Having worked at Jewish Family Service as a devout Christian, I found todays sermon refreshing! For 8 years, so many people tried to create dividing lines between our faith traditions, and in my mission of creating inclusion for families living with and supporting people with disabilities, I was always building bridges in the community to create human connections for people who so often live in isolation. Thank you for helping to resurrect an important bridge using the foundation of our faith tradition. And, the poem from the Black Rock Prayer Book touched the core of my spirit,
“The world now is too dangerous
and too beautiful for anything but love.
May your eyes be so blessed you see God in everyone...”
Thanks again for continuing to challenge us to continue to see the love in scripture.
To keep — to guard, watch over, and to attend to God’s creation and do justice — is the mandate for those who love Jesus. AND I wonder if we can't say BE RESPONSIBLE for the wording and keeping of the Commandments to be inclusive of ALL.
Thank you for this education. I never knew how inextricably intertwined Eastertide and the Ten Commandments were. And the distinction between obey and keep is one that lifted the shame of not being able to "obey" and helps me to forgive myself when I when I do not "keep" the Commandments.
It is a distinction we don't often consider. But it was also present in traditional wedding vows. There were two different vows -- one was "keep thee only unto her/him" (for both sexes) and another was "to obey." (The latter being only for women.) Keeping and obeying were two different promises -- something that was understood in those vows.
I’ve wondered if a kind of psychological reading would be most helpful. I’ve long thought Paul’s anti-Law writings were his most troubling. Perhaps his anti-Law writings are a kind of self-anger. He wasn’t really angry at the Law itself; rather, he was angry at the way he understood the law — a way that led him to persecute other Jews (the ones that decided to embrace Jesus).
Sometimes converts are the most vicious deniers of their former faith — a form of deconstruction on hyper-drive.
Have you ever met a former Southern Baptist who became, say, a Catholic? They are unsparing in their criticism of their former church. No sympathy at all. Mostly anger and betrayal.
With that in mind, I’m always on alert for the moments Paul is kind, hopeful, and generous to his former community, especially when he speaks of particular theological themes (like the Law).
So true, Diana! As a Christian who used to work for Jewish Family Service, I’ve encountered so many Christians who doubt my devotion to Jesus because I worked there. And, many Jewish leaders who look at me warily once they understand my previous work. Thank you for giving me validation for having my spirit so close to both faith traditions!
On this also Holy Day of non church calendar Mother’s Day (also non commercial) my morning started with meds , coffee , scone, God , Diana ‘s beautiful inspirational writing , sweet picture of Paddy so typical of terrier behavior we have an older one in our extended family who does the same thing to his main person when he visits here . I we have seen God in so many connections this week and I am grateful for the extended community of the cottage again another thank you for starting Sunday so wonderfully . Much to ponder Love and Blessings.
The word that came to my mind in your rendering of the imperative "keep" was "protect." Like the mandate for those who are officers of the law in our communities: Serve and Protect. We protect what we love (treasure) and deem valuable, of great worth. It goes to Jesus' saying: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Thank you for another stunning exegesis to live by.
brilliant. (i am starting to sound redundant here). but as a longtime catholic, now anglican, married for three decades to a jewish man, i find your close close read of Torah and Hebrew, and the interplay between Christianity and Judaism to be so critical and so long overdue. your willingness to name the mis-readings sharpens the point. week by week, i find myself wanting to be perched in your pews. thank you.
Thank you, Barbara. Not only has my own Christian faith grown and expanded by paying more attention to the ways in which Jesus — and the church who followed him — were shaped by Judaism, but that same attentiveness has revealed layers of anti-Jewish thought and practice that had too long been invisible to me. I’m truly grateful to my friends with several rabbis — and Jewish friends — whose love and faithfulness opened windows on to my own tradition that I might see faith differently.
It is so important. Especially in our shared fight against Christian nationalism and authoritarianism.
Thank you for this, Diana. A few years ago I was introduced to the brilliant scholarship of Amy Jill Levine and her work in bridging the gap between how Christians are taught in ways that cast a negative light on Judaism. This awareness has changed everything for me. It’s so easy to be biased...
Something like this was my own experience as well, Diana. Digging deeper into my Christian journey gave me the gift of an appreciation for Judaism I'd not had before.
