Dialogue Decalogue - discussion not debate -theology notes

How to write a paper - First there is a method. If you want to write a paper regarding Christians and Jews and you want a Christian perspective - pay attention and give app to prevent other view and then base conclusion for both. Lonergan - First you need data. Then you need understanding followed by judgement and decision. You need to examine both sides of issues. Anti-Semitism - conflict between church and synagogue. Further got away from the death of Jesus, the more problems. Retrojection rather than historical account. Why did Jesus die? There is suggestion that it was written so that Romans would not look bad. The Pharisees were arguing for persons in the community. From the standpoint of the Pharisees, Jesus never answered where persons start - community and vice versa. Where did the Pharisees go? No temple, no job. They fell with the temple. Fathers - 70 A.D. Punishment of God because of crucification of Jesus. Israel offends God. He who consults and hates……(GM) 2nd century, Jesus does the same to God Deicide. 3rd century Tertulliar - anti-Semitism building into 3rd century. 4th - Hippotas - God put curse, because killed Jesus - wander homeless til the end of time. Why has not the Vatican recognized the state of Israel? Not to go against the church fathers. Recognized state of Israel in 1993 for political reasons; not theological. Eupetfis Caesuric - JC. Luthur - venemous beasts. Presbyterian - most worse jobs for Jews. Christians put Jews in Gettos without a church. Hitler would not be possible. Hitler pointed out that he was doing what the Christians were doing for 1500 years. Fathers: Emancipation of the Jews. 18th century (Enlightenment) 2nd half of the 18th century - Church opposed human rights. Church argued to give rights to humans is to take rights away from God. 1862 - Church recognized rights of human. France was first place for hints of rights in 1776. Declaration 1789 of rights of man. This had little effect on the treatment of Jews. 1791 - Jews were given political freedom in France, but still there was prejudice. Dreyfus Affair - (Tales of two cities by Dickens). - was imprisoned, Jewish, plea for innocence. 2. Country - Prussia - Frederick William 3rd; 1858 - England; 1838 (Black slavery stopped) Russia - 1917 - Jews get equality. From the Middle Ages to Enlightenment Jews lived in Ghetto. They learned to survive which is why they are so good now. 2000 years they have been pounded upon. 7% Orthodox Jews. Muslims - 3% of Philippines are Muslim. Muslims suffered as well by Christians there. When Prof was in the Philippines, Muslims were living in the “sticks” No one with a Muslim name could find work. 1980 began change. Next : Theological issues

Obama Farewell speech - a motivator to not stay away from Politics and Saudi Arabia shame on you for todays talk

