Friday's Church: Santa Maria Maggiore, Bergamo, Italy

Thursday's Biblical Recipe: Lentil Stew

 

• 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro (coriander), divided
• 3 carrots
• 3 celery stalks, including leaves
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 2 cups dry red lentils
• 1/4 cup pearl barley
• 2 qts. vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp hyssop or parsley
• 1/2 tsp sumac (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Servings: 6

 

Roughly chop the cilantro. Scrub the carrots, then cut them into chunks (do not peel). Cut celery into chunks, including leaves. Reserve.

In a medium sized soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and saute till translucent.

Add garlic, carrot chunks, and celery. Continue to saute till onion turns golden and ingredients begin to caramelize. Add red lentils and barley to the pot, stir. Cover mixture with 2 qts. of broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. Add 1/4 cup of the fresh cilantro to the pot along with the cumin, hyssop or parsley, sumac (optional) and bay leaf; stir.

Cover the pot and let the stew simmer slowly for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until barley is tender and the stew is thickened.

At the end of cooking, season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish bowls of stew with the remaining fresh cilantro. Serve as a one pot meal or with a side of sliced bread.

Wednesday's Art: "The Last Supper" by Ivan Guaderrama

Tuesday's Wave

“I would rather feel compassion than know the meaning of it." - St. Thomas Aquinas

Remember to click on the advert below.  You don't have to buy anything, just click on it and the parish will earn a donation.  Thus far, we've earned $4.12, minus the 28% that goes to gov. Malloy.

Princeton University, The Arch

Relax, Let The Professionals Handle The Guns

Unarmed man, looking for help after wreck, shot by police 

and

Cops shoot two bystanders on Broadway

This Week's Feast Days

September 17: Hildegard of Bingen [1098-1179]

  One of the most significant women in the history of Medieval Christianity and certainly deserving of a date on the feast calendar [even if her inclusion did appease one of the many political sub-divisions in the Episcopal Church].  This quotation sums up her theology rather nicely:

"Listen: there was once a king sitting on his throne. Around him stood great and wonderfully beautiful columns ornamented with ivory, bearing the banners of the king with great honor. Then it pleased the king to raise a small feather from the ground, and he commanded it to fly. The feather flew, not because of anything in itself but because the air bore it along. Thus am I, a feather on the breath of God."

While she is primarily recognized for her visions, she was also one of the most educated women of her time and contributed mightily to the life of the mind on which Anglican/Episcopal Christianity is centered.

More of her may be read here.

God of all times and seasons: Give us grace that we, after the example of your servant Hildegard, may both know and make known the joy and jubilation of being part of your creation, and show forth your glory not only with our lips but in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

September 18: Edward Bouverie Pusey [1800-1882]



There was quite a dispute within the Church of England in the early 19th century.  To make a long, involved story terribly short, the "high church" elements that had been brutally eradicated some 300 years before were beginning to make a comeback, especially as many of the younger clergy found value in acts of obvious devotion.  These included, but are not limited to, anything to appears to a newcomer to our own parish as "catholic" in nature. 

This came to be called the Oxford Movement.  If you click on the link, you may read a brief history of the event written by my favorite writer.

Since young clergy are often ignored, they needed some senior members of the Holy Orders to speak for them in the halls of power.  One of them was Pusey, who was, up to that point, a rather fussy, dusty professor of Hebrew.  Many were surprised to discover that, when facing a challenge, he was also a bit of a fire-eater.

More of him and his compatriots may be found here.

Grant, O God, that in all time of our testing we may know your presence and obey your will; that, following the example of your servant Edward Bouverie Pusey, we may with integrity and courage accomplish what you give us to do, and endure what you give us to bear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

September 19: Theodore of Tarsus [602-690]



It's hard to believe that what drove the first and hardest fissure into Christianity was a dispute over how to calculate the date of Easter, but that was the case.  This dispute festered for some centuries until The Great Schism between the Eastern and Western traditions was realized in 1054.  In its earliest rumblings, much of the dispute was made dormant by the sagacity of a monk who, through sheer happenstance, became the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Bishop of Rome was to appoint a new Archbishop, you see, but the candidate died from an illness contracted while travelling from England to Rome.  The Pope then chose an older candidate [65] from the hometown of St. Paul.  An unusual choice, many thought, but one that proved to be perfect.

Much more of Theodore may be read of here.  Please do so, as it's a good story.

Almighty God, you called your servant Theodore of Tarsus from Rome to the see of Canterbury, and gave him gifts of grace and wisdom to establish unity where there had been division, and order where there had been chaos: Create in your Church, by the operation of the Holy Spirit, such godly union and concord that it may proclaim, both by word and example, the Gospel of the Prince of Peace; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

September 20: John Coleridge Patteson [1827-1871]



A martyr, although in an indirect manner.  Nevertheless, through his sacrifice, Bishop Patteson helped to end the illegal slave trade in the Pacific islands.  More of his life and death may be read of directly here and less so here.

Almighty God, you called your faithful servant John Coleridge Patteson and his companions to be witnesses and martyrs in the islands of Melanesia, and by their labors and sufferings raised up a people for your own possession: Pour out your Holy Spirit upon your Church in every land, that by the service and sacrifice of many, your holy Name may be glorified and your kingdom enlarged; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

September 22: Philander Chase [1775-1852]



Chase's story is rather typical for an Episcopal cleric of his generation, at least in terms of background and opportunity.  Like John Henry Hobart from last week's feast days, Chase's career crosses historical paths with my own.

He was born in New Hampshire and educated at Dartmouth [Boo.  Go Princeton Tigers.]  He left the Congregational Church [yay] to become an Episcopalian and shortly afterwards read for Holy Orders.  His career, by all accounts, was peripatetic from that point forward, including starting the first Episcopal Church in New Orleans and serving as the rector of Christ Church in Hartford*.  [Christ Church in Hartford is currently the cathedral of our diocese.]

While establishing a parish and school in Worthington, Ohio [my Dad's hometown], he was called to become the first bishop of Ohio [my home and sponsoring diocese at the beginning of my career].  Among other accomplishments, Chase founded Kenyon College [my niece's alma mater] and it's divinity school [which, if it's still in existence, moved to Rochester, NY sometime in the late 1970's or early 80's].

Much more of him may be read here.

