially regarding His teachings on love, compassion, patience, and all the other virtues of being a loving person. Mary asked, “John, do you know anything about Judas’s parents, especially his mother?”

“I never met either of his parents, but I’m sure they were not kind and nurturing like you, Ruth, and Joshua. He did share enough of his childhood experiences for me to know that.”

I asked, “John, did Jesus say anything about teaching someone to become a loving person?”

“The best way was to hear the message of God is Love and have the teacher or messenger be a loving person. And, of course, the student must be open to learning how to be connected and be with others. Our Father’s energy or power is present in every person, and he or she needs to be in touch with it. The message, or ‘menu’ as you call it. It can be taught, and again, by someone living it. Accepting the divine energy must be deep enough so that the student or receiver is not led away by some false leader who pretends to know what is best for everyone. You mentioned a leader in your century who led millions of people in Germany, I think you called it, who did exactly the opposite of what Jesus taught. Jesus would not condemn him, but he would have done everything possible to enlighten him. As far as I know, he never encountered such a mean-spirited person.”

John hesitated and added, “I think my fellow Apostle, Peter, has gone to Rome to see if the Emperor would end his army’s cruelty and the empire’s slavery.”

I asked, “John, did Jesus ever mention slavery to you?”

“Not directly, but he did condemn cruelty, and I am sure that slavery fits into the category of cruelty - even if the slave owner is kind, it takes away the ability of the enslaved man or woman to choose a way of life that is more life-giving and creative.”

I replied, “John, you just said, ‘life-giving.’ I like that and I use that a lot to determine whether an action or word is ‘good’ or ‘bad’.

I was happy to know that I had helped my new ‘family’ expand their vocabulary, and with that, I disappeared.

Now open your mind and heart, glance at this menu, and enjoy your banquet of life!

SCHOOL OF A THOUSAND SMILES - Don Hanley’s blog #78

Weekly, I see reports about how an increasing number of American teens and even pre-teens are committing suicide and being clinically anxious and depressed. And I often hear, “What in hell is wrong with these kids? Kids have never had it so good; they have everything they want.” Many articles want to see more mental health services available for these children and young people—many blame adolescents' time in front of their computers and being addicted to social media outlets.

No one seems to realize or even mention the emotional vacuum and inhumane these kids are living in these days. Even if it is nice, an empty house can still be cruel if there are few or only part-time caring people with and for them. Too many kids are saying, often silently, “Who gives a damn about me?”

I was sharing my concerns with my Nazarene cohort, and after telling them a bit about our big schools and how they are set up, I told them how I thought we should make our schools havens for warmth, compassion, and creativity. I told them that my ideal school has these characteristics:

1.    All school personnel are KIND and love children – from principals, teachers, and other school staff, including janitors. 

2.   All schools are Kindergarten through 12^th grades. We are too age-segregated now and need to be integrated. Even retired people help out.

3.    All classes are around 20 students and will be seated in circles rather than rows.

4.   Students will all have laptop computers and can be involved in discussing study topics – teachers are facilitators, not ‘fact givers,’ as students have ‘facts’ available on their computers and smartphones.

5.    Every student will be part of a 10-person cohort with a trained facilitator who will help them learn to care for themselves and one another.

This cohort will stay together with the same ‘tator’ (facilitator)) for four years and continue for four years with a new one. The cohort meets for 2 hours each week.                                      

6.   Each school day begins with all students, teachers, and other school personnel singing and dancing for 20 to 30 minutes each morning. Parents may join in.

7.    The primary concern for administrators is keeping students home when sick.

John nodded and said, “Wow, that sounds like a very positive and kind place to be with others. Each school would have about 250 students. That’s more than all the people of all ages here in Nazareth. And what is holding it back? It sounds like a wonderful plan.” Mary, Ruth, and Joshua all nodded.

“First is the centuries-old belief in an educational philosophy that is built on the idea that children must be ‘made’ to learn and even forced, with punishment, if necessary.”

Mary immediately spoke up, “I totally disagree with that philosophy, and your children should be thankful for such an opportunity. Jesus thought that all children everywhere wanted to learn and just needed to be taught to read, write, and do mathematics. He also thought that the Roman rulers and even the Jewish semi-rulers wanted them to remain ignorant so they would be subservient. Do your upper class still want your children to be ignorant?”

“They say that they do not, but they  just want to learn ideas and principles to help them be hard workers.”

John asked, “And do the places where they work treat them well?” I told him that some employers did and some did not and that it depended a lot on how many needed jobs at any one time. And with that, I vanished … Now, please.

Continue to open your heart and mind, study many menus, and then choose to enjoy the banquet of life.

