A Thousand Bubbles
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Policy and Politics - what do you think?
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Additional Discussion (from my FaceBook page) Bruce Joffe (My doppelganger) If we think of Jesus as turned into a martyr -- crucified for being proactive about social justice -- rather than a "god," perhaps it will be easier for others to accept him. Ricardo Amore Well said. As I understand it, Jews acknowledge Christ, simply don't think he was the promised Messiah, for whom they still wait. Bruce Joffe I asked Google what is the meaning of "Christ". Google answered: "Christ was not originally a name but a title derived from the Greek word christos, which translates the Hebrew term meshiah (Messiah), meaning “the anointed one.” This title indicates that Jesus' followers believed him to be the anointed son of King David, whom some Jews expected to restore the fortunes of Israel." and "Though Jesus Christ is considered by Christians as the complete name of the son of God, Jesus was the name given to him by his mother while Christ was the name used as a title for him in the New Testament. ... Christ is a secular title, whereas Jesus is the name of the son of God." While I have been told that Jesus said something like "I am a child of god, as are all of you," other quotes in the New Testament Bible affirm that he was the one and only Divine son of god. The idea of a human-god living on Earth who would be worshiped is anathema to Jewish theology. The idea that we all carry a Divine spark, that we all are children of the same family, is closer to Jewish theology. As I understand it, Ricardo Amore, Jews don't believe Jesus was the Messiah (e.g., the Christ) because we are not yet living in a world of peace and joy (to be heralded by the Messiah). Jews believe that a Messianic Age will evolve from our individual acts of Tikkun Olam, repair of the world. I think we can acknowledge Jesus as a prophet whose teachings bring us closer to creating a Messianic Era. Ricardo Amore I think he also brought the concept of an afterlife, which kinda solves the problem of pain. For a new religion (Christianity) that's a pretty big selling point. Jake Armstrong Since not all Jews hold the same doctrines, like Christians hold different views, which Jewish sect(s) hold the “Divine Spark” philosophy? I have never heard that before. The Essenes believed Yeshua was the anointed one, at least according to recent biblical researchers anyway. And Christians hold on to a Holy Spirit, the spirit of God, that dwells inside each and every one. Is that the same as the define spark you mention? Tony Hansen This is my own belief and I don’t pretend to represent all Christians. The concept that the Messiah would be both man and God is mentioned in Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end,” Leonard Levy Bruce, I'm no expert in either Jewish or Christian history, but I have done a bit of reading and at least on first glance your summation of the difference between the 2 sounds like a Christian critique of Judaism (partly from the Gospels) that wasn't accurate. Judaism was actually quite attractive to non-Jews at the time of Jesus and afterward for its ethical teachings which doesn't sound like the stern punishing god you describe. Hillel the greatest Jewish teacher before Jesus was famous for telling a man who demanded to learn the Torah while standing on one foot "That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary; go and learn." Moreover what Jesus actually taught is very much in dispute as a perusal of the so called "Gnostic Gospels" makes clear. Judaism does have room for the Shekina who was the feminine side of God and Kabbala certainly takes a very broad view of human nature's masculine and feminine sides. Personally these days I know more Women rabbis than men and my observation is that in a lot of homes the tradition is really maintained more by the women - though this may be new and may be very different in orthodox homes. So I think it's all a good deal more complex and nuanced. Nevertheless I'm all in favor of a God of love and wish more people in all religions truly believed in that. I also have no trouble saying "Merry Christmas to All" and find many of Jesus' teachings quite beautiful;. One of my favorite holidays. Bruce Joffe Thanks, Leonard Levy. Judaism has certainly grown and expanded its concepts since Jesus' time, 2000 years ago. There is a difference between "what is hateful to you, don't do to others" and "love thy neighbor as thyself." Of course loving *all* our neighbors is a heavy lift for even the most enlightened of us. But, the 'love your neighbor' aphorism may need some modification. If I love peanut butter and give a jar to my neighbor, I may not be honoring what the neighbor loves, in fact, I may be harming my neighbor if she/he is allergic to peanuts. So maybe the phrase should be "love thy neighbor as he/she wants to be loved." Still a heavy lift. Leonard Levy You're right Bruce, It does have a different feel to it , but they aren't worlds apart. Dipti Mogera Anderson Merry Christmas Bruce Joffe. I agree with you on the Jesus being a Jew prophet who gave his life to humanity to teach unconditional love. Getting Down, Into The Weeds ! Tony Hansen If Jesus was just another man, I have to feel sorry for all the apostles and disciples who were martyred believing he is God. Perhaps that was just a big misunderstanding? Both the Pharisees and Sadducees must of been confused also, as they demanded that he be crucified for claiming equality with God. That sure seems like an over-reaction if they only believed he was just a poor man from Nazareth who only wanted to help the sick and the poor. Why would anyone respect a deluded man who believed he was God and was willing to deceive all of his followers to believe that deception unto death? Either Jesus is God and worthy of worship or he’s an absolute fraud and worthy of hatred, but I can’t see any option for respecting him as a deluded welfare reform worker.