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith: We give you heartfelt thanks for the pioneering spirit of your servant Philander Chase, and for his zeal in opening new frontiers for the ministry of your Church. Grant us grace to minister in Christ's name in every place, led by bold witnesses to the Gospel of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

[*An annoying footnote.  I once mentioned to a bishop that Chase should be placed on the feast calendar and that his nomination could be made by Connecticut, as he was once a rector in Hartford.  The bishop, who was against including any more "straight, white men" on the calendar responded, "No, he wasn't."  After I sent him all of the historical information about Chase's position in Hartford, including those taken from the archives of the diocese, he stopped talking to me.  My next job was in another diocese.  Ah, the church.  If we learn anything from the witness of Pusey above, it's that one may love the church more than it loves you.

Anyway, I'm happy to say that Philander Chase is now on the calendar.  That's all that really matters.]

Big Deal. We've Been Doing That At Our Church For Four Years Now

Pet cemeteries will now accept human remains for burial alongside beloved family pets

But They Won't Touch Even One Of Their 958 Administrators

"Indiana University, which currently spends $215 million a year on health care, will shift 50 maintenance and custodial employees to an outside contractor that will hire them and will manage their hours. According to Indiana’s WRTV, the university is doing so to avoid paying for health insurance for the workers...."

God Is Good

New aquifers found in desert-dry region of Kenya

A Quiet, Yet Seminal Moment In Human Achievement

Voyager 1 becomes first human-made object to leave solar system

This Shouldn't Have Made Me Laugh, But I Did Own One Of Those Things And, Yes, We Kept It In The Laundry Room

Sad news: The inventor of the Nordic track has died. Mourners will hang their clothes on his coffin.
— HowardMortman (@HowardMortman) September 13, 2013

Rather Than A Lawsuit, I'd Rather Have The Right To Deliver One Good Punch

State Takes Baby for First 75 Days of the Baby’s Life, Because of Mother’s Use of Poppy Seed Dressing

I have a concern, based on historcial events in our nation's culture, that the recent high-handedness of government officials, aided by an immense and contradictory body of laws, will eventually result in extra-legal violence.  The only positive aspect is that extra-legal violence sometimes serves as a corrective to authoritarian overzealousness.

Friday's Church: All Saints' Chapel, University of the South

The University of the South, commonly called "Sewanee" after the town in Tennessee where it is located, is the premier Episcopal Church university in the United States and hosts, among other professional schools, St. Luke's School of Theology.  Remember now, this is merely a university chapel.

Some more views:

Thursday's Biblical Recipe: Basai Badawi (Onions with Lentils, Nuts, and Fruit)

4 large onions (Spanish onions are ideal) ½ cup red lentils, cooked salt and pepper to taste ¾ cup plain yogurt 2 Tbsp. dates, finely chopped 2 Tbsp. walnuts, chopped 1 Tbsp. raisins or sultanas 2 Tbsp. bread crumbs 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Peel the onions (do not cut off the ends) and place them in a large pan of boiling water. Reduce the heat and let them simmer for 15–20 minutes, covered, until they are fairly tender. When they are ready, take them out and set aside to cool. Using a knife and fork, carefully remove the top of each onion and trim the base. Remove the center section of the onion, leaving a shell about ¾″ thick. In a bowl, mix together the lentils, salt, pepper, yogurt, dates, walnuts, raisins or sultanas, and bread crumbs. Fill the onions with this mixture. Keep any filling that remains and mix it with the chopped discarded onion centers. Place the filled onions in an oven-proof dish, spoon any remaining mixture around them, and cook for about 20 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve with bulgur or “red” rice.

It makes about 4 normal sized servings.

Something For Today

I dislike running on the boardwalk; I always get blisters when I do, which is something that doesn't happen on the roads around Roxbury or on the gym's treadmill.  But, in a stray 36 hours, when I had already spent four hours in the water getting smashed into by large waves, and occasionally getting the better of them, I also wanted an hour to wring out my muscles by jogging the 2 and 1/2 miles of boards and back again.

But something caught my eye this week, because it was unusual and unexpected.

Along the ocean side of the boardwalk are benches; some face the ocean but most face the boardwalk itself.  I've sat on those benches through the decades, as a kid waiting with my Dad and sister while my mother spent time in one of the shops, while holding hands and eating ice cream cones with a teenage sweetheart, or when shaking the sand out of my wetsuit after a day in the surf.  Each bench has been sponsored by or for a person or family; their names are found on bronze plaques bolted to the center of the benches' backrests.  Some include the birth and death dates of the honoree, others carry quotations either from that person or meaningful to them.  Some are funny; some are touching.  They have been on the benches for decades now and I really don't notice them anymore.

But as I ran by the Wonderland amusement pier, which marks the ocean end of the street on which I spent my childhood summers, I noticed red, white, and blue paper stars and glittery pinwheels taped to one of the benches across from where the bumper cars and shooting gallery used to be.

It's rare in that fresh and near-constant ocean breeze for such fragile items to be found.  I stopped and discovered a plaque dedicated to one of the victims of the atrocity that is remembered today.  It is, as I have since discovered, one of four benches so dedicated and one woman, while a stranger to all four victims, has seized a particular sense of propriety with them and decorates these benches each year.  It is a remarkable gesture and a wonderfully touching witness.  The simplicity of the decorations speaks with greater resonance than the formalized gestures of some of our more cynical politicians or the media's use of "mourn porn" to sell their advertisers' merchandise.

More of this woman and her story, and the stories of those remembered on the benches, may be found here: Ocean City's 9/11 Benches: 'It’s My Duty to See That People Notice'

From Something I Copied Into A Notebook Some Nine Or So Years Ago

Forgetfulness occurs when those who have been long inured to civilized order can no longer remember a time in which they had to wonder whether their crops would grow to maturity without being stolen or their children sold into slavery by a victorious foe.…

They forget that in time of danger, in the face of the Enemy, they must trust and confide in each other, or perish.They forget, in short, that there has ever been a category of human experience called the Enemy. And that, before 9/11, was what had happened to us. The very concept of the Enemy had been banished from our moral and political vocabulary. An enemy was just a friend we hadn’t done enough for — yet.

Or perhaps there had been a misunderstanding, or an oversight on our part — something that we could correct. And this means that that our first task is that we must try to grasp what the concept of the Enemy really means.The Enemy is someone who is willing to die in order to kill you. And while it is true that the Enemy always hates us for a reason — it is his reason, and not ours.

Wednesday's Art: Stained Glass Astronaut

A detail from the stained glass at Grace Episcopal Cathedral in San Francisco, which also includes in another window Albert Einstein and his famous equation.