And I agree completely that this is not just a nice thing for me, but vital that we see each other as natural allies for hope.
As usual, Rev. Bass creates wonderful food for thought. She literally transforms one's congruence with the commandments, and swaddles them in the gentle hands of Jesus.
Thank you once again. I have never heard the meaning of “keep” - not in seminary or ant sermon or Bible study - at least that I remember. Once again a single word shifts the meaning of the whole “commandment and commandments”
My book, “Freeing Jesus” was almost titled “Keeping Faith.” The first — and now unpublished chapter — the book not written was all about the word “keep.”
Agreed! I was in various Bible studies for decades (including seminary for a short time) along with my own study and reflection on the Bible and never heard or read this clear understanding of the word “keep.” It does indeed shift the meaning and understanding of the commandments. Very unfortunately, this is very common with so many words, phrases, and concepts in the Bible. This has led to many, many misinterpretations of the scriptures, thus creating tension, confusion, discord, and worse on many levels for individuals, communities of faith, religion at large, and dare I say the world at large. So much damage has been done. There are not enough people giving us the information that Diana has shared, and we desperately need it. Richard Rohr and others have done a good job with this as well, but as a whole, most Christians stay with what they were/are taught and many find themselves stuck and simply unable to explain what they believe with any real clarity.
I agree with you. It's a large part of the reason I left religion altogether 3 years ago. So much of it doesn't make sense and is archaic/patriarchal and we can't agree collectively on almost anything. I still find sacredness and holiness in nature, indigenous religions, Native American religion Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. Anywhere where I find truth that resonates deeply within me. And that often includes Jesus’ words — properly understood. But...who decides what “properly understood” means?? Years ago I had to develop my own hermeneutic — connecting to the Wise Woman within — to understand spiritual language with integrity. It's an ongoing process, but it's very freeing and my spiritual life is deeper, stronger, and more clear and unconflicted than ever.
It sounds like your hermeneutic is contributing eclectically to your sense of spiritual connection. The denomination within mainline protestantism isn't much of a determining factor for me in finding what works. It is the individual congregation. It is how they behave and not what they proclaim that can make them helpful to me. Human socialization stemming from a church is healthy for me, but it must come from a group of people that represent my values. Good luck to you in continuing your progress toward wisdom.
I told myself for a long time that church was important because of community. That only lasted so long. Church community wasn't really so great, especially when so many are living something they don't even understand. When I finally admitted that church/religion no longer made sense to me or for me, I realized I would need to find community elsewhere because I do know that community is important. I am in a couple of small groups and continue to be heavily involved in the food pantry and taking care of others. I have found my community. It just doesn't happen on a Sunday morning. But it is certainly a transition after 60 years of regular church attendance. A work in progress. I hope we all find what is right for us -- inside or outside church. We all have a path. There is not just one way...
I didn't have all those years of church attendance leading me to where I am or am not now. I never attended much until I turned 64 years old! But I'll probably get there and be alienated in my 90's!
P.S. Adding to my first post…I am going back to church at age 76, joining a congregation, many of whom have been there for years. I will have many able teachers😉🙏🤣
Your words resonate with me. Baptized and confirmed Presbyterian, I struggled to understand some of the basic concepts, such as resurrection. I chose to search for spiritual connection/social connection in study circles outside “Christian” churches. Finally, several years ago, I found Richard Rohr, Diana Butler Bass, Jim Dollar and many others who helped me grapple with the issues that befuddled me and came back to Christianity (through a better gut-level understanding of what the Resurrection means to me personally). Now I am exploring the Episcopal/Anglican churches for a community I can join and contribute to as best I can. Your words remind me that it is the people and their relationships with one another that create a community of shared spiritual discovery. 🙏 Thank you!
Amazing difference between Obey and Keep.
Thanks!
Having worked at Jewish Family Service as a devout Christian, I found todays sermon refreshing! For 8 years, so many people tried to create dividing lines between our faith traditions, and in my mission of creating inclusion for families living with and supporting people with disabilities, I was always building bridges in the community to create human connections for people who so often live in isolation. Thank you for helping to resurrect an important bridge using the foundation of our faith tradition. And, the poem from the Black Rock Prayer Book touched the core of my spirit,
“The world now is too dangerous
and too beautiful for anything but love.