Tony Hansen
Bruce Joffe, How many prophets do you know that convinced his followers after being killed he was alive again? Both the Roman’s and the Jews of the time confirm there was an empty tomb where Jesus body was buried. This creates an either or situation. Jesus the fraud or Jesus who is God. This fraud would have to have been convincing enough that his followers were willing to die knowing it was all a hoax. Leonard Levy "Both the Pharisees and Sadducees must of been confused also as they demanded that he be crucified for claiming equality with God" - That may be in the Gospels but religious historians consider it a very dubious idea. More likely the Romans put him to death for being a troublemaker at the Temple and dangerous, but we'll never know any of those facts so it's entirely speculation. Tony Hansen Leonard Levy, religious historians consider Jesus Resurrection a dubious idea as well. But either way, Jesus could not have been just a nice man who died trying to help the poor. He was a liar, a lunatic or the Lord. There’s no other options Leonard Levy Tony, I respect and honor your beliefs but don't think it's a good idea to try to mix historical discussions with religious beliefs. They will inevitably conflict. Hope you had a great Christmas. Tony, With all due respect I would add one other note. For the many people who have tried to disentangle what's known about the historical Jesus from religious belief it's important to understand that everything we have now was written long after Jesus' death, at a time when all those stories were passed down aurally through generations, and many of the 4 canonical gospels were written at a time when the followers of Jesus were in a difficult struggle with traditional Jews. So may have had an interest in blaming the Jews rather the Romans for his death. Indeed later gospels are more negative about the Jews than earlier ones. Remember Christianity's main growth was not among Jews in Judea, but among outlying peoples including many Romans. Moreover we know from the so-called "Gnostic Gospels" that his teachings and understandings of his life may have been much broader than are reflected in the "canon." It's a fascinating subject to me and I'm not Christian. On the other hand I've never read the Gospels so what the hell do I know. Check out Elaine Pagels' many books about the Gnostic gospels for fascinating reading . I know a number of practicing Catholics who are big fans of hers. Tony Hansen Leonard Levy, no offense but history and religion have been intermixing for 6000 years. Without some verifiable historical facts, religion turns into a myth. For this reason not many believe in Sasquatch, the Lockness monster, or alien abductions. Christianity is not a myth. Hope you had a great Christmas as well Richard Dinda Bruce, a beautiful message.
I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYkACVDFmeg Lyrics At first I was afraid, I was petrified Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side But then I spent so many nights thinking how you did me wrong And I grew strong And I learned how to get along And so you're back From outer space I just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face I should have changed that stupid lock, I should have made you leave your key If I'd known for just one second you'd be back to bother me Go on now, go, walk out the door Just turn around now 'Cause you're not welcome anymore Weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye Do you think I'd crumble Did you think I'd lay down and die? Oh no, not I, I will survive Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive I've got all my life to live And I've got all my love to give and I'll survive I will survive I will survive It took all the strength I had not to fall apart Kept trying hard to mend the pieces of my broken heart And I spent oh-so many nights just feeling sorry for myself I used to cry But now I hold my head up high and you see me Somebody new I'm not that chained-up little person and still in love with you And so you felt like dropping in and just expect me to be free Well, now I'm saving all my lovin' for someone who's loving me Go on now, go, walk out the door Just turn around now 'Cause you're not welcome anymore Weren't you the one who tried to crush me with goodbye Do you think I'd crumble Did you think I'd lay down and die? Oh no, not I, I will survive Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive I've got all my life to live And I've got all my love to give and I'll survive I will survive Oh Go on now, go, walk out the door Just turn around now 'Cause you're not welcome anymore Weren't you the one who tried to crush me with goodbye Do you think I'd crumble Did you think I'd lay down and die? Oh no, not I, I will survive Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive I've got all my life to live And I've got all my love to give and I'll survive I will survive I will survive At Festival de Viña in Chile https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EaPoFyddfw Homaje a Celia Cruz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyco35FHCx0 with Ethan Bosnick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OaEnA4diCI
Policy and Politics - what do you think?