Tuesday's Wave

“I didn’t go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.” - C.S. Lewis

Surf Ford

This Week's Feast Days

September 10th: Alexander Crummell [1819-1898]

Crummell was the founder of the Union of Black Episcopalians.  Shortly after being educated by the Episcopal Church of the United States he moved to the Church of England.  After being further educated by the C. of E., he moved to Liberia, where he hoped to become the bishop/president of a black Christian republic.  That didn't work out, so he then moved back to the United States, where he worked as a parish priest in the District of Columbia. 

He left behind little written work; no scholarly articles of his are available, or even listed, online.  A half-dozen or so of his sermons are to be found, though.  The best known is probably "Common Sense in Common Schooling", based on Proverbs 9: 12.  If it appears to be more of a speech than a sermon, understand that was Crummell's style and was reflective of the standard of his age.

At the request of the UBE and its supporters, Crummell was added to the calendar in 1994.

Almighty and everlasting God, we thank you for your servant Alexander Crummell, whom you called to preach the Gospel to those who were far off and to those who were near. Raise up in this and every land evangelists and heralds of your kingdom, that your Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.


September 12: John Henry Hobart [1775-1830]



Without too much debate, Hobart is considered by many as the greatest churchman of his generation.  Certainly, without his endeavors, neither I nor half of my family would have received the formal education that we have enjoyed.

From the Diocese of Central New York's website:

After the American Revolution and the Independence of the United States, the Episcopal Church, under public suspicion in many quarters because of its previous association with the British government, did very little for about twenty years. John Hobart was one of the men who changed this.

John Henry Hobart was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 14 September 1775, the son of a ship's captain. He was educated at the University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University, ordained deacon in 1798 and priest in 1801. Called as assistant minister to Trinity Church, New York, in 1803, at age 36 he was elected assistant bishop of the diocese in 1811, becoming diocesan in 1816.

To look at John Henry Hobart, you wouldn't have predicted greatness. Height always distinguishes, and he was notably short. Blessed with attractive blue eyes, he was nearsighted and forced to wear thick glasses. In an age of marmoreal gestures in the pulpit, he was melodramatic. At a time of dignified eloquence, he spoke rapidly, with emotion. When most men were reserved, even with their families, he was warm, whether with ambassadors or farmers, to the point of being thought odd.

Most bishops were content if they bestirred themselves for episcopal acts a hundred miles from home. Hobart had the energy of ten men: horses dropped under his exertions and he thought nothing of a winter visitation of 2,000 miles in western New York or 4,000 at a more seasonal time.

Early in his career he tackled publicly issues still dubious in the American mind: episcopacy and apostolic succession, arguably besting in print a redoubtable Presbyterian opponent.

He founded two institutions: a college in Geneva (later Hobart College) and General Theological Seminary in New York City, breaking his health to get both off the ground.

He not only looked after the Diocese of New York (46,000 square miles and virtual wilderness west and north of Albany) he served as rector of Trinity Parish, the wealthiest and most influential church in the country. Agreeing to oversee the diocese of Connecticut, since its high- and low-church party roils had prevented the election of a bishop, he covered its parishes more thoroughly than any bishop ever had. New Jersey, similarly bishopless, appealed to him, and he looked after it as well.

He knew all the clergy in the Church generally and in his own diocese intimately. He was aware of their background, remembered their families, forgave their frailties, and appreciated their strengths. He watched over his candidates for Holy Orders with a paternal interest, meeting with them weekly.

His instinct for politics never overrode his principles. Once convinced of the rightness of his position, no wave of unpopularity would budge him. His friends adored him and even his enemies credited him with frankness and fearlessness. He held no grudges and played no games, two qualities that endeared him to many. In a turbulent New York State election for governor, a common saying was that only Hobart would have been easily elected.

He took 26 clergy at the beginning of his episcopate in 1811 and quintupled them to 133 by his death; watched the number of parishes increase from about 50 to almost 170; and confirmed roughly 15,000.

This lovable, indefatigable, type-A bishop went virtually nonstop from his ordination until his death. The only surprise was that he didn't die sooner. At midnight, September 7, 1830, a young clergyman rode in a stage through Auburn on his way to Binghamton. Passing the rectory of St. Peter's Church, he was puzzled to see a light so late. He rapped for the stage to stop and soon learned from the rector, John Rudd, that Bishop Hobart was ill. Francis Cumming remained to assist in any way he could.

Hobart's illness wasn't that surprising. Troubled for years with what was most likely a bleeding ulcer, with rest and medication he would generally rebound. In Auburn he had preached and confirmed and other than a slight cold, seemed fine. But soon the serious nature of his attack became clear and he cancelled the remainder of his visitation. Over the next few days, he frequently requested to hear portions of Lancelot Andrewes's litany, in which he would join.

The third bishop of New York is buried under the chancel of Trinity Church, New York.

Revive your Church, Lord God of hosts, whenever it falls into complacency and sloth, by raising up devoted leaders, like your servant John Henry Hobart whom we remember this day; and grant that their faith and vigor of mind may awaken your people to your message and their mission; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.


September 13: St. Cyprian of Carthage [c. 250-258]



Two years after he was baptized, Cyprian became the bishop of Carthage in northern Africa.  Yes, they did things rather quickly in the 3rd century.  During a vicious persecution by the Roman emperor, Cyprian, rather than face certain death by creative torture, "bravely ran away".  [With apologies to Monty Python for that paraphrase from "...and the Holy Grail."]

He received much criticism for this, yet remained a bishop and served as a champion for those who had recanted their faith rather than face their own slaughter and that of their nearest and dearest.  Cyprian prescribed both a form of probation and some direct penance for those who wished to rejoin the flock.  What he prescribed for himself is not known by the sources I consulted. 

As was common for clergy of his day, he was involved in various theological disputes, more of which may be read of here.

When the second wave of persecutions came, Cyprian did not adjourn to the hills, as it were, but instead faced his persecutors and paid the martyr's price for such defiance. 

Almighty God, who gave to your servant Cyprian boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

When Haven't They?

American Schools Are Failing Nonconformist Kids.

This May Explain Something

Modern parenting may hinder brain development, research shows

To The Govt, Not Believing In Religion Is...A Religion

DOJ Declares Atheism A “Religious Movement”, Eligible For Religious Tax Exemptions

This is an interesting decision, especially since real parishes are getting pressure about paying taxes on everything including the worship buildings themselves.

