THE MIDDLE WAY

Let there be light!

There are many ways we can go as dad and I walk through the forest.  We can almost get lost when we leave the main path to explore and experience the challenge of a steep climb that leads to unexpected places.

The Middle Path as chosen by the Buddhists is a way of reason that approaches  life realistically and intellegently.  Interestingly this is also the path taken by many  believers in the way of Christ and have found that in Him there is someone that has walked this earth and has given to us the hem of truth that is touchable and liveable.

  I go to church to be challenged and to discover that in our story telling there lies many truths.  I did not know my grandparents and only caught glimpses of them in my parents stories about them.  Stories entertain us and have the power to enlighten and guide us.

Our family has many stories and each one in the family tells their version.

Many who would take an intellectual stand against Christianity do so from a background of personal disappointment with the church and especially those who seem to be "self-righteous fanatics."  Yes, I admit that there is the issue of Christian's glaring character flaws and their failure to take a stand for justice.

The problem is that even when one is open to the way of Jesus there will be many changes that have to be made and this takes time.  The church has a calling to reach out to the immature and broken people who still have a long way to go emotionally, morally and spiritually. 

I know that I have some deep insecurities that create in me a sensitivity to conflict. 

Christopher Hictchen's point of view expressed in his books is that all religion does is stir up hate and controversy.  I do not see that getting religion out of the way leads to a peaceful lifestyle.  The poor and the miserable are now standing up and demanding their rights but the battle will demand sacrifice.
The Bible addresses the same problems in Isiah 58:2-7; the exploitation of workers and the greed that feeds the rich and keeps the poor in chains.

Quanta's airline, which has had a good reputation, is now turning against it's workers by giving their jobs to those who will take lower wages and shutting out their employees.  A company that at one time led the way in the airline industry now seems to be destroying itself.  Our son Ken will be among many who will be out of work.

I will attend church because there is still much to learn and much can be done when we support one another in a community based on the values of love and of justice.  I did not mean to write so much.