spiritual ministrations
Apr. 18th, 2003 01:48 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jawnbcAs it is Christian Holy Week (save our Eastern Rite friends), am getting an unusual number of Christian-esque messages. On email, SMS (text message on mobile/cell phone). And in person.
I think folks mistake my familiarity with matters Christian as being Christian. I was baptised and confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church, but haven't considered myself among the faithful since my early teens. A recent (13 years ago) interest in matters spiritual has however led me to actually read the Bible (Catholic and King James versions), as well as parts of the Book of Mormon and the Koran. Suspension of disbelief etc. And I heartily recommend the Bible to anyone living in a Western Christian context--so much of our socio-cultural world is shaped by this one text (and its many versions). The wee bits with which I'm familiar have added shades and textures to my life. In a quasi-historical way, if no other.
I used to be one of those archetypical fags who viewed religion as wholly negative--for everyone, but especially homosexuals and women. I no longer feel that way. Truth be told it is most often Christian churches that take on the shite work of society--the Sally Anns and Baptists provide more care to indigents, substance abusers and battered women than secular NGOs or government. By far. A thank you to them for this!
But while I can admire the works of some religious folks, I cannot believe in the mysteries of Jesus's life. I also find the notion of transubstantiation (the body and blood of Christ from bread and water. Literally). and the images of crucifixes frightening. And last summer's trip to Lourdes confirmed to me that I cannot fathom a higher power/gawd/spirit of the universe that requires the suffering of the world to pilgrimage to certain places and to do certain things, for gawd's intercession.
My spiritual beliefs today are the keystones of my existence. Everything--professionally and personally--springs forth from them. Despite their not fitting into any specific cosmology or belief system, save my own. Lately it's been a bit off--homesickness will do that I suppose--but it's not failed me in a long, long time. I spent many years--my teens and about half my 20s--loathing life and the world. And gawd. No more...I have found meaning in my existence; a sustaining, nurturing way of being. And it's suprisingly easy to maintain: avoid bitterness/seek the high road. Lead your own path, with a mind to helping others. And avoid solemnity at all costs! These sorts of values I have acquired through prayer and meditation. Not through any religious or spiritual tradition...
...though I love and respect many folks who've found similar comfort through religion. And to my friends who are believers, a peaceful and happy Holy Week. And to my Jewish friends, shalom.
I think folks mistake my familiarity with matters Christian as being Christian. I was baptised and confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church, but haven't considered myself among the faithful since my early teens. A recent (13 years ago) interest in matters spiritual has however led me to actually read the Bible (Catholic and King James versions), as well as parts of the Book of Mormon and the Koran. Suspension of disbelief etc. And I heartily recommend the Bible to anyone living in a Western Christian context--so much of our socio-cultural world is shaped by this one text (and its many versions). The wee bits with which I'm familiar have added shades and textures to my life. In a quasi-historical way, if no other.
I used to be one of those archetypical fags who viewed religion as wholly negative--for everyone, but especially homosexuals and women. I no longer feel that way. Truth be told it is most often Christian churches that take on the shite work of society--the Sally Anns and Baptists provide more care to indigents, substance abusers and battered women than secular NGOs or government. By far. A thank you to them for this!
But while I can admire the works of some religious folks, I cannot believe in the mysteries of Jesus's life. I also find the notion of transubstantiation (the body and blood of Christ from bread and water. Literally). and the images of crucifixes frightening. And last summer's trip to Lourdes confirmed to me that I cannot fathom a higher power/gawd/spirit of the universe that requires the suffering of the world to pilgrimage to certain places and to do certain things, for gawd's intercession.
My spiritual beliefs today are the keystones of my existence. Everything--professionally and personally--springs forth from them. Despite their not fitting into any specific cosmology or belief system, save my own. Lately it's been a bit off--homesickness will do that I suppose--but it's not failed me in a long, long time. I spent many years--my teens and about half my 20s--loathing life and the world. And gawd. No more...I have found meaning in my existence; a sustaining, nurturing way of being. And it's suprisingly easy to maintain: avoid bitterness/seek the high road. Lead your own path, with a mind to helping others. And avoid solemnity at all costs! These sorts of values I have acquired through prayer and meditation. Not through any religious or spiritual tradition...
...though I love and respect many folks who've found similar comfort through religion. And to my friends who are believers, a peaceful and happy Holy Week. And to my Jewish friends, shalom.
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Date: 2003-04-17 07:48 pm (UTC)For me, the real essence of what this religion is is embedded in what takes place in an activity such as my 'vision quest' as it is totally tied to that belief system. That is also why I cannot reveal enough of what my 'quest' is about to make sense to some. Even within this religion of a people with longstanding oral traditions, there are sacred 'texts' memorized over many years called "Dilogun" or "Ifa" (depends on the priesthood as to which 'texts' are used, although they are very similar). I hope you understand it, if not I can email you privately John.
Even though this 'quest' will take the form of an art performance, it is about art and life being the same. It is also a thread that has gone thru my work ever since I began making art. Art=spiritual revelation.
The objects I've photographed have spiritual significance. Vultures are sacred birds, certain plants and animals have spiritual effluence, natural locations become sacred groves or centers of energy where a private ritual might take place. All this might be personal but I see it within the context of an African religious system that is alive and functioning on several continents.
Ashe (grace)...libations poured today at the commencement of my prayers.
Vultures in Myakka River area...
Date: 2003-04-17 08:49 pm (UTC)Re: Vultures in Myakka River area...
Date: 2003-04-17 10:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-04-17 10:52 pm (UTC)