As I have informed you before, I have consistently been advised to stay away from politics and I think I have been quite good. But, what the heck, it is a new year, I am a year older and not necessarily wiser and so today I will talk a tad about politics. Me bad. When Obama came into power I was nervous for him. Honestly, I thought someone would hurt him because of all the guns and the KKK still pouncing around in the States. I think the KKK know better than to try that in Toronto. They did in the past without success. We have a zero tolerance for hatred, more now than ever before. That is not to say that there is no hate. Hate like a vine travels and sometimes one can be oblivious when it blends in with the greenery. However, I was also so happy that Obama had achieved the highest post with the blessing and vote of the American people. Last night I was turning channels when I stopped to hear Obama’s farewell speech. I was so proud of having such an amazing neighbour. He has done so much for his country. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I just glowed when he spoke and gave praise to his wife and family. It reminded me of our own Prime Minister defending the love he has for his wife when he defended an embrace. He was holding his wife and what is wrong with that? What is wrong with that indeed? I am proud to be a Canadian and even though I could live elsewhere for a while, Toronto Canada will always be my home, for better or for worse. Yes I do dream of living in Niagara Falls and I do hope it will happen one day but the universities and education is all here. During the one month where I seemed to be at Conferences weekly, I realized that if I had lived elsewhere, I would have had to return too often. So, am I willing to retire or slow down yet? Not right now. Sometimes, we take for granted where we live. Regarding Obama, seeing him on my “small” tv, I saw the massiveness of the man. He has charisma; he has poise. I see an intelligent, gracious man. It was difficult to hear him say goodbye. I always thought it would be better to have a business person heading the country rather than a lawyer. There are a lot of lawyer jokes out there. There is a saying, “be careful what you wish for….” How do people vote? Do they vote strategically? Do they vote on impulse? Do they vote based on their own biases? Is there research regarding this? Perhaps, a bit of all. The States is our neighbour and therefore very important to me. We have always had a positive relationship. I have neighbours who are American and I love to hear their perspectives in how they compare our two countries. One American who is heavily involved in politics here told me that our system in Canada is airtight in filtering politicians who would not be suitable to lead the country, unlike the States. I am not quite sure what that means or involves. I am not even sure if the information is accurate. Ultimately, it is the people who vote and I also think that who is elected is reflected by the people who vote for them. I live in a democratic society but I am also aware that democracy is a privilege and hard earned. There are leaders in countries who despise freedom. They hate and encourage hate of anyone who thinks differently then they. They want to take power and retain power and do so by promoting hate. However, though the people in these country suffer in fear, there are always those who despite the consequences, speak up to what is right. What is right? Recently, I watched a documentary, regarding the hidden side of Saudi Arabia. It was broadcasted on the National News, The Passionate Eye. My pet is presently sitting on my notes, so instead of disturbing my princess, I will relate by memory. The King of Saudi Arabia considers himself King supreme (my interpretation). His mug is plastered on the tall considered beautiful buildings. People speaking out against the government or interpreted religion are jailed and lashed. We are in the 21st century and beheading and whipping is still occurring? I am sorry, but I think that is not only horrendous, it is primitive. Children in school are taught by books made in Saudi Arabia which are distributed through out the world, that the Shia Muslim is blasphemes as are Christians. Of course Christians should be wiped out of the surface of the earth (my words). (I really wish my purring pup would let me take my notes. But Holy Terror is just too happy that I am typing away with her nearby. I do not have the heart) Where is the heart and soul of these treacherous leaders? The documentary shows a beautiful Muslim woman being bold enough to drive a car and of course is imprisoned for almost three months. Women are often found begging in the streets because they have no livelihood. Then there is the religion police who should never have the title of “police” because it desecrates it. Nor should it have the title of religion. It doesn’t actually but that is the interpretation because that is how this religion is exploited for personal means. The founder of this religion did respect women. I have written papers about that on my blogs. Saudi Arabia, so rich has deplorable prisons where one prisoner is seen hanging while being abused by fellow inmates and another injecting himself with a syringe. It shows a poor side of town where sewage crawls along the poor. Saudi Arabia is not the only country which exploits it people. It is important for me to understand people and know where they are coming from. I like it that my country opens up its arms and takes in these people who suffer. Where do people escape the atrocity of dictatorship and torture if doors are closed? How do we help people heal when they find a new home here? When a country is rich and treats its people with so much disregard and women with no respect what so ever, what does this say about our world? What about Russia and China and…………….? We can dissect countries who exploit their own and just want to control the Western World. That makes it very important for us to each respect the right to vote and to do it to the best of our ability. We can never take our liberty for granted. I could never live in a country where I am considered less than my male counterpart. I can never live in a country that tries to silence me. I can never live in a country that imprisons me, whips me into submission or kills me. I can reach out to help those who have suffered and suffered greatly, I can vote analytically and not based on personal biases. I can vote for a man or woman who has a voice to promote equality without fear diplomatically. I can vote for a woman or man who has a keen sense of duty and responsibility for all people. Obama, it is your fault that I am writing this today because I really liked you as a person and what you did for your country. Actually, I know that it is not your fault, but what the heck. Goodbye Obama family and I do wish you well. You served so graciously and eloquently while trimming off some of the venomous vine.

Fear - Continuing psych notes

Client suffering from anxiety disorder - increase benzpdepozine - fine tune - with drugs. Operations not feasible. Help with symptoms - don’t want to induce addiction. Fear is not always harmful. It not only energizes people, when people get frightened, they don’t feel pain. Once fear passes, pain is felt. If a wolf bites - fight it off- if in pain, not able to fight. Pain free can defend self. However, have lots of people who have never been fearful, but then exposed to experience or several beyond normal. Eg. downsizing - A Professor, 65 years of age is to be fired from hospital in next three months. Too much is coming in and therefore too much can become overwhelmed. There is nothing wrong with biology but wrong with the environment - reasonable - mortgages, salary. The other possibility is minding your own business and you get attacked underground or are subject of terrorism or war - time duration is relatively short but fear is excessive. Few people would be able to say, “oh well, bombs all over me and blowing people apart” - it would be generally overwhelming. It can generate anxiety disorder relatively quickly. It is the circumstances, not the biology. Another thing too emotionally is that learning and memory is enhanced greatly. Next for psychology note continuation is : at the cognition level. Next week back to theology

Christmas spirit lingering

I have been on a roll with family and friends. Aside from scheduled appointments and emergencies, I am on vacation for the rest of the week. I hope you all are enjoying yourselves. This is a time for reflection and finding pleasure in the things that are important to you. It is also a time to reach out for those who may be less fortunate. Next week I will be back in business, writing for you. Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