May your eyes be so blessed you see God in everyone...”
Thanks again for continuing to challenge us to continue to see the love in scripture.
To keep — to guard, watch over, and to attend to God’s creation and do justice — is the mandate for those who love Jesus. AND I wonder if we can't say BE RESPONSIBLE for the wording and keeping of the Commandments to be inclusive of ALL.
I also love the First Nations version
“If you love me you will walk in my ways”
Thank you for this education. I never knew how inextricably intertwined Eastertide and the Ten Commandments were. And the distinction between obey and keep is one that lifted the shame of not being able to "obey" and helps me to forgive myself when I when I do not "keep" the Commandments.
I have never heard that distinction between obey and keep. Very helpful.
It is a distinction we don't often consider. But it was also present in traditional wedding vows. There were two different vows -- one was "keep thee only unto her/him" (for both sexes) and another was "to obey." (The latter being only for women.) Keeping and obeying were two different promises -- something that was understood in those vows.
You just blew my mind... AGAIN! Bringing the point home with this in an even more poignant way!!!
I just heard the same thing listening to sermon this morning by Ray Stedman. Love that satisfies justice. Happy Mother's Day, Diana!
Thank you for one of the best statements of our relationship to the Law. One that i will keep!
Very insightful. Could you plug in how Paul’s anti-law writings support this idea of keeping the law?
I’ve wondered if a kind of psychological reading would be most helpful. I’ve long thought Paul’s anti-Law writings were his most troubling. Perhaps his anti-Law writings are a kind of self-anger. He wasn’t really angry at the Law itself; rather, he was angry at the way he understood the law — a way that led him to persecute other Jews (the ones that decided to embrace Jesus).
Sometimes converts are the most vicious deniers of their former faith — a form of deconstruction on hyper-drive.
Have you ever met a former Southern Baptist who became, say, a Catholic? They are unsparing in their criticism of their former church. No sympathy at all. Mostly anger and betrayal.
With that in mind, I’m always on alert for the moments Paul is kind, hopeful, and generous to his former community, especially when he speaks of particular theological themes (like the Law).
So true, Diana! As a Christian who used to work for Jewish Family Service, I’ve encountered so many Christians who doubt my devotion to Jesus because I worked there. And, many Jewish leaders who look at me warily once they understand my previous work. Thank you for giving me validation for having my spirit so close to both faith traditions!
Great insight! Indeed a psychological truism.
On this also Holy Day of non church calendar Mother’s Day (also non commercial) my morning started with meds , coffee , scone, God , Diana ‘s beautiful inspirational writing , sweet picture of Paddy so typical of terrier behavior we have an older one in our extended family who does the same thing to his main person when he visits here . I we have seen God in so many connections this week and I am grateful for the extended community of the cottage again another thank you for starting Sunday so wonderfully . Much to ponder Love and Blessings.
The word that came to my mind in your rendering of the imperative "keep" was "protect." Like the mandate for those who are officers of the law in our communities: Serve and Protect. We protect what we love (treasure) and deem valuable, of great worth. It goes to Jesus' saying: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Thank you for another stunning exegesis to live by.
I love that!!! ❤️
brilliant. (i am starting to sound redundant here). but as a longtime catholic, now anglican, married for three decades to a jewish man, i find your close close read of Torah and Hebrew, and the interplay between Christianity and Judaism to be so critical and so long overdue. your willingness to name the mis-readings sharpens the point. week by week, i find myself wanting to be perched in your pews. thank you.
Thank you, Barbara. Not only has my own Christian faith grown and expanded by paying more attention to the ways in which Jesus — and the church who followed him — were shaped by Judaism, but that same attentiveness has revealed layers of anti-Jewish thought and practice that had too long been invisible to me. I’m truly grateful to my friends with several rabbis — and Jewish friends — whose love and faithfulness opened windows on to my own tradition that I might see faith differently.
It is so important. Especially in our shared fight against Christian nationalism and authoritarianism.
Thank you for this, Diana. A few years ago I was introduced to the brilliant scholarship of Amy Jill Levine and her work in bridging the gap between how Christians are taught in ways that cast a negative light on Judaism. This awareness has changed everything for me. It’s so easy to be biased...
