 Spiritual: January 18, 2006 Issue [#831] |
  Spiritual
This week: Edited by: Puditat  
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1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
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6. Ask & Answer
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Spiritual: relating to the spirit or soul and not to physical matter; intangible. Collins Dictionary and Thesaurus
This newsletter explores ideas of the spiritual nature that exists in each and every one of us in an open and non-judgemental manner.
Each editor brings to the newsletter their own backgrounds, experiences, beliefs and opinions. Whether you disagree, agree, doubt or applaud the views expressed, let us all show respect to each other. Together we can learn something about the many varied aspects of the spiritual self and enjoy our differences in true meaning of the Spirit of Community.
Enjoy! 
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Jesus, Teller of Stories
Throughout time, stories have been used for many purposes. Different cultures and beliefs have used stories as ways to pass on their morals, histories and foundational belief systems from generation to generation. Many of these still exist. I think of Africa where tribes rely on the spoken word to relay anything from an instruction or message to the legends, adventures and lessons learned from their ancestors. This custom can be seen in so many native cultures. Maori, Native American, Indian...it is an admirable and beautiful custom.
When I first started thinking about it, I thought that maybe 'Westerners' had lost this ability. But upon reflection, I realise that we have not - it is merely in different forms - we use ink and paper, computer and phone. But we have lost a lot of the art of it - not only the histories, both personal and cultural, the morals and the wisdoms that come from the passing of these stories, but also the communion and conversation, the fellowship and the bonding.
Jesus, like many others during His day, relied heavily on spoken word spoken over the written. He was not uneducated; He read from the Holy scrolls in the temple. But He knew, also, that to reach everyday people -- the people often scorned and rejected by 'polite' society -- speech carried more weight, commanded a greater audience, and fulfilled a greater basic need within the people.
Like many cultural legends passed down through the ages, Jesus' stories were based on truths. They carried messages, woven around stories that may or may not have actually happened. I believe He used a clever mix of real events, and events which were highly probable. They were ALL identifiable with the people of His time. They have lost none of their original meaning, though sometimes we must look at the period to fully understand what Jesus spoke of.
His stories are called 'Parables'. Let us look at one in brief.
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard: Matthew 20:1-16
Ironically, this parable carries probably as much practical application in today's society as it did then. Where I live is a burgeoning vineyard region, making itself known on the international wine stage and bringing an increase of tourism to our district. Vineyard work is seasonal, so the calling in of workers such as Jesus shows in the parable, is exactly as we now experience. There is also a high unemployment rate in many nations, just like the Biblical days. So we already see that his 'story' covers distance and time.
The message of the parable is not about getting work, but about the grace of God. In the story each worker received the same day's pay, regardless of whether they worked twelve hours, or one hour. Such is God's grace. If we turn to Him, time is of no issue when we look to our eternal life with Him. God keeps no account of how long we've loved Him, just that we do love Him.
Jesus used an easily comprehensible situation to demonstrate His point. For some, it would have been an incredulous tale of unfairness, and no more. For those who were willing, they would learn from the tale and take heed. It is for this reason that Jesus spoke "He who has ears, let him hear." Matthew 11:15 Meaning...in essence...for those that understand, or desire to understand, listen and learn.
Jesus can show us many lessons, not the least about story-telling. His stories -- parables -- were short and to the point. They were at once both entertaining and carried truths, though often obliquely, so that some thought or prick of conscience was/is required to reveal the full and applicable meaning.
Sometimes our stories get too explicit or lose their mystery. Jesus was not afraid of blending the revelation of truths with some mystique, whilst still achieving relevance to His audience. What can seem simple is often the most complex of all.
Till next time;
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I really loved your editorial "God, the Author" in the newsletter from 11/16 (yes, I am behind in my newsletters; can you tell?) I am copying it to my personal folder for future inspiration. Ten stars.
Pen Name
Wow, with feedback like that, who could worry when it was given!! With all my heart, thank you...for giving me such encouragement and blessing as your words made my spirit soar. 
Thank you so much for this wonderful and very enjoyable newsletter 
jeanimoo
Thank you, dear. 
remember the reason for the season ...
Christ ,the lamb born in a barn,where the sacrifices with no blemish ,were kept, laying in the hay which is food for the animals, he isour food for life.
jw52130
How could I add to this? Thank you, Jenny.
Thank you for another inspiring issue Puditat! This particular statement says volumes, and I hope it touches others the way God would want it to:
"If you believe that Christmas is a pagan practice, and that it will defile you, then I suggest that your heart can not in all conscience continue on celebrating it. But if your celebrations are done in honour of the Lord, with focus on Him--then be merry, and may your Christmas be blessed. Each person must choose for himself what is right, so that He may stand before God with a clear conscience."
Truer words were never spoken!
~wind~
windac
Thank you, sweetheart.  You are my steadfast and loyal friend!
Although Christmas is supposed to be a celebration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, I see all around me the lack of Him in the celebrations. It isn't about trees, presents, or Santa Claus (which is a whole other story. Folks, even those who say they are Christians, are saying "Happy Holidays" instead of Merry Christmas so they don't offend anyone! Say Merry Christmas, be glad to be a Christian!! You're going to heaven, those that aren't saved aren't. Jesus Christ is the reason we're going to heaven, without Him, there is NO entrance!! I'm saddened by the behavior of many Christians whose focus isn't on our Lord, but on what is under the tree, what they're serving for dinner, and what the stores have left.