I want to thank you for reading my blogs. As I mentioned before for those of you who have read my blogs for sometime, I am here because years ago before my private practice, I was informed at a seminar by a Communications Expert from Washington, that if we as therapists were not on the internet, we would be out of business in ten years. I took that seriously. In all my studies, business was never implemented. In a private practice, I have learned that to reach out to people, I needed to explore the business world. Hopefully, mental health will be covered by OHIP one day soon. That is my wish. There is still a stigma regarding getting help and there should not be. Mental health is just as important as physical health. A person's entire self needs to be taken care of. If you can not afford care, there are many charity organizations that do help according to your affordability. A psychiatrist is also at no cost, since she or he is a medical doctor with three years of psychology (at my last count). I wish you a wonderful season full of joy and peace. There is a lot of bad news internationally this season, but I am also mindful of how that only unites us globally. Be kind to someone this season and I do hope you find joy in this amazing world. Merry Christmas Silva

Silva Redigonda, Registered Psychotherapist/Registered Marriage and Family Therapist plus: A Christmas Tale (published)

Silva Redigonda, Registered Psychotherapist/Registered Marriage and Family Therapist plus: A Christmas Tale (published): I found myself standing alone, as the snow fell gently, Creating a pure white blanket on the asphalt, I was standing on. Looking at the Chr...

THE CLASSICAL AND MODERN WORLD VIEWS - Theology (one of my papers )