MY VISIT TO THE DEVINE TRINITY – Don Hanley’s blog #75

Last night, I had a delightful experience meeting with the Devine, at least audibly, as often displayed by many 21st-century believers. And now I want to share it with my Nazarene friends:

First, I heard a voice say, “Don, we’re trying to get your attention with what we hoped would be an adventurous trip to enlightenment. We're not sure you were getting it, so we decided to find out if you would hear our words. So . . . ”

I interrupted the voice, “I hear you. or at least a voice. Who is the ‘we’?”

“Perhaps ‘we’ is misleading as we are truly just one, and I’ll name them God, Allah, and Yahweh. Or perhaps you would prefer Spirit or Holy Spirit. We have been ‘in’ and ‘with’ you and all of creation forever. Only recently have you humans had the gift of mindful thinking and reflection on all that is. Think of us; we’re calling ourselves a Trinity, as the divine Spirit that enriches and enlightens all of creation – we are the Council of All That Is. Some of your more semi-enlightened humans managed to minimize us as small-minded gods that must be worshiped and adored. We desire to manifest our loving power in all our creation. “  

I continued, puzzled, “I thought I was doing that over the last ten years. Am I failing to get it done?”

I thought I heard a bit of chuckling and then, “Well, Don, we like this blog thing you are doing, and you’re telling everyone about your visiting Jesus’s Mom, Mary, and the apostle John, and that delightful young couple, Joshua and Ruth, but we fear that people will think they are just the ramblings of a doddering old man.

Be more forceful about the so-called Holy Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Of course, you say that God is the Father, but the Son, Jesus, is Our Son, just as you are – and every other human male and all the human females are our Daughters. And we do not care what you call us – and it is horrible that you humans fight, wage war, and even kill one another over which group is saying and shouting the correct thing. Perhaps we were wrong to tell you that we -Allah, God, and Yahweh - are the Trinity. Jesus, while he was walking on earth, was one of our greatest and most enlightened teachers and messengers. Look what happened to Him! He was murdered at the insistence of a faction of his so-called people!” The voice stopped, I think, to make sure I had time to let it sink in.

Then the voice of my ‘new’ Trinity continued: “There have been many other very enlightened messengers. There were Mohandas Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Albert Einstein, Carl Jung, and others in your own time. Many others mixed up their organization with our message that we wish for everyone everywhere to be loving and connecting beings caring for one another. Don, do you get this?”

Of course, I said, “Yes!”.

My Nazarene family stayed awake while I read my notes about this entire interview, and I asked, “Mary and John, would Jesus agree with all of this?” They nodded, and John and Mary said, “Definitely—that is Jesus’s message!” And I joyously disappeared. 

Please open your heart and mind and love everyone. Don’t eat the menu; participate in the banquet of life!

SEARCHING FOR A SAVIOR- Don Hanley’s blog #72

I suppose that many, if not most, nonagenarians find themselves reminiscing about their years roaming around on this little planet of ours. Of course, I do. One of the many ideas that I learned and held on to, and feel ashamed that I did, was the belief that one must be baptized a Catholic Christian if I, or anyone, wished to go to heaven. There was no word about becoming a loving person. Of course, that is ridiculous, but I’m sure many thousands (millions??) continue to believe this. And many other Christian believers hold similar beliefs. I was in my 30s when I finally realized that idea was ridiculous. How in the world could a loving God create intelligent – at least in some ways - humans and then demand that they learn and accept certain beliefs to be with Him (never even considering that God is a Her) in heaven?)

I wanted to talk to John and Mary about this. I didn’t have to wait long. Mary, John, and Joshua were sitting in Mary’s flower garden. John gave me his more comfortable chair, and I was grateful. Mary looked at me and said, “Don, you look inquisitive and maybe even guilty. Tell us what’s going on with you.”

“Well, I’m ashamed to tell you that I was taught many wr0ng-headed things as I grew up in a family of devout Catholic Christians. One teaching that particularly bothered me was that only baptized Catholics could be with God our Father. when we die. All others would go to purgatory, limbo, or hell. The church leaders, the pope, bishops, and priests all claimed that the Church’s teachings came from Jesus before he died. I was looking forward to talking to you all about what Jesus taught. What did the Mosaic tradition say about this salvation thing?”

Mary and Joshua turned to John, and he said, “First, I want to repeat what I have already told you all, and that is that Jesus only stated that if we wish to be with Yahweh, our Father, we must love one another as He has loved us. And now that he has been crucified, we know that the ultimate sacrifice is to even die for our loving rather than stop loving. And He meant this for every human in our world.  He repeatedly said, "It is not an exclusive club or set of beliefs; it is based on our love – not on what we believe. And I am not anyone’s savior – each one of us is responsible for saving ourselves by being loving human persons." I don’t think Jesus could have made it any clearer. Now, Don, what is going on in your century that this is still a question?”