Uniqueey
Uniqueey
I wholeheartedly agree -- there is much to sadden us, especially those who profess one thing and say/do another. The world is moving towards a pre-ordained time, written of in the book of Revelation. Unfortunately we will see more and more of this kind of thing. I suppose it demonstrates my point of why I write what I write within the newsletter. I refuse to compromise the truths and beliefs as I know them to be.
If this is seen as being exclusionary, elitist, bias, or propaganda-dishing, I would respond that to not be true to my beliefs would be false and luke warm. "I knowe your deeds, that you are neither hot or cold. I wish you either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm -- neither hot nor cold -- I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Revelation 3:15-16
I am fully aware that people are trying to show respect for the beliefs of others and attempting to not offend anyone by avoiding the use of "Merry Christmas." But I would say: let those who don't believe say "Happy Holidays", and those who do say "Merry Christmas". Somewhere I did hear of this little thing called 'freedom of speech'...  In this sort of scenario, offense is something one chooses to take, not something one is given.
Thank you for expressing your point of view.
I try to patient with this newsletter and hope there would be something other than christian propaganda sometime but this line just drove the point home that this is a religious newsletter and not spiritual:
"The day may have originally been utilised to celebrate heathen practices, but does that nullify it as a day for believers in Christ to claim it for Jesus? I think it is doubly important to do so, shifting the focus onto God, and away from evil."
Just cause you don't believe in something, does not make it evil. Diversity should be celebrated, not something to put a target on. I hope some day your faith will allow you to see that. I know many people that have a strong belief in God but are open-minded enough to accept others - I have learned alot from those people.
Be wonderful to have some balance and acceptance. Maybe change this newsletter's name to Christian Messages to be more clear if this is not desired.
eklypz
Firstly, I commend you on your patience and willingness to read and provide feedback. Above all, a safe and open forum to discuss these issues should be provided here.
Your statement "Just cause you don't believe in something, does not make it evil." is something I completely agree with. Just the same as believing in something does not make it true. Truths and falsehoods are facts - it is our experiences, teachings, life and customs that alter our perception of what is a truth and what is a falsehood.
My statement, which you quote above, was made in general aspect. My knowledge of the events over which the date of 25th December is argued is poor, at best. However I believe that anything based on any other deity, other than the one true God in which I believe, is evil, or maybe I should rephrase...is a sin. It is one of the Ten Commandments: "You shall have no other gods before me." Deuteronomy 5:7
I hope this explains the basis for my use of the word 'evil'. I am not asking for you to accept, or even believe it, just to understand my thought process.
As far as diversity is concerned -- I am into diversity, tolerance (without compromising my own beliefs), and acceptance. But that does not give me an obligation to talk on subjects (eg. other belief systems), about which I have neither the knowledge or expertise to discuss. Nor does it oblige me to 'advertise' religions/beliefs which I cannot in all conscience support. Asking me to do so would show little acceptance, understanding or tolerance of my faith stand. I am a Christian, and in Christ my focus shall remain. I am more than happy for people to share their own faiths, just do not ask me to editorialise it for them. I have happily and considerately worked alongside editors on this newsletter who are witches. That is their choice, God is mine, and we all amicably share the same forum. It seems a simple enough premise to me.
I welcome such discussions, and appreciate the ability to respond.
I've often had the same impression as Jeffz; this isn't the first time the issue's been mentioned. To be fair, I looked over the last four issues and wondered why; I can't say they struck me as overly biased towards Christianity (taken together). But this NL could be more diverse and inclusive, given the broad range of the genre of "Spirituality."
I don't recall the last time I read anything in the newsletter about Judaism or Buddhism or Sikhism or general "spirituality" outside of any religious affiliation (which, I think, is what this member is looking for). Or how about an editorial on "why write faith-based fiction"? Interviews? Book reviews? Sources of creative inspiration? Rituals for writing? The Spiritual NL is good; but it could be reaching more members and fulfilling more needs.
Holly Jahangiri
Dearest Jessiebelle, I believe my answer to Jeffz submission answers part of yours. But I would love to add that your ideas in the latter part are great.
When I first started writing for this newsletter I focussed on Spiritual writing (like why write inspirational things, dreams related to writing, time, and attending to our spiritual health). I was trying to completely stay away from 'Christian' matters in my efforts not to 'preach' or offend, and given that the name of the newsletter was 'Spiritual'.
From my first three or four issues, if I remember correctly, I received hardly any feedback, and was greatly disheartened. Since I switched to writing about 'Christian' matters, the discussions and feedback have bloomed dramatically, leading me to believe that I am 'reaching' more readers than ever before. I am one editor out of four, and there is certainly scope for different viewpoints depending on the make-up of the editorial team, which constantly changes as people's lives alter.
I think that maybe it is time for me to look at slotting in some more generalised writing-based issues again.
Thank you, hun. I need inspiration, and you;ve given me some! 
Incidentally, I have been writing for this newsletter since August 2003.
I enjoyed this Christmas issue very much. The story of the Candy Canes was unbeknownst to me. You always intrigue me with your issues.
PastVoices
I am so pleased to have brought you something new to mull over. It is a quick, easy way to introduce the gospel message to someone. I keep a copy in the back of my Bible.
There is quite a quantity of feedback received regarding the versions/accuracy of the Bible. I decided to keep these all over to go with my edition on that subject, which I hope I can research fully enough for my issue in February. I am thrilled with the debate that is happening.
Please, if you would like to make comments, add your thoughts on this issue, or have specific queries regarding the matter, send them in via the feedback form or directly to Puditat before February 8th. Thank you!
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