Friday's Church: Quarry Chapel At Kenyon College

Although, like Trinity College in Hartford, Kenyon College in Ohio takes great pains to pretend that it has no affiliation with the Episcopal Church [or with Christianity at all], it is one of the handful of Episcopal colleges in the United States.  It was also the loving creation of one of the most powerful and prolific of the church's early clergymen, Philander Chase, of whom we have written before in The Coracle.  His feast day is upcoming on September 22nd.

So serious was Chase about providing Christian witness on the frontier that he imported English stonemasons to build the college.  They stayed and their immediate descendants built this chapel.  More of the chapel may be found at this link.

Thursday's Bible Recipe: Goat's Milk and Pomegranate Syrup Torte

2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
¼ cup light olive oil
¼ cup sunflower oil
½ cup beer
1½ cups creamy goat cheese (or sheep's milk cheese)
¾ cup pomegranate juice
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. ground mastic
½ tsp. ground allspice
2 eggs ground nutmeg

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl combine the flour with the baking powder. Add the oils and beer and mix briefly by hand into a soft, oily dough. (If it becomes too soft to handle, add a bit more flour to your hands and knead again.) Work the dough mixture into a ball; cover and set aside for 10 minutes or so. Take the dough and flatten it with both hands. Place in a baking pan with a removable bottom and press it evenly against the bottom surface as well as up the sides. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover the pan, prick the dough all over with a fork, and bake for 15–20 minutes more. (The crust should look slightly browned.) Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. In the meantime, combine the cheese, pomegranate juice, vanilla extract, mastic, and allspice in a blender until smooth. Add the eggs and blend again. Pour into the prepared crust and even out the surface with an icing spatula or flat spoon. Bake for approximately 30 minutes. While still warm, sprinkle with a bit of ground nutmeg. Let cool before serving.

This Means Big Waves In Jersey Next Week

...TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS SOUTH OF PUERTO RICO...

Pure Genius [And Some Athletic Skill, Too]

This Is Worth Reading

Where is religious left on religious liberty issues?

Wednesday's Art: "Crucifixion" by Grunwald

A close up, which nicely displays the artist's technique in full.

Oh? Quelle surprise!

Slate Magazine: The anti-war movement was really just anti-Republican

This is the problem when the leadership of the Episcopal Church takes sides in secular political ideology.  Since the United States is divided fairly evenly between the two political parties, to support one half of the nation against the other half, dress it up as an "anti-war" theology, and sprinkle it with spiritual condescension, means that the Episcopal Church appears to disdain half of its potential membership.

I won't get into how it also is a violation of the Gospel teaching, as I think the link presents enough of a challenge to my fellow clergy.

"Get your foot off of that desk, you gormless undergrad."

So once said my favorite professor to a fellow student in the university library, as I was reminded when I saw this photo of the current occupant of the White House placing his sole on that fantastic and historical piece of craftsmanship.  That desk, a gift of Queen Victoria, has been around so long that it has a name, "Resolute".  Its fascinating history may be found by following the link.  It has been there through the terms of Presidents Kennedy, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush, and Obama*, and will, if treated correctly, be there through many, many more administrations.

*It was removed after Kennedy's assassination then eventually returned to the Oval Office by Carter.

Tuesday's Wave

"We may pass violets looking for roses. We may pass contentment looking for victory."

 ~Bern Williams

And, In The Gun Controlled Paradise That Is Bloomberg's NYC

Seventeen people shot at in a four-hour wave of violence. One fatality in the Bronx.

YES!!!!!!!!!

BREAKING: 64yr old @diananyad has successfully completed the 110-mile swim from Cuba to Key West on her 5th attempt pic.twitter.com/bcoh93KslA

— Herbie Pallotta (@Herbie) September 2, 2013

We Are Currently Rooting For The Princeton Club's Former Squash Pro

Diana Nyad in homestretch on way from Cuba to Fla.

Huntington Beach, 1957; Before The Surfers Invaded

This summer, in their post-surfer reality:

Meanwhile, In My Home State Of Ohio...

Robber Hit Clerk With Bible

This Week's Feast Day Of Note

September 4th: Paul Jones, Bishop of Utah -

Jones was the bishop of Utah during the First World War. He was a pacifist who well-represented that demographic in the Episcopal Church. He resigned as bishop the year of US entry into WWI, feeling that his theological perspective was insufficiently supported by his diocese and the greater church. After leaving the see of Utah, he continued to work for peace for two decades until his death a few months before Pearl Harbor.

There are some representations of his life available, mainly composed by those strongly opposed to war in any circumstance, even the Augustinian notion of "just war", that prefer to present the resigned Jones as a victim of the powerful, wealthy, and war-mongering. I'm particularly amused by the notion that he was "silenced" once he resigned as diocesan bishop. As one remains a bishop for life, it is not as if his ordination was negated or that his membership in the House of Bishops ceased.

Certainly, as anyone who has ever spent even a millisecond near the echelons of power in the Episcopal Church knows, there is absolutely no such thing as a silent bishop.

[I also reject the notion, common to Jones' biographies, that only bishops have a voice and the rest of us are relegated to silence. Really, is that what Jesus taught us? Please.  There are and have been a great number of influential clergy and laity who were not members of the House of Bishops, yet altered their world for the better.]

It may be heresy to note that Jones was a little vague in his opposition to war from a practical point of view. From one of his sermons before his resignation, he stated that, "I believe most sincerely that German brutality and aggression must be stopped and I am willing, if need be, to give my life and what I possess, to bring that about...I have been led to feel that war is entirely incompatible with the Christian profession. . . Moreover, because Germany has ignored her solemn obligations, Christians are not justified in treating the sermon on the mount as a scrap of paper." [The Witness, March 2002]

You see, I get confused as to how one combats German aggression, even to the point of self-sacrifice, yet not through some type of conflict. Perhaps he meant through prayer alone, although that is usually not a mortal activity. I think some of Jones' contemporaries were confused, too, although it should be noted that history generally states that the majority of his diocesan clergy and laity supported him. If he had been willing to stand up to those who opposed him, odds are he would have been successful and his message made more compelling. However, fighting even the good fight seemed to be something Jones decided to do in a passive manner.

While he was not a martyr, person of letters, mystic, or monastic, and lived a life that was quiet and comfortable, in a nod to the Episcopal Peace Fellowship, which was, in its original form, founded by Bishop Jones, he has been included on the calendar.