Something like this was my own experience as well, Diana. Digging deeper into my Christian journey gave me the gift of an appreciation for Judaism I'd not had before.
And I agree completely that this is not just a nice thing for me, but vital that we see each other as natural allies for hope.
amen amen, a thousand amens....
As usual, Rev. Bass creates wonderful food for thought. She literally transforms one's congruence with the commandments, and swaddles them in the gentle hands of Jesus.
any sermon
Thank you once again. I have never heard the meaning of “keep” - not in seminary or ant sermon or Bible study - at least that I remember. Once again a single word shifts the meaning of the whole “commandment and commandments”
My book, “Freeing Jesus” was almost titled “Keeping Faith.” The first — and now unpublished chapter — the book not written was all about the word “keep.”
Can we see it? Or will it be in your next book?
Agreed! I was in various Bible studies for decades (including seminary for a short time) along with my own study and reflection on the Bible and never heard or read this clear understanding of the word “keep.” It does indeed shift the meaning and understanding of the commandments. Very unfortunately, this is very common with so many words, phrases, and concepts in the Bible. This has led to many, many misinterpretations of the scriptures, thus creating tension, confusion, discord, and worse on many levels for individuals, communities of faith, religion at large, and dare I say the world at large. So much damage has been done. There are not enough people giving us the information that Diana has shared, and we desperately need it. Richard Rohr and others have done a good job with this as well, but as a whole, most Christians stay with what they were/are taught and many find themselves stuck and simply unable to explain what they believe with any real clarity.
Well said!
Thank you, Susan, for your letter! So appreciate your kindness.
I think you're right and it's very awkward to present new concepts to those who seem stuck--no matter how confident one might be in one's precepts.
I agree with you. It's a large part of the reason I left religion altogether 3 years ago. So much of it doesn't make sense and is archaic/patriarchal and we can't agree collectively on almost anything. I still find sacredness and holiness in nature, indigenous religions, Native American religion Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. Anywhere where I find truth that resonates deeply within me. And that often includes Jesus’ words — properly understood. But...who decides what “properly understood” means?? Years ago I had to develop my own hermeneutic — connecting to the Wise Woman within — to understand spiritual language with integrity. It's an ongoing process, but it's very freeing and my spiritual life is deeper, stronger, and more clear and unconflicted than ever.
It sounds like your hermeneutic is contributing eclectically to your sense of spiritual connection. The denomination within mainline protestantism isn't much of a determining factor for me in finding what works. It is the individual congregation. It is how they behave and not what they proclaim that can make them helpful to me. Human socialization stemming from a church is healthy for me, but it must come from a group of people that represent my values. Good luck to you in continuing your progress toward wisdom.
I told myself for a long time that church was important because of community. That only lasted so long. Church community wasn't really so great, especially when so many are living something they don't even understand. When I finally admitted that church/religion no longer made sense to me or for me, I realized I would need to find community elsewhere because I do know that community is important. I am in a couple of small groups and continue to be heavily involved in the food pantry and taking care of others. I have found my community. It just doesn't happen on a Sunday morning. But it is certainly a transition after 60 years of regular church attendance. A work in progress. I hope we all find what is right for us -- inside or outside church. We all have a path. There is not just one way...
I didn't have all those years of church attendance leading me to where I am or am not now. I never attended much until I turned 64 years old! But I'll probably get there and be alienated in my 90's!
P.S. Adding to my first post…I am going back to church at age 76, joining a congregation, many of whom have been there for years. I will have many able teachers😉🙏🤣
Your words resonate with me. Baptized and confirmed Presbyterian, I struggled to understand some of the basic concepts, such as resurrection. I chose to search for spiritual connection/social connection in study circles outside “Christian” churches. Finally, several years ago, I found Richard Rohr, Diana Butler Bass, Jim Dollar and many others who helped me grapple with the issues that befuddled me and came back to Christianity (through a better gut-level understanding of what the Resurrection means to me personally). Now I am exploring the Episcopal/Anglican churches for a community I can join and contribute to as best I can. Your words remind me that it is the people and their relationships with one another that create a community of shared spiritual discovery. 🙏 Thank you!