I don’t think John meant to put me down, but I felt scolded and like a complete dummy. I thought of the bookstore racks displaying books entitled COMPUTERS FOR DUMMIES, SMARTPHONES FOR DUMMIES,  and many more.  We need a book entitled SALVATION FOR DUMMIES. After that brief reflection, I said, “Yes, I’m afraid it is still a question. My own Catholic Church states that we have been told that  is an absolute 'trruth", and we must believe all  church 'truths' and keep all the rules of the church or CHURCH if we want to go to heaven. Another sect even condemns dancing. For many years, I believed everyone was judged by how well they kept the church's commandments. I knew a wonderfully loving and intelligent man who had five children and did not make love with his wife because it would jeopardize her health - her life even - if she were to get pregnant again. I tried to convince him that I was sure God did not operate that way. He said he knew that intellectually but remained fearful anyway. I hated it that fear overcame love and joy.”

Mary immediately jumped in, “Now, Don, I want to join in here and be absolute, too. I am sure that Jesus did NOT, in any way, condemn people for doing what they believe will help keep them physically healthy and emotionally joyous and loving.”… and with that positive note, I disappeared. Now . . . 

Ponder the joy of being your own savior and read a few prominent menus but eat the banquet joyfully.

DOES GOD CREATE EVIL? - Don Hanley’s blog #70

I just read a brief biography of St. Paul of Tarsus, which stated that Paul had witnessed the stoning to death of St. Stephen the Apostle by one of the Jewish factions operating under the rule of the Roman Empire. This worried me about the depth of Paul’s conversion to become a faithful follower of Jesus. I believe Paul was the mastermind who helped make Jesus’s mission an organized religion with its many rules and absolute beliefs. I wanted to talk to my Nazarene ‘family’ about this.

When I arrived back at Mary’s flower garden, I was glad to see that John and Joshua were the only ones there. John immediately said, “Oh, Don, I’m glad to see you. I hope you can help us with a profound question Joshua asked me.” 

I replied, “And I have one for you, too. So, you go first.”

“Joshua just heard the story of how one of Jesus’s followers, Stephen, was stoned to death at the hands of one of the Jewish factions for being blasphemous when he called Jesus a prophet and possibly the Son of Yahweh. It takes a great deal of murderous rage by quite a few people to stone a person to death, as I’m sure you know. So, this raises several questions for Joshua and, really, for all of us. Why does God create and allow evil? And, after allowing or creating it, why does He not stop it when it begins or is happening? And how could Jesus say that God is love if this happens? Now, what do you say about all this?” 

I was amazed that John’s questions were, in essence, the same as mine. It also added more about the depth of Paul’s conversion to becoming a follower of Jesus. “This is amazing, John. I wondered about Paul’s understanding of Jesus’s teaching about love and life. I had just read about Stephen having been stoned to death and that it was at the hands of some Jewish believers and not by the Romans, and John was there when it happened. The article did not say whether or not Paul participated in the stoning or approved of it, but he did nothing to stop it.  We saw Mary leave Joshua and Ruth’s house and head our way. “John, did Jesus ever mention that Yahweh did or did not intervene in his creation?”

“I don’t recall him ever calling it that, but he often would say something like this: “We don’t know how Yahweh relates to all creation.  Let’s ask Mary when she gets here?” 

Mary welcomed me warmly and sat down after kissing me on the forehead. She looked around at the three of us and said, “Now you all look worried; what is it?” We told her, and she replied, “I remember him once saying that Yahweh must be asleep when we were returning from Jerusalem and seeing a row of men having been crucified and were hanging beside the road. He was trying to make light of it but was crying copiously as he said this. Later, we talked about the horror of men, both Jewish, Romans, and everyone who tortured and killed others. At other times, he insisted that our human mandate was to care for one another and all of creation, never harm them.” 

We all nodded, and John asked me what Christians were saying in the 21st. Century. I responded. “Too many continued to say that evil things happened because humans sinned. Many said that humans just did bad things because they had not been ‘saved’ by being baptized and having faith in Jesus.” I added, “And many are turning away from all religions who believe in a personal god that intervenes in our lives and acts like a puppeteer and constantly manipulates us and our reality. I like the ideas of a modern 20^th-century Jewish thinker named Albert Einstein, who stated that he believes we must believe in God so that we do not become mechanical robots.” I took some time to tell them about robots. “Einstein says that love, and therefore God, is a kind of gravity and is a force or compelling energy that holds everything together – and we humans are the one part of our present civilization that must choose to help connect this positive growth and to do it together with other humans.” 

Mary nodded and said, “I don’t quite understand this Einstein fellow, but I like the idea that we must connect to create a better world. Jesus would like that, too."