Merciful God, you sent your beloved Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Raise up in this and every land witnesses who, after the example of your servant Paul Jones, will stand firm in proclaiming the Gospel of the Prince of Peace, our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

It's Been Almost Forty Years, But This Sure Sounds Familiar

Official: Ship carrying Marines arrive in Med

Yep, whenever the politicians and diplomats fail, a bunch of highly trained young men [and now women] have to fix it with their perspiration and their blood.  Someday in the future those who survive will get an indifferent, yet polite, "thank you" from some civilian who spent his or her life safe.

Thus, warriors throughout history have learned to be content with their own company.

I See That The Civic Program To Boost Hartford's Nightlife Is Working Out

A 21-year-old East Hartford man was shot and killed after a fight inside the downtown Hartford nightclub Up Or On The Rocks.The fight broke out inside the Union Place bar after 12:30 a.m., as it was closing, police said. It moved outside, where the man was shot in the chest.This is the second fatal shooting this month that resulted from a fight inside the bar.

If only our diocese had some association with the city of Hartford that would give them a platform to speak out about the illegal use of guns and the civil causes of violence.  Oh, wait....

Really, New York Times? Hmmm, I'm Guessing The Rules Change According To Which Party Is In The White House

Otherwise, it would be "No Blood for Oil" or something.

Bomb Syria, Even if It Is Illegal

After the September 11 atrocities, a prominent bishop spoke about how we should "Bomb our enemies with love" and send the "war-mongering Republicans" a Christian message.

I can't find any bishop saying anything similar now.  It's at moments like this when I wonder why the church leadership sees our global mission in such a narrow light.

Relax, Let The Professionals Handle The Guns

Man to Sue Police After Being Shot While Walking Home Holding His Shorts

The best quotation: "You can add black underwear to the list of things cops might mistake for a gun."

Useful News

Top 5 Reasons Why Vegan Diets Are a Terrible Idea

Again

Saturated Fat is Not Bad For Your Brain, and You've Been Lied to

I Heard The Sound Of Dozens Of Diocesan Committees Imploding

World Federation of Scientists changes its policy: “Climate change in itself is not a planetary emergency.”

A Bicentennial Celebration Of Note

The Battle Of Lake Erie

Friday's Church: Daytona Beach Drive-In

Yep, it's a former drive-in movie theater converted into an outdoor church.  If you tune your car's radio to 88.1, you can hear the preacher, as seen from the balcony in the photo.  Holy Communion is dispensed by a platoon of sacred ministers from car window to car window.  They have a large congregation with a collection that enables the church to operate without difficulty.  Hmmmm....

Relax, Let The Professionals Handle The Guns

Rival campers who opened fire turn out to be sheriff's deputies

Somebody Get Him An Assault Vest And Parachute

Obama Is Willing to Go It Alone in Syria, Aides Say

Since they haven't said anything about this, I'm assuming the House of Bishops are going to hit the silk with him.  "Stand up, buckle up, shuffle to the door; jump in the sky and shout 'Vox Populi, Vox Deo'."

[Actually, it's "...shout 'Marine Corps!'", but that doesn't fit the notoriously pacifistic clergy.

Well, they're pacifists when it's a Republican in the White House.  They get terribly butch when it's a Democrat.  Maybe they're too busy working on their anti-violence campaign, like our three bishops are.

Yeah, I would think war was violent, but what do I know?]

There Will Be No Living With Her Now

We talk with Amanda about what to wear around NYC, her first 9W experience and much more!

Thursday's Biblical Recipe: Mulukhiya (Middle Eastern Chicken and Greens Soup)

2 frozen packets (1 lb. each) mulukhiya
1 onion, cut in half
½ tsp. salt bay leaf
4–5 cardamom grains
6 large boneless chicken breasts
olive oil
15–20 garlic cloves, crushed
1 Tbsp. dried coriander
1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Place the frozen packets of mulukhiya into a pot of boiling water. Stir until completely thawed. In a separate pot, boil the onion, salt, and bay leaf; toss in cardamom tied in a muslin bag; then add chicken and cook until tender. Remove chicken, cut into small strips, and fry in olive oil. Throw out the bagged cardamom, as it has done its job. Mash the onion and throw it back into the soup, bringing it to a fast boil. Add the now-thawed mulukhiya and simmer for about 5 minutes. Do not overcook, as this will make all the leaves sink to the bottom of the pot; it is essential that they remain floating at or near the top. Mix together the crushed garlic and the dried coriander and fry it in olive oil until it is golden brown. Add to the boiling mulukhiya and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice. Serve in bowls while piping hot.

Makes 4 normal sized servings of approximately 218 calories per cup.

As The Kids Say, This Guy Brings The Boom

Our country dangles on the precipice of starting a third World War. We are on the verge of a completely unnecessary conflict where the United States will fight along side Al Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood. This, in another day and age, might earn the crown as the Most Controversial Story of the Week. But we’re in the year 2013, and this is America, so a young pop star’s dance moves on an MTV awards show have predictably overshadowed the prospect of global chaos and bloodshed. I wrote about Cyrusgate myself, simply making the rather obvious point that pornographic sexual degradation and confusion are interwoven into virtually every facet of our society, so it’s a bit absurd to randomly erupt with shock and outrage at one comparatively minor manifestation of our collective cultural rot.

Plus this: "Seriously, only morons listen to garbage like this. Really."

Warning: There is possibly the presence of pungent language.

Sgt. Chesty XIII Retires Today; PFC Chesty XIV To Take His Place As Official Marine Corps Mascot

That's XIII on the left, in camouflage, and XIV on the right wearing dress blues.  Congrats to both.

Update: Chesty XIV has been promoted to Lance Corporal.  Disconcertingly, it means he and I are of the same rank.

Wednesday's Art: "Storm over the Sea of Galilee" by Rembrandt

This has always been one of my favorite works, completed in 1633.  I saw it at the Gardner Museum in Boston when I was fifteen and it was very striking.  I'd like to see it again, but it was stolen in 1990 and is probably lost forever.

Just for fun, Rembrandt painted himself into the work.  He can be seen in the approximate middle of the boat wearing a hat that is distinctly un-1st century.

