Chapter 5

[Cindy]

1. The Author starts by discussing "engaged Buddhism," which allows them to "continue our contemplative life while in the midst of helping the victims of war." I think those of us who are in the UCC are pretty good with the engaged part of Christianity. We understand service and the need to work for justice. But we often miss the mindfulness part. Or is that just me? :-)

2. TNH writes, "It is often said that there is no salvation outside the church." Would you agree with this statement?

3. The statement above reminds me of a professor I had in seminary who said that trying to be Christian without belonging to a community or church was the equivalent of spiritual masturbation. He said it's an acceptable substitute if the "real thing" isn't available, but it's not as meaningful and it doesn't have the capability of producing life for others. What do you think? Do you find this concept shocking/offensive/funny/accurate/hogwash?

4. "A Sangha is a group of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen who practice together to encourage the best qualities in each other." I like this definition for church as well. TNH says that a real Sangha "moves in the direction of transformation" and doesn't have to be perfect. How does this apply to the church?

5. I really like his explanation of charity and generosity using the metaphor of hitting your finger with a hammer. If we truly saw ourselves as all connected, as all part of the body, we wouldn't hesitate to help others.

6. "With utmost courage, Jesus taught a gospel of nonviolence. Is the church today practicing the same by its presence and behavior? Do the churches practice nonviolence and social justice, or do they align themselves with governments that practice violence and hatred?" Your thoughts?

[Judy]

"There is no salvation outside the church." This causes such a bad knee-jerk reaction in me. At the risk of sounding like Bill Clinton, I guess it depends on what your definition of Salvation is. The way we should be living and loving, according to Jesus or Buddha or anyone else, all comes down to the same concept. And sometimes you actually have to leave Church to rediscover it, depending on the Church. I was glad to see in point #3 (shocking AND funny) that your professor used the phrase "belonging to a community or a church". Our loving community is very often found in a church but also can be found in any kind of community.

[Debra]

Reading Chapter 5 this Sunday afternoon dovetails nicely with Cindy's message in church this morning about the one body in Christ!

I've dipped in and out of several congregations in my adult years, two of which worked well for me. Being at FCCUCC in SoPo connects me to a community that allows for personal spiritual growth while simultaneously reminds me that, as TNH puts it, "it is crucial to be with a Sangha or a church where everyone practices together, or dwells mindfully in the Spirit. We need to create such communities for our own benefit."

[Debra]

To Cindy's point in question 6 re: whether modern day churches practice nonviolence in a way Jesus might honor...I wonder how Jesus would feel about our modern day churches in general. Are they too institutionalized/bureaucracised/politicized?? What would Jesus the rabble rouser say?!

A related thought: TNH asks in this chapter:"Are we in dialogue with other religions?" Might we a a church community reach out to an area mosque for an ecumenical dialogue?

[Debra]

I love TNH's closing comment:"It is not only true that Christians need Jesus, but Jesus needs Christians also for His energy to continue in this world." I had not considered this in these terms, but find the concept empowering.