add your own doggerel below
Bella
A Gilbert & Sullivan Sing-Along (Randy Rainbow) Updated version July 2018 https://youtu.be/k-LTRwZb35A Previous version (words, no video) I am the very model of a Very Stable Genius. I have a mighty button and no problems with my penius. I have time for television, golf, and social media Since my brain is way way better than the best encyclopedia. I like to tweet the lies of racist grievances historical When Russian ties are mentioned I deny them categorical I do not feel the sting of words because I am avenious I am the very model of a Very Stable Genius! I am the very model of a man who is, like, very smart..... Many people see my brain and say it's like a work of art..... My daddy, he did nuclear; he truly knew things myriad..... And when I type ellipsis I use far too many periods..... I am the leading expert on all matters constitutional, executive and legislative and the courts marsupial, I love to grab the labius, suspend the corpus habeas, And if you should impeach me I am still a #stablegenius I'm very well acquainted, too, with matters economical, I understand the 1% must have tax that is nominal, About two-state solutions I am teeming with a lot o' nukes And all the generals crap their pants and wonder if we need a coup. I like to say I’m smart because it makes me feel superior but all my words and phrases seem to come from my posterior I swear I have no problems either physical or medical I am the very model of a modern major genital. My toadies all look up to me, in worship they're obsequious My MAGA hordes adore my mane and praise my bigly prescience They care not that I slander, lie, defame or that I’m odious A genius yes, I am I am a traitor quite felonious. I'm very well acquainted too with matters immigrational My genitals are massive and my hairpiece is sensational My tiny hands are frozen, I will warm them with a grabby feel, And fill my greasy mouth with yet another Mackie's Happy Meal. I have around me sycophants and a modern major general On the pot, at night I tweet with logic that's ephemeral. I get to skate on crimes that others normally find heinious I am the very model of a Very Stable Genious. When I became the President it wasn't what I meant to do. I wanted to enjoy the fame and maybe make a mill or two. I went to all the rallies which felt like a public pillory And tried intimidating the appalling Crooked Hilary! My hands, they gesture swiftly to obscure my digits minuscule. I’ll whine an edict, sign a law, and brag how I was smart in school. Aesthetically, I fancy colors gilded and adorned in golds. In bed I lay while dripping burger sauce into my belly folds. Each evening I tune into my big screen televisions (three!) I curse those louts on CNN and writers of the NYT They cast aspersions on my name and those of all my relatives I block them out with folders full of praise and facts alternative! I am large and I am orange and my hair is all original. I have no time for anyone who is vaguely aboriginal. My enemies are guilty, all, of crimes most dark and heinous. I am the very model of a Very Stable Genious. Policy and Politics - what do you think?
Please add your own doggerel stanzas! Policy and Politics - what do you think?
Lowell Observatory
View Nate McKenna's (edited) video of the Moon's shadow approaching, just before the eclipse
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mrhbgqgo98kyd6c/eclipse_02.mp4?dl=0 Dear Lord.
(we speak our inner truth) Dear, dear Lord. Dear lordy lordy lordy Lord. Oh, dearlord. Oh dear ... (lord). Things happen. We don't understand. Is there a plan? Things happen because we're human. We don't understand. Things happen because we're human, we make meaning. We are sad. We get angry. It's not fair! We feel angry. We feel sad. And tired but we carry on because we are human. We make meaning. We are challenged. It makes us stronger. We carry on. Stronger. With our heads held high. Stronger. Grateful for our lives. Strong. Grateful for each other. Stronger in our love. Grateful for our love. Because we are human, we make meaning. Amen Ahmen. Amen Ah ... Men Things Fell Apart A sad lament upon the Destruction of our Democracy, ending with some hope for the future When we were young, and filled with light Hope was strong, ideals were bright. Fixing wrongs, making them right, Singing long into the night. Love and peace were at hand, Plans and promises were grand. But now strife fills our land, Things fell apart. Things fell apart. When we've been down, we could connect, Work together, we could correct All the ills and the threats, To our lives we'd protect. As we gained, each for his own, Insular, we grew alone, Neglecting our common ground, Things fell apart. Things fell apart. Self-serving snakes lead with deceit, Divide us with angry heat. Lives and land are now in peril. They get rich from our travail. Remembering that we are kin, The same boat, we are all in. Build we can, once again, What fell apart. What fell apart, Things fell apart. Composed by Bruce Joffe, piano with help from: Arthur Ward, sax Becky Morton, vocals
Policy and Politics - what do you think?
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AuthorWith over seven decades of experience - feeling the hopes and disappointments of policies, seeing the idealism and disgust of politics - some of the things Bruce Joffe has learned in life may be wisdom, others may be delusion. ... You decide. Categories - select the topics that interest you
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