THE CLASSICAL AND MODERN WORLD VIEWS The classical world view is a view that is cosmic centered and static. The modern world is dynamic. There is a foundational shift from one world view to another. This paper will provide the world view of the Classical and Modern world and explain why there is a shift from one to another. What will also be explained is how these worlds are present in my image of God, spirituality, prayer, theology, ministry and in my ways of living, feeling and interpretation. Static World vs Dynamic If a juggler has three balls it is important that they are each of equivalent weight. If not, the balance is affected and the balls fall. Think of three balls as one being the world, one being God, and the other being humanity. In theology one may understand our evolving state by utilizing this concept. We live in a developing universe. There was a time of nature gods, there was a mythology, but not a history and therefore a divine purpose could not be declared. By the time Christianity appeared, the Roman world would have been entirely familiar with the thought that the universe might have gradually come to be as it is. The biblical writers showed little if any interest in a causal explanation of natural process. The Greeks however were fascinated by it. Greek natural science attained its height with Aristotle. He created whole fields such as physics, theoretical astronomy, logic and biology. Aristotle foreshadowed evolution, "we should venture on the study of every kind of animal without distaste, for each and all will reveal to us something natural…Nature's works exemplify…the conduciveness of everything to an end, and the resultant end of Nature's generations is a form of the beautiful." (McMullin, p22) St Augustine (5th century) stated that if there is a conflict between a literal reading of Scripture and a well-established truth about nature, this is sufficient reason to take the scriptural passage metaphorically. There cannot be a contradiction between nature and Scripture since God speaks to both. In the mid 1200s, the natural science taught in universities, including theology students, was that of Aristotle (McMullin, p 27). Aristotelian cosmology and Christian theology were merged to form the medieval picture of the universe. Earth was the fixed central sphere surrounded by the spheres of the heavens. Man was unique and central in location and importance. This view would soon be challenged by science. Galileo (1564-1642) combined mathematical reasoning and experimental observation. Galileo formulated a new picture of nature, that as nature in motion. Galileo called mass and velocity, primary qualities. Galileo was a devout Catholic and found no conflict between his scientific and religious beliefs. He upheld the importance of scripture but claimed that it reveals not scientific facts but spiritual knowledge for man's salvation, truths that are above reason and could not be discovered by observation. Galileo put nature and scripture on the same level as avenues of God (Barbour, pp 23-30). In the year 1616, the Holy Office declared that the sun is the center of the universe, and consequently does not change place and that the earth is not the center of the universe and is not motionless, but is in motion as a whole and its daily rotation. We know with absolute physical certainty, that the stellar universe is not centred on the earth, and that terrestrial life is not centred on mankind Newton (1642-1727) invented calculus but he was also an ingenious experimenter in mechanics and optics. Newton's law of motion and gravity, a novel insight, was the idea that the earth's gravitational pull might extend to the moon. Newton believed and found time for God and the human spirit (Barbour, pp 34-37). The eighteenth century saw itself as the Age of Reason (Barbour, p57). Charles Darwin and the Church Darwin spent twenty-five years studying in detail the breeding of domestic animals, such as dogs where new breeds would be produced that never existed before from greyhound, to St. Bernard to Chihuahua. Here was evolution with human choice replacing natural survival. Darwin studied problems as diverse as hybridization of plants, comparative structure of embryos and the geographical distribution of animal and plant forms, both living and extinct. The range and magnitude of information he brought into correlation with his theory is staggering. After all this research, he published Origin of Species in 1859 (Barbour,p 86). By the close of the century, the fact of evolution was accepted by virtually all scientists, and by the vast majority of theologians. In 1951, an address of Pope Pius X11 cited with approval the views of several astronomers that the universe had a beginning in time. In general, it is maintained that the creation of both the universe and the first man and woman were historical events, but that the biblical portrayal of these events is figurative (Barbour p 374). The shift from the Classical World to the Modern World was altered by science. The weight of the juggling balls required to be balanced. What was once considered a static world where angels held the earth in place shifted because science provided a new reality that could not be dismissed. This view eventually was accepted by the Catholic Church, thus altering the theology of the Church. Our world is dynamic and evolving. This shift is also seen as a shift from God-centered to man-centered. I believe that world views is a transcendence, a process, that of evolving towards God. This is achieved by keeping the juggling of the balls balanced. The classical and Modern World views are present in my image of God, spirituality, prayer, theology, ministry and the way I live feel and interpret. Spirituality My view of God is not of an old man with a cane often projected by the Classical world which continues to persist. I believe that God is beyond my comprehension. God is neither man nor woman but so much more. God is all good which I sense in the beauty of creation and in my relationship with God. I do not fear God, as is common and was promoted in the Classical World. I cannot fear goodness. I certainly cannot fear anyone or anything close to my heart. However, I do fear evil. I believe that God is everywhere. In the Classical world it was common to believe that God dwelled in the heavens and demons were beneath the earth. I believe that demons are very much a part of our lives. I see this by living in the modern world. The classical World cannot be dismissed. Jesus came to us in the Classical world. Jesus came to us as God and teacher preparing us for future world-views. I also recognize evil transcending into the modern world. Spirituality requires careful examination. What is ethical in Modern society? Was it more ethical in the Classical world? Was it more spiritual? I say naught. Can ethics be separated from spirituality and prayer in our way of living, feeling and interpretation? Can it be separated from our ministry? Again I say no. Christian Spirituality and Theological Ethics defines ethics as “the critical of morality, namely, the direct, lived experience of human values and obligations. Ethics stands to morality as theology stands to spirituality, the lived experience of faith.” During the evening news, I watched in amazement as “500 tons of oranges” were being used in a “massive orange fight” [playful] for a medieval re-enactment of a revolt against a local tyrant in northern Italy. My thoughts went to the people of Haiti who had suffered so much from an earthquake and where there was an outpouring of love with support of medical care, food, and money to rebuild their country. My thoughts continued to sweep across the poor in Canada and the poor in the States and the poor in the rest of the world. I thought of the millions of people, more often women and sadly children who die from malnutrition and starvation. I saw all this as I viewed the vivid, colorful, images of hundreds of crates of oranges to be used in a mock fight. My spirit cried. This is the culture of our modern world. There is a shift arising because this tears at the hearts of men and women. A balance of the balls is required. Berry professes that “the first thing we must begin to teach our children (and learn ourselves) is that we cannot spend and consume endlessly. We have to save and conserve….An economy based on waste is inherently and hopelessly violent…” Where is compassion? “Compassion…helps us recognize what the suffering need and inclines us to meet that need.”