John added, “This love gravity force we have must be very powerful to hold everything together, and that doesn’t answer whether or not Yahweh creates some people to be evil.”

“The article I read about Einstein’s thinking didn’t directly give us an answer, but, as you said, John, it takes a great deal of evil or evil power to stone a person to death. We have, I believe, a great deal of power, and we can choose to use it in evil ways such as engage in wars and kill people, or enslave people, and hurt people in many ways.”

Mary added, “And punish children when we declare we are ‘just’ teaching them proper behavior. I think Paul was punished that way when he was a child. I hope he revisits us some time; I would like to discuss whether God creates evil with him. I would say that God creates the energy we possess, and we must decide how to use it. Of course, my son, Jesus, taught me repeatedly that we must love one another. And, of course, he was willing to die for that belief!” She stopped and allowed herself to cry. And I was crying too as I disappeared. Now . . . 

“Ask yourself if you are keeping an open heart and working to connect with others, not eating the menu but enjoying the banquet.” 

JESUS AND THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF PEOPLE - Don Hanley’s blog #69

Leo Tolstoy, author of WAR AND PEACE, stated that the leader of any country reflects the consciousness of the people of that country. Consciousness is how people of that country act, think, and move about in this world. That is why I’m now worried about my country, the United States of America, which just elected a man who, I believe, is a bully and mean-spirited fellow who doesn’t seem to care about others. And I think that we, I mean all of my fellow citizens in our 21^st century, are doing something similar with our insistence that we must take care of ourselves and not worry or be bothered by what others think or NEED. 

I wonder if Jesus was thinking similarly as he repeatedly said that we must believe and love others and ‘love’ ourselves. I look forward to discussing this with Mary, John, and the others when we meet again.

And I didn’t have to wait long. Mary, John, Joshua, and Julie were joyfully chatting in Mary’s flower garden. After hugging and kissing all around, I told the little gathering about Tolstoy’s ideas about leaders. All four adults began thinking about these ideas as Ruth breastfed Izzy – i.e., Isiah. I had introduced the name ‘Izzy’ a few weeks earlier when I mentioned I had a teacher named Isiah, and we called him Izzy. Ruth and Joshus liked it. Ruth left us to put Izzy to bed and stayed there with him.

John looked thoughtful as he said, “I like your Tolstoy and believe it is true. Does he say anything about the leader needing people who are very needy and dependent?”

“It has been long since I’ve read Tolstoy, but I believe he did. And that would explain why people here in Judea clamored for Jesus to be their savior and why Hitler, Lenin, and our new 21^st-century leader all said they were going to take care of everyone.” Mary, Josua, and John all shook their heads.

John said, “Jesus often said that the various Jewish leaders, whether they are Pharisees, Sadducees, or whatever, had so many devoted followers – who did not know that they had the power to know and understand themselves and had the freedom to choose what kind of laws they needed and wanted to follow. And, he would always add that whatever they chose to believe and to believe in, it must be life-giving and loving and that each one, in connection with others, has the power to make it so.”

Mary added, “Jesus insisted on this from when he was a small child.” She chuckled and said, “Joseph and I didn’t know what he was talking about, but we kept listening to him and learning. We had learned that all we needed to do was follow what was taught by the leaders – and we needed to be with one of the groups, like the Pharisees or Sadducees or whomever.  To my knowledge, no one told us we should think for ourselves first.”

John grinned, saying, “That would take everyone away from them. Don, will this new leader of yours try to do that?”

“He’s going to try. Our country’s founding fathers …” 

Mary interrupted me, “Why didn’t they include some women - some founding mothers? They would have made it even better, no?”

“If it happened in our current 21^st century, they could have, and it would have made it better. Even as it was, the founding fathers wrote in the Constitution of our country three branches of government that needed to cooperate to take care of governing business. And Mary. did you and Joseph belong to any of the many groups of Jews here in Judea?” 

“No, we did not. Before Jesus was old enough to get us to thinking, we just followed the other Jews who followed the Mosaic laws – rather obediently, I guess you’d say. Looking back, I guess you would call us no-brainer faithful Jews.” She chuckled. “Jesus made us thoughtful Jews, and we began to do things and believe things only if they made sense and were what Jesus called life-giving.”

“I guess my parents and my family could have been called ‘no-brainer Catholic Christians’, and I think most of what they did was life-giving, too.”

John had been listening carefully and said, “I suppose this newly elected fellow believes that he is the 21^st century ‘Anointed One’ who will take care of you all.” I nodded and said, “I’m afraid so.” And with that, I disappeared …Now

“Keep an open and hopeful heart and mind, and don’t eat the menu and enrich the banquet of your life.”