Relax, Connecticut Has Gun Control

Upon police arriving at the scene at around 3:40 p.m., DelaPaz fled the scene on foot. When he was apprehended, police say he resisted and injured the leg of a responding officer. After being detained, police found a Sig Sauger P239 handgun, a set of brass knuckles and a voter registration card in DelaPaz’s bookbag. DelaPaz gave multiple false names before his identity was determined. Police say DelaPaz is a convicted felon.

Should I mention that not only are felons not permitted to own or otherwise posess guns, but they can't vote, either.  There ought to be a law against that, as well.  What's that?  Oh....

The Only Thing Worth Reading About Millie Cyprus (or whatever)

Most of the media backlash focused on Cyrus’ crass opportunism, which stole the show from Lady Gaga, normally no slouch in the foot-stamping look-at-me department. But the real scandal was how atrocious Cyrus’ performance was in artistic terms. She was clumsy, flat-footed and cringingly unsexy, an effect heightened by her manic grin. How could American pop have gotten this bad? Sex has been a crucial component of the entertainment industry since the seductive vamps of silent film and the bawdy big mamas of roadhouse blues. Elvis Presley, James Brown and Mick Jagger brought sizzling heat to rock, soul and funk music, which in turn spawned the controversial raw explicitness of urban hip-hop.

Tuesday's Wave

"Here is a paradox, that no one can seek the Lord who has not already found Him. It is your will, O God, to be found that you may be sought, to be sought that you may more truly be found."
... Bernard of Clairvaux

An Update To A Previous Posting

A recent history of hate-crime hoaxes

This Week's Feasts

August 27: Thomas Gallaudet [1822-1902]

Galludet's mother was deaf, and his father, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, was the founder of the West Hartford School for the Deaf.  Galludet was ordained an Episcopal priest, after serving, like his father and mother, as a teacher to the deaf.  In 1852, he established St. Ann's Church in New York, with liturgies especially for deaf persons and offered primarily in sign language.  Galludet University is named for him.

In recent years, to appease political organizations for the deaf, Galludet's student, Henry Winter Syle, the first deaf priest in the Episcopal Church, has been added to the feast day.

O loving God, who willest that everyone should come to thee and be saved: We bless thy Holy Name for thy servants Thomas Gallaudet and Henry Winter Syle, whose labors with and for those who are deaf we commemorate today; and we pray that thou wouldst continually move thy Church to respond in love to the needs of all people; through Jesus Christ, who opened the ears of the deaf, and who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

August 28: St. Augustine of Hippo [354–430]



From the Stanford Encyclodpedia of Philosophy:

One of the decisive developments in the western philosophical tradition was the eventually widespread merging of the Greek philosophical tradition and the Judeo-Christian religious and scriptural traditions. Augustine is one of the main figures through and by whom this merging was accomplished. He is, as well, one of the towering figures of medieval philosophy whose authority and thought came to exert a pervasive and enduring influence well into the modern period (e.g. Descartes and especially Malebranche), and even up to the present day, especially among those sympathetic to the religious tradition which he helped to shape. But even for those who do not share this sympathy, there is much in Augustine's thought that is worthy of serious philosophical attention. Augustine is not only one of the major sources whereby classical philosophy in general and Neoplatonism in particular enter into the mainstream of early and subsequent medieval philosophy, but there are significant contributions of his own that emerge from his modification of that Greco-Roman inheritance, e.g., his subtle accounts of belief and authority, his account of knowledge and illumination, his emphasis upon the importance and centrality of the will, and his focus upon a new way of conceptualizing the phenomena of human history, just to cite a few of the more conspicuous examples.

Wow, Stanford can really kill off any interest in a subject, can't it?  Suffice it to say, Augustine, along with Aquinas, are considered the two greatest philosopher/theologians of our tradition.

Lord God, the light of the minds that know you, the life of the souls that love you, and the strength of the hearts that serve you: Help us, following the example of your servant Augustine of Hippo, so to know you that we may truly love you, and so to love you that we may fully serve you, whom to serve is perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

August 31: Aidan of Lindisfarne [?-651]



Monastic founder, bishop, and miracle worker known for his kindness to animals...Aidan was born in Connaught, Ireland. Tradition states that his birth was heralded by signs and omens, and he showed evidence of piety as a small child. Educated at Leinster, Aidan went to St. David monastery in Wales. He remained there for several years, studying Scriptures, and his presence saved St. David's from disaster. Saxon war parties attacked the monastery during Aidan's stay, and he supposedly repelled them miraculously. In time, Aidan returned to Ireland, founding a monastery in Ferns, in Wexford. He became the bishop of the region as well. His miracles brought many to the Church. Aidan is represented in religious art with a stag. He is reported to have made a beautiful stag invisible to save it from hounds.

 O loving God, you called your servant Aidan from the peace of a cloister to re-establish the Christian mission in northern England, and endowed him with gentleness, simplicity, and strength: Grant that we, following his example, may use what you have given us for the relief of human need, and may persevere in commending the saving Gospel of our Redeemer Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

September 1: David Pendleton Oakerhater [?-1931]



Oakerhater [on the left wearing the deacon's stole] was the first American Indian [Cheyenne, actually] to be ordained in the Episcopal Church.  He was a deacon, never a priest, and is of great importance to all tribal people who are baptized Christians.  A considerable amount is written of him, with his official website [yes, he has one] to be found here.

A fine quotation from The Rev. Mr. Oakerhater, "Men, you know me. You remember me when I led you out to war. I went first, and what I told you was true. Now I have been away to the East, and I have learned about another captain, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he is my leader. He goes first, and all he tells me is true. I come back to my people to tell you to go with me now in this new road, a war that makes all for peace and where we never have only victory..."

O God of unsearchable wisdom and infinite mercy, you chose a captive warrior, David Oakerhater, to be your servant, and sent him to be a missionary to his own people, and to exercise the office of a deacon among them: Liberate us, who commemorate him today, from bondage to self, and empower us for service to you and to the neighbors you have given us; through Jesus Christ, the captain of our salvation; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

I've Been Wondering This Myself

Why Is the Golden Age of Television So Dark?

Look! The White House Has A New Puppy!

CNBC: Unemployment rates rise in most US states in July

Reporters never used to fall for that kind of distraction before.  Journalists, on the other hand, are much, much easier to manipulate.

Yes. Next Question, Please.

Are atheists mentally ill?

I'm being insouciant, as is the author of the article, up to a point, but enjoy this quote:

A vast body of research, amassed over recent decades, shows that religious belief is physically and psychologically beneficial – to a remarkable degree. 

