This summer we had a series of Franciscan retreats at our church. Since we don’t try to convert people but were willing to let anyone hang with us in this, we had a number of interesting people join us. Including a guy I consider to be a close friend now. An atheist from New York City. Keith. We invited him to receive communion as a non-believer – because he is a friend. The theology behind it meant nothing to him, of course. But we had just finished a weekend of really great conversations and he felt like a close friend. A brother even. It meant a lot to him to be invited because he knows that ceremony means a lot to us.

If there is going to be peace in this world, then we have to respect each other. Religious people have been the ones who have not done this. For that I’m sorry.

Not that I thought I would be striking up a conversation with you, but since I have you… I must say, I am humbled by your service and your writing. Having found RLP only a few days ago, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

I am all about some kinship and beauty. I loved the way it felt when I was in church with my friends and family and a particularly moving hymn would play, and we would hold hands, and the music would swell, and I would get goose bumps. However, in my work with people and animals, I find that I get that feeling and MORE several times a week versus an occasional Sunday. Even just solving a difficult problem, working on a team, or listening to a child laugh does it most days. It’s been my experience that religion does not inspire good works or good feelings… it detracts from them.

The meaning of life is not in the myth, but in the life. I’m not so sure Jung’s collective unconscious and dream psychology provide sufficient grounds to retain a belief in supernatural… Natural is just fine with me.

You are a rare enigma, my friend. If you must retain and propagate ancient spiritual traditions, then so be it. I would work next to you any day.

Peace to you also,
Hugh

1. What does it matter where one’s metaphysics leads them if they are seeking to do good in the world? With so many people seeking to do bad, sometimes I wonder why the ones who want good don’t feel a kinship and just say, “To hell with where you get this impulse. Go with it.”

2. You should check out Jung. He felt that myths are the dreams of humanity. Same dynamic taking place on a macro level. And humans go psychotic without dreams. Dreams tell us things. While you have been fortunate to have a great education and be born with a sharp mind – obviously – it might be a bit harsh to speak so strongly against the way that humans passed on tradition and values for most of our history. And there are a lot of people who still participate in myths at very simple levels. And some of us are still participating because the expression of meaning in these myths can be so incredibly beautiful and joyous.

I’m speaking here about authentic and old spiritual traditions. Not any kind of abusive religion, abused and misused by modern people for dubious reasons.

peace,

gordon
rlp