Technology & Religion

This image is a digital collage I recently made for my church's web site.  It is a screen shot of the Book of Common Prayer, Morning Prayer, with an open prayer book, and ipod and Palm loaded with the BCP.  It is an effort to communicate that there are many different ways to seek the word of God and the biblical promise that everyone (not just some) who asks receives. 

I am astounded at times by the church's lack of interest in the information age and what a waste of the use of avenues to display the wonder of the Gospel.  I know that is not the case in some places, but where I live, we seem to be hopelessly lost in blinders when it comes to these issues.  I hope to remedy that with the new design of our web site, and I hope it communicates that the journey is more important than the destination. 

Seek first the kingdom requires active participation; the verb there is seek by whatever means.  I hate to sound like a prick, but I am awfully tired of the mentality of people telling me that I am somehow inferior because I prefer Rite II to the Elizabethan language of Rite I.  I am bored stiff with people who think they have all the answers.  I am tired of the "because we said so" and "because we've always done it that way" mentality, and I am amazed that so many older people don't care if a church even exists after they are gone.  I love tradition, but progression makes my blood flow.  Oh dear, I think this anglo-catholic is leaning toward the emergent church.         

Unto Us A Child Is Born

The Advent/Christmas exhibition for Episcopal Church & Visual Art (ECVA), For Unto Us A Child Is Born, is now online, and it is a beauty.  Curated by photographer, The Rev. Wilfredo Benitez-Rivera, the exhibition is a collection of images inspired by the incarnation. 

Filled with divergent views of the holy mother and child's power, joy and vulnerability, this exhibition is as rich in color and  expression as those of us in the Episcopal Church have grown accustomed to for the Advent/Christmas exhibition.  Fr. Wilfredo describes the content:

"Looking at these works, taking them in with a contemplative eye and heart, one begins to cross the boundary between this world and the world of spirit.  It is from this world of spirit and devotion that these works of art originate.  There is no limit to the styles or media presented here:  there are paintings, drawings, woodblocks, photographs, sculptures, vestments, etc.  Yet all reflect the creative imagination of souls seeking and embracing the mystery of God coming to dwell in our midst, Emmanuel!" 

Fr. Wilfredo likens the diversity of artistic expression found in this exhibition to the divergent views held by church members on many issues, yet all celebrating God's descent into the world as one of us.  At a time when the Episcopal Church is experiencing such painful p0larization this exhibition is a refreshing reminder that it is "time to rejoice, for soon the light of the world will be upon us.  Rejoice, Rejoice!!!

Yes, it is time to rejoice over what unites.