In 2004, scholars at UCLA revealed that college students involved in religious activities are likely to have better mental health. In 2006, population researchers at the University of Texas discovered that the more often you go to church, the longer you live. In the same year researchers at Duke University in America discovered that religious people have stronger immune systems than the irreligious. They also established that churchgoers have lower blood pressure. 

Meanwhile in 2009 a team of Harvard psychologists discovered that believers who checked into hospital with broken hips reported less depression, had shorter hospital stays, and could hobble further when they left hospital – as compared to their similarly crippled but heathen fellow-sufferers. 

The list goes on. In the last few years scientists have revealed that believers, compared to non-believers, have better outcomes from breast cancer, coronary disease, mental illness, Aids, and rheumatoid arthritis. Believers even get better results from IVF. Likewise, believers also report greater levels of happiness, are less likely to commit suicide, and cope with stressful events much better. Believers also have more kids.

I Think I've Heard Part Of A Similar Story Once

Ohio Man Declared Dead Comes Back to Life

Ah, Babylon

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA SLASHES HEALTH BENEFITS DUE TO OBAMACARE

and

Mid- and large-sized companies overwhelmingly expect health-care costs to increase under Obamacare—and most are eyeing possible changes to their health insurance offerings because of a looming excise tax for pricier plans under the health-care reform law, a new survey of employers finds.In fact, 40 percent of 420 companies surveyed by Towers Watson said they will be changing their insurance plans' designs in 2014 in light of the coming excise tax as well as to control employee-related health costs.

and

UPS to drop 15,000 spouses from insurance, cites Obamacare

Despite the vain wishes of non-theists, government cannot be a god.

Not A Bad Idea; I Could Have Used One When I Taught High School In The 1970's

Eastern Shore professors to get bulletproof whiteboards

And, In The Academic Paradise That Is Oberlin College

This is more common that one realizes, as I hear similar stories from former colleagues about incidents such as this occurring at many other schools and colleges, albeit on a less spectacular scale:

The progressive insistence that America remains a deeply racist nation occasionally takes on an air of desperation, transmuting itself in its more difficult moments into the perverse, almost infantile, asseveration that if America is not sinful, it should be. On rare occasions this instinct spills over into straight-up mendacity, which is exactly what happened this year at Oberlin College, whose long nightmare of “campus racism” — swastikas, profane attacks on Black History Month, and even a sighting of the KKK — culminated in the predictable revelation that the whole affair had been a nasty hoax perpetrated by an overzealous Organizing for Action volunteer. 

Worse, the website Legal Insurrection, which smelled a rat from the beginning, confirmed that “school officials and local police knew the identity of the culprits, who were responsible for most if not all of such incidents on campus, yet remained silent as the campus reacted as if the incidents were real.” 

Fake hate crimes, which occur primarily on college campuses, are a peculiar feature of American life. Hoaxers operate on a bizarre premise: If evidence to support their political claims isn’t available when they need it to be, well then, they’ll just have to “find” some. Deep down, the hoaxer knows that his fellow citizens are racist and terrible; he knows that the downtrodden are suffering at the hands of people unlike him; and he knows that there is “so much more work to do.” And so, if his campus isn’t beset by the disgraceful bigotry of which he knows everyone is secretly guilty, then he’ll have to invent some against which heroically to fight.

Depends. Is She At A Tailgate Party?

Madonna Flashes Her Grill In Rome -- How Ridiculous Is This?

[Because people bring gas and charcoal grills to tailgate parties.  Get it?  Never mind.  If you don't know what a tailgate party is, put down the New York Times, turn off NPR, and go to a football game.]

Well, The Western Churches Certainly Should

The West Should Offer Asylum to Egypt’s Copts

Friday's Church: A Stave Church

While the number is dwindling, there are still quite a few stave churches in the higher reaches of the Nordic countries.  From an old pamphlet that I found in my travel drawer:

A stave church is a medieval wooden Christian church building. The name is derived from the buildings' structure of post and lintel construction which is a type of timber framing, where the load-bearing posts are called stafr in Old Norse and stav in Norwegian. Two related church building types are also named for their structural elements, the post church and palisade church, but are often also called stave churches.

Once common all over northwestern Europe, most of the surviving stave churches are in Norway. The only remaining medieval stave churches outside Norway are ones dating to approximately the year 1500 located at Hedared in Sweden and one Norwegian stave church that was relocated in 1842 to the outskirts of Krummhübel, Germany, now Karpacz in the Krkonoše mountains of Poland.

Good Advice For Young Adults

Don't Make the Mistake of Skipping Weddings & Funerals -- You'll Regret It Later

When One Uses His Power And Influence To Disseminate Misinformation Designed To Garner Personal Wealth, It's A Form Of Misconduct

At least it is in The Episcopal Church.

The Hill: A Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) expert says Al Gore goofed during his widely circulated Washington Post interview on global warming.Gore, noting stronger storms fueled by climate change, told the paper “the hurricane scale used to be 1-5 and now they’re adding a 6.” But in fact there’s no new scale, the Union of Concerned Scientists representative said on Thursday.

This is Al Gore's mansion.  Well, the mansion in California:

This is his mansion in Tennessee:

He owns two other mansions, as well.  Each seems fully equipped with a couple of SUVs, too.

When the people who tell me we're in a climate emergency start acting like we're in an emergency, then I'll be ready to take them at their word.  Otherwise, it's merely the wealthy and powerful using the media to manipulate me into increasing their wealth and power.  Historically, such behavior results in an equation best captured by "France + 1789".

Thursday's Biblical Recipe: Manáish with Goat Cheese and Black Peppermint Tea

This week's recipe is for a bread that was common at feasts such as one would have at a wedding in Cana, upon the return of the prodigal, or in Gethsemane when the archetype of the holy meal was established.  Zaatar is the only "exotic" ingredient, I think.

loaf of flat bread

½ cup (or more, if needed) olive oil

2 Tbsp. zaatar

2 Tbsp. sumac

goat cheese

black peppermint tea

Preheat oven to 300°F.

Cover a loaf of flat bread with olive oil. Sprinkle zaatar and sumac over the oil. Bake the bread for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve with a fresh, spreadable goat cheese and a pot of black peppermint tea.

Yield: 6-8 servings

Near-blind surfer impresses in France #claudyrobin #blindsurfer #surfing http://t.co/jHbKyNWfUY
— SurferToday.com (@surfertoday) August 21, 2013

This Is Why I'm Not Too Worried About NSA Eavesdropping

The larger the institution, the greater its capacity for folly.

