Jim Naughton – Page 256 – Episcopal Cafe

Singing to the sound of the waves

August 31, 2010 No Comments

On another occasion, Cuthbert was invited to worship with the community of men and women at the abbey of Coldingham, where Ebba was abbess. This monastery stood high on the cliffs overlooking the North Sea from which Lindisfarne could be seen far away in the south. One night, seeking time for quiet prayer, Cuthbert climbed down the cliffs, secretly followed by one of the brothers who was curious to see what he was up to. He saw Cuthbert wade into the sea until the water was up to his neck:

An end to the myth of a monolithic Africa

August 30, 2010 4 Comments

Updated with text of letter Two sentences about the significance of this document: it ends the myth that a monolithic Africa has turned against the Episcopal Church and embraced the Anglican Church in North America, and it makes clear that some African bishops are irritated by the way in which schismatic North Americans have inserted themselves into the affairs of Anglican Africa.

Bishop Glasspool goes about her business

August 30, 2010 1 Comment

KBAK TV covered Bishop Mary Glasspool’s visit to Grace Church, Bakersfield yesterday.

On not blaming the media for covering the sexuality struggle

August 30, 2010 10 Comments

I sympathize with anyone who is trying to get the good works of their church covered, but I frequently believe that the mainstream media is perfectly justified in ignoring the themes we hope will attract them, especially at conferences and conventions.

Five myths about mosques

August 30, 2010 8 Comments

There is a danger that as anti-Muslim prejudice increases — as it has recently in reaction to the proposed community center near Ground Zero — alienated young Muslims will turn away from the peaceful path advocated by their elders in America’s mosques. So far, that has not happened on a large scale.

Too much mission?

August 30, 2010 7 Comments

When I hear the word mission, I hear the word work, or job. I work all week long. I get spiritually depleted. I go to church to be fed so I can resume that work. If instead of food, what I get is another set of assignments, I get tired. I suspect that I am not alone in this.

What does Glenn Beck have against Christ the liberator?

August 30, 2010 8 Comments

Contrary to what Beck implies, the liberation theologian doesn’t see himself or herself as victim; rather proponents call us to see how the poor are marginalized by society, to work among them, to advocate on their behalf, and to help them advocate for themselves. It has nothing to do with seeing yourself as victim. It is, like all authentic Christian practices, “other-directed.”

Learning from one another

August 30, 2010 No Comments

Many good Christian people will say about this or like correspondences, “What a pity it is that clergymen should indulge in such discussions. It does no good. It does not convince anyone. It only widens the breach between Christians. It arouses hot, perhaps angry, feelings. It disturbs the peace of the inner life. Let us live together in peace, without fault-finding criticisms!”

Sacred time in centerfield

August 29, 2010 1 Comment

I lived to play defense—my hitting and striking out and stealing bases and popping out to the first baseman and scoring from second were dry toast. Catching fly balls and cutting off balls hit in the gap were pizza and hamburgers. I relished being a member of the home team because it meant wallowing in the purgatorial dugout was delayed half an inning.

Becoming a traveller

August 29, 2010 No Comments

This book will make a traveller of thee,

If by its counsels thou wilt ruled be;

It will direct thee to the Holy Land,

If thou wilt its directions understand:

Yea, it will make the slothful active be;

The blind also delightful things to see.

The Archive

Author: Jim Naughton