The Source of Violence

Here's the September edition of the Chaplain's Corner
by Pastor Dave, SCYL Chaplain

Perhaps as a reflection of this diffused global violence, I have been noticing in the movies coming out of Hollywood these days an extremely high degree of violence. Shooting, killing, car chases and destruction fill hours and hours of movie time. On top of all this violence, movies today often depict anti-heroes. I can’t help but think that the effect of these hours of violence, crime and adrenaline can’t have a good effect on the viewers.

Violence and fighting all come from the lower level of our personalities, called the natural level. This level of human personality is concerned with meeting the needs of the self first. This means gratifying the senses, and the body’s needs, eating, clothing, shelter, financial security, and self-protection from any threats—emotional or physical. When the natural level of our personality is threatened, the reaction is to preserve self at any cost. This may mean to fight and destroy anything threatening the self’s survival.

The spiritual level of our personality works against the natural level. While the natural level is formed after the world, the spiritual level is formed after heaven. While the natural level sees self first, the spiritual level sees God first. Where the natural level wants the world to bow to its needs and desires, the spiritual level wants to give to others and to serve the neighbor. While the natural level wants to control and dominate, the spiritual level seeks mutual freedom and consensual relationships.

When our spiritual level begins to rule in our personalities, we begin to know peace. To the extent that ego and selfishness recede, and we allow God into our consciousness, we begin to know bliss and peace. To the extent that we love our neighbor instead of seeing our neighbor as an enemy or as competition, we come into bliss and peace. Letting our spiritual nature rule in our personalities comes over time. It takes a lifetime. But it is worth the effort. As Swedenborg says, “The nature of the tranquility of peace is so delightful, that it surpasses every idea of delight.” (AC 92)

Quote to Share

by Rev. Jenn

there's no greater power than an idea whose time has come

~ wayne dyer

Caterpillars to Butterflies

I recently read Rev. Sage Serene's blog entry "The unknown" (sagereflections.org). Sage has a new job working for a hospice assisting people who will soon be dying. Can there be a bigger rite of passage? I'm also studying Monarch butterflies with Ava (her first science project in school). As she tells me about the caterpillar in her classroom building the chrysalis to create the safe and necessary environment to morph into the adult butterfly, I smile and think, "Okay God, I get the connection". We are all caterpillars crawling along on our oft-randomly appearing journeys that spiral along towards the butterfly dreams. I look forward to traveling the journey with you and recall that it is the journey not the destination that matters. Heaven is not a place, it is a state of being. Let's see if we can find a bit of that world together this fall at our youth groups and retreats.

Upcoming Retreats in October

As I enter into the fall season, I look ahead to the upcoming retreats and youth gatherings. I am so excited to begin our monthly youth group gatherings again here in Maine. I love seeing the new faces coming into youth group as well as the teens who have been involved in retreats and activities for awhile. I'm thrilled that we have three retreats planned in October! New England over Columbus Day weekend (Blairhaven is letting us come!), Indiana/Michigan over October 25 and Kansas (Camp Mennoscah) over Halloween . Each of these events will be filled with opportunities for meaningful discussion, joyful play and nurturing community. Hosting teen events are so important to me. They changed my life when I was a teen and I hope that you teens find them equally precious and fulfilling.

Back to School Ramblings

In the cool morning air amongst long shadows traversing the driveway, I watched my daughter Ava climb onto the school bus for the first time to propel herself into the complicated and wonderful world of kindergarten. This is a big deal for parents and it has started me thinking about journeys and rites of passage. Beginning kindergarten is certainly a rite of passage. But there are myriad new beginnings that each of us launch headlong into without fully understanding what lies (or lies are!) ahead. Actually, all of us are entering into the future, into uncharted territory, every moment of the day. Yet still, we look at certain events in our lives as more significant and perhaps life changing. I think of some of you teens going off to college. I think of the teens I know that are embarking on new jobs and the ones facing new and difficult challenges. I think back to the various rites of passage that I went through when I was younger and the ones that I face in the future. I am fascinated in the journey that is life and I wonder what your journey looks like. Are you traveling a safe road? Do you prefer a risky less sure path? Do you have a leader or are you flying solo? These are questions that I think are important for us to look at every once in awhile. So, how is your journey going? I look forward to hearing from you.

SCYL Chaplain

by Pastor Dave

My name is Pastor Dave. I love to learn. I learn about music by listening to all kinds: classical, jazz, classic rock, and by studying music theory. I write my own songs and lyrics. I learn about life by reading poetry, novels, and religion and by enjoying other people. I write poetry--some of it rhymes, some is free verse. I am learning how to ski, which is fun and hard. I have a B.A. from Urbana University, a Master's degree from Harvard, and a Ph.D. from University of Virginia. I'm still learning and enjoying others.

My favorite cereal is whole grain oat cereal of any brand.

I haven't skipped school for 35 years, but last time I did was to get pizza.

I prefer chunky peanut butter.

If you have anything you are wondering about, or something personal on your mind, please feel free to email me, since you have elected me as your pastor: feketedavid@yahoo.com.

Peace,

Pastor Dave