(Spohn, p 275). Poverty was prevalent in the Classical World but now there is an expectation, that we should know better. Technology permits us to view the world from our living rooms. The ease of travel permits us to live among others and return home at a moment’s notice. Then why are we not balanced? Spohn states that” …emotions can be educated. They are not blind instinctual reactions but learned behaviors” (Spohn, p 277). Therefore, in my spirituality, when I viewed the news and felt the emotions I was feeling, others may not, since they have learned differently from myself. This is also encouraging because it reveals that there is hope for the future through learning. Pope John Paul II visualized a renewal of conscience, “…in the last few decades some consoling signs of a reawakening of conscience have appeared: both among intellectuals and in public opinion itself.” This is also the stirrings of another shift to come for humanity. Berry states that “we accept uncritically the belief that technology is only good; that it cannot serve evil as well as good; that it cannot serve our enemies as well as ourselves; that it cannot be used to destroy what is good, including our homelands and our lives.”(Berry, p 1). Life seems to offer polar extremes. There is good and there is evil. There is positive and there is negative. There is light and there is night. There is life and there is death. There is God and there is Satan. Some like to choose a particular extreme. Other’s like to look at both sides and still others pick a point in the middle. “There is no need to seek Truth; only stop having views…The ultimate truth about both Extremes is that they are One Emptiness..Whether we see it or fail to see it, it is manifest always and everywhere… Prayer I consider prayer powerful. For me prayer is a blanket which provides me with warmth and protection from cold and evil. Prayer connects me directly to God. Prayer engulfs me with grace. Prayer does this for me and so much more. Prayer is my protection. Jesus taught us prayer and Jesus taught us forgiveness. Prayer is being removed from our schools and government. Spohn speaks of prayer which is my prayer, “when rightly done, liturgical prayer has significant moral consequences…Expressed in prayer and interpreted through preaching, ritual should help the congregation realize what God is empowering and requiring them to become. The complex affections shaped by Holy week ought to leave believers to take a definite moral stance toward their own culture and world ” (Spohn, p 280). This is another example of world views transcending into our modern time. The key words “when rightly done” is important because such harm can be harvested when it is not done right. Fundamentalists waving their bibles quoting the bible verbatim regarding hate can be used as an example. My spiritual director, as well as my studies have convinced me that reading the bible literally can be quite destructive. Interpretation through preaching is imperative in how we interpret the bible as we relate to others. And how is the community being effected by religion? “An estimated 20 % of adult Americans pursue spiritual experiences apart from organized religion…When, (however) spiritual pursuits are extracted from a community context of interpretation, they can easily become superficial or distorted” (Spohn, p281). This superficialness and distortion may also arise from religions which causes a person to seek spirituality elsewhere. What is positive is that there is a revival of spirituality and I argue that the spirituality renewal is a search for God in a quest for balance, another shift in perceptions and another world view. “In every era, Christian spiritualities mediate between religious tradition and the needs and challenges of a particular society” (Spohn, p 283) Ministry In my ministry I want to be a non-judgmental presence for people who come to me for counseling. People have come to me unhappy, discouraged, frustrated and confused about their relationship with others. Most need only to have their stories told in a safe, controlled environment. All have needed their feelings to be validated. I am preparing for my ministry which is a continuous transformation. I am in a position where I can take the time to study, think, read and pray. I have the opportunity to pause. I have choices as we all do to sink into a world of negativity or to look at the options and do something good even if it is a small step. In our modern world most must focus on so many things in urban society that the self is lost in the process. But I also believe that we are living in an amazing time with endless opportunities. Of course we are also living in a dangerous time. Wars kill more people, exploiting our planet has caused global warming, our rainforests are recklessly being stripped robbing us of medicinal opportunities. We are as a people in trouble. Regardless of our scientific discoveries that continue to expand along with our technical and medical knowledge, we are still allowing people to starve in major portions of the world while we exploit our world in others. Hopefully we can continue to evolve intellectually as well as spiritually without destroying each other or our planet with our tampering. There is an end for all of us including our universe. As Catholics we should take our faith seriously, try to do something good for others and our world, even if it is in a small way. We need to understand the changes we are introduced to in science, economics and politics because we need to understand our faith in the context of a changing world. We need to maintain the balance of the three balls, of humanity, God and the world. We depend on our Catholic leaders to educate us, to enlighten us and to help us with our faith. We depend on our leaders to help us to help others. We depend on our leaders to guide us, nurture us and to help us understand God in our changing world. In June 1988, in a message to a group of scientists and theologians, Pope John Paul 11 urged scientists and theologians to come to understand each other for their mutual benefit. Pope John Paul said, "Science can purify religion from error and superstition. Religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes."(Korsmeyer, p20) Bibliography Barbour, Ian G. Issues in Science and Religion. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1966. CTV news, Toronto, Ont. 1800 hrs. 15 Feb 2010. Korsmeyer, Jerry. Evolution and Eden. New York: Paulist, 1998. Spohn, William. Ed. Holder, Arthur. The Blackwell Companion to Christian Spirituality. “Christian Spirituality and Theological Ethics”, Massachusetts: Black, 2005. McMullin, Ernan. Ed. Evolution and Creation. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1985. Novak, Philip. The World's Wisdom. New York: HarperCollins, 1994. Teilhard de Chardin. Christianity and Evolution. New York: Harcourt Brace Jamanovich, Inc. 1971. Vatican Translation. Letter To Families From John Paul 11. Sherbrooke: Paulines, 1994. Wildiers, N.M. The Theologian And His Universe. New York: Seabury, 1982. Windell, Berry. “Thoughts in the Presence of Fear.” Orion, Autumn 2001, www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/214.