It’s the “holiday season” but this is not an essay about Christmas. Nor is it about Halloween. It purports be an essay about Quaker’s and holidays. However, it’s more about language – sacred language – and how French philosopher Jacques Derrida has something to say about sacred language that might surprise a few folks that are “in the know.” What should we do with Derrida’s prediction that the words of or about God might avenge themselves upon those who attempt to co-opt them for personal…

The following is an excerpt from a message delivered by ESR student Abbey Pratt-Harrington at worship on November 29:

Psalm 26 – “Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth” (26:2-3).

“I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked. I wash my hands to declare my innocence. I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders” (26:5-7).

“I love your sanctuary, Lord,…

New Blog Post: "A Lifelong Pacifist Speaks on Pacifism"

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Psalm 22 – Christ’s prayer in extremis: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? I have cried desperately for help, but still it does not come. During the day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer; I call at night, but get no rest” (22:1-2).

Yes, there are times when it feels like this. Laura Story’s song, “Blessings” comes to my mind. It’s a contemporary psalm:…

There are many things a Quaker couple can do together for adventure, relaxation, spiritual enrichment or simply for fun. My wife Pam and I are fortunate enough do all of those things, but the one that never fails to nurture us the most is our annual trip to Nicaragua. I write these words as our plane lifts off the runway in Managua, and I am overwhelmed by the Spirit as my wife, Pam and I realize once again that we have been blessed, very blessed with a life that…

The second Thursday, late afternoon, of every month is reserved. Without question. Not even marked on my calendar. That's when I dutifully pull out my log of Artsy Fartsy kids' names and phone numbers and begin the round of reminder calls.…

Psalm 19 – “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world” (19:1-3).

The great sun is compared with both a “bridegroom” and “an eager athlete.” And then these famous words:

“The instructions of the Lord…

The comments on the prior post lead to an interesting question. Does every personal leading reflect a leading or opening from the Spirit of Christ?  

If this is answered, " yes" then how do we account for the various times in our lives when we see or read about people making outlandish or destructive statements which they attribute to the inspiration of the spirit of God?   To make it more personal, how many times do we feel we think we are expressing the Spirit of Christ when we…

Psalm 17 – “O Lord, hear my plea for justice. Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from honest lips” (17:1).

“I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people. My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you” (17:4-5).

“Hide me in the shadow of your wings” (17:8).  The wicked people of this world “are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart—like young lions hiding…

Psalm 12 – “Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing! The faithful have vanished from the earth! Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts” (12:1-2).

People don’t seem to care any more whether they lie or do violence to others. Reading the words of this psalm make me realize that probably every generation has looked around and seen terrible things, things that put us to shame as a people. But…

Last week, I wrote about serendipitously meeting Rebecca at Whole Foods. Today, I believe that wave of Spirit put me in the path of Amanda and Scott, again, two strangers I encountered while having tea. …

Psalm 9 – “I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you; I will sing praises to your name, O Most High” (9:1-2).

My enemies fell before you. “You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have erased their names forever and ever” (9:5).

The destruction that has come from these enemies will be forgotten, but “the Lord shall endure forever; he has…

Psalm 6 – “O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, nor chasten me in your wrath. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak” (6:1-2).

My soul is troubled. Please deliver me, “for in death there is no remembrance of you; in the grave who will give you thanks?” (6:4-5).

“I am weary with my groaning; all night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears. My eye wastes away because of grief” (6:6-7).

“Depart from me, all you workers of…

The Psalms are songs or hymns – poems – that have been ascribed to David. About 73 of the 150/151 Psalms are attributed to him, and whether they truly are his or not, they do seem to reflect the thoughts of one who is charged with leadership of a nation or peoples. The reading schedule is very difficult to follow through the psalms because the schedule sometimes requires that one read four or five psalms and they seem easier to absorb one at a time like all…