“The National Security Agency (NSA) doesn’t know how much information leaker Edward Snowden was able to obtain because of an underdeveloped capacity to audit its own data, according to a NBC News report released late Tuesday.”

Everybody's A Critic

British Library's wi-fi service blocks 'violent' Hamlet

Wednesday's Art: The Temptation of St. Anthony by Salvadore Dali

While there are several copies to be found of this post-modern version of Christian art, the original is on display at the Musées Royaux des Beaux - Arts de Belgique in Brussels.  It was completed in 1946.

And, In The Gun Control Paradise That Is Connecticut

Four shot outside Hartford nightclub

and

A teen was shot and killed in a drive by shooting in New Haven on Thursday night.

and

Three shot to death in one week in Hartford

Gun control laws only control the law-abiding; criminals and lunatics, by definition, live outside of the laws.

And, In The Gun Control Paradise That Is Chicago

Five people were wounded in a hail of bullets from an automatic weapon in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood Monday evening.Police and several ambulances converged at Wilson Avenue and North Sheridan Road Monday evening, following the shooting, which occurred shortly before 6 p.m. at a bus stop in front of the Uptown Baptist Church.

This Seems Only Fair, Since More And More Govt Types Are Screaming For Churches To Be Taxed

For the latest evidence of the town-gown divide, look no further than New Jersey, where earlier this summer residents of Princeton banded together to sue the prestigious school in their backyard. The residents argued that Princeton University, which boasts the largest endowment per student in the country, should no longer be entitled to its tax-exempt status because the school makes money—from its scientific patents, ticketed concerts, on-campus eateries and more. The Ivy League school is operating like a business, the plaintiffs say, so the tax code should treat it like one.

Now That's A Dumb Headline, And From The NYT, No Less

Infertility Less Likely in Women With Children

A Form Of Sexism That Will Never Be Seriously Addressed

Across the country, schools are policing and punishing the distinctive, assertive sociability of boys. Many much-loved games have vanished from school playgrounds. At some schools, tug of war has been replaced with “tug of peace.” Since the 1990s, elimination games like dodgeball, red rover and tag have been under a cloud — too damaging to self-esteem and too violent, say certain experts. Young boys, with few exceptions, love action narratives. These usually involve heroes, bad guys, rescues and shoot-ups. As boys’ play proceeds, plots become more elaborate and the boys more transfixed. When researchers ask boys why they do it, the standard reply is, “Because it’s fun.”

According to at least one study, such play rarely escalates into real aggression — only about 1% of the time. But when two researchers, Mary Ellin Logue and Hattie Harvey, surveyed classroom practices of 98 teachers of 4-year-olds, they found that this style of play was the least tolerated. Nearly half of teachers stopped or redirected boys’ dramatic play daily or several times a week — whereas less than a third reported stopping or redirecting girls’ dramatic play weekly.

Because The Media Is Non-Theist And The Church Leadership Gets All Their Info From Them

@hughhewitt Egyptian's I've spoken to wonder why there isn't more outrage in the West over this.
— Sara A. Carter (@SaraCarterDC) August 20, 2013

Relax, Let The Professionals Handle The Guns

Yesterday, politicians and police in New York chest-thumped about the guns they intercepted coming into the city.  In so doing, they violated four of the most foundational rules of gun safety.  Namely,

1.  The gun is always considered loaded, even if you're sure it isn't.  Nevertheless, the guns on parade at the press conference were pointed at the audience.

2.  The safety is always on unless you are about to fire.  Not so much with the NYPD.

3.  The bolt is always open when not in operation or safely stored.  The NYPD chose to close the bolts.

4.  Guns are not to be displayed with the magazines in place.  [Magazines are what the politicians and media kids call "clips" when they're feeling all butch and guns-sy.]  That one, too, the NYPD decided to ignore.

In response to some questions about this from a gun safety instructor, an NYPD official representative asked, “Is it your assertion that NYPD and that those officers that handle firearms don’t know what they’re doing?”

I would have said, "Yes", and referred the officer to this Google buffet.

If I had violated even one of those four rules, not only would I have failed to qualify with a firearm but Gunnery Sergeant Jackson would have kicked me in the rear end so hard I would still be able to feel it.

Ordinarily, I wouldn't care how maladroit the NYPD was with guns, as I don't have to live in that city. But, law enforcement, we are told by politicians, is the only viable protection we should have as a society.  If they can't handle even the simplest and most commonsense rules of gun safety, why should I take the politicians at their word?

Tuesday's Wave

“Men are moved most by their religion; especially when it is irreligion.” - G.K.Chesterton

Gibson ES-335

A Feminist Law Professor Takes On The Notion Of Messianic Politicians

She's revered? Has that been established?! But let's assume she's revered. What does that have to do with advancing women's rights? Like being the wife of a powerful man, a woman's being revered isn't an aspect of female empowerment. The most traditional societies embrace the idea of a woman who inspires reverence, someone who's good and worthy of respect. The Virgin Mary is revered.

But Politicians, News Readers, Episcopal Bishops, And Hollywood Movie Stars Tell Me That We're All Doomed

New peer reviewed paper shows only 36% of geoscientists and engineers believe in AGW

How dare they ask actual scientists for their opinion!  I suggested the other day that we could really make a dent in the carbon footprint [that's a stupid term, by the way] if all of the bishops of the Episcopal Church would refuse to fly for one year.  Yeah, that means no conferences in New Zealand, the African continent, the Southern Cone, etc.  In other words, nothing for bishops to talk about in their sermons, meditations, newsletter articles.  Face it, take away the exotic travel and a bishop is just another tedious, overpaid bureaucrat.

You can imagine the enthusiasm with which my suggestion was met.

You Cannot Break The Narrative! What's Wrong With You, CDC?

CDC Releases Study on Gun Violence: Defensive gun use common, mass shootings not

Not A Surprise At All

In the early 1980's I carried $30,000 in student loans for a seminary education.  It took over a decade to pay them off.  This was to earn the degree that gave me the right to interview for a job that paid, in those days, $17,000 annually.  The costs for a seminary education have, like those in secular higher education, continued to increase and far out-strip the rate of inflation.  Three years of theological education now costs $129,000; the average starting salary for clergy in 2012 was just under $40,000.

Yeah, I think I just passed out for a moment.

Anyway, here's what's happening:

Student Loan Crisis Fueling Clergy Shortages