Year of Faith

And the Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers sitting there. And having made a whip out of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, as well as the sheep and the oxen, and He poured out the money of the moneychangers and overturned their tables. And to those who were selling the doves He said, Take thee things away from here; do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise. His disciples remembered that it was written, “The zeal of Your house shall devour Me.”

-John 2:13-17

I was happy to come across this passage in the Book of John. It was a scene I was somewhat familiar with, as it does get mentioned an awful lot. It was also one of my favourite moments in Christopher Moore’s novel Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal. In the novel Jesus is depicted as quite aggravated, running the whole lot of filth out of the temple, and pretty much losing his temper in a fit of rage. It showed a very human side of Jesus (as does the rest of the novel) and proved a very convincing argument against consumerism in the church. But I didn’t get quite the same vibe when reading the actual source material.

At first glance Jesus seemed to be disarmingly calm about the whole situation. Even though there is something inherently antagonistic about going at a crowd of people and animals with an improvised whip, John makes it seem like Jesus was gently suggesting that they should clear out, as it was Passover after all and they would probably need a bit of sacred space to practice their religion. Even in acts of aggression, it seems like Jesus is doing it with a smile, like he was using the cords to just show the moneychangers the door.

Looking over the passage however, I can see how there is room to interpret Jesus has having been more than a bit miffed. It doesn’t say that he yelled or cursed but the description lets you imagine it easily enough. But why am I even bringing this up? Why is it important that Jesus be angry at the people defiling the temple? It’s because it would help me to identify with Jesus and the Christian religion if I can conceive of Jesus as less of a divine being and more as a human being. He is after all of the flesh, like the rest of us (though his flesh knew no original sin nor evil) so it makes sense that along with his miracles and divine knowledge, he would have some human characteristics like anger. Imagining Jesus going through this whole scenario without so much as getting irritated, with a peaceful smile and calm demeanor, is more unsettling than imaging him chasing after oxen and hurling insults as if they had just stolen his sandals. I’ve heard enough sermons and discussions to know that Jesus being perfect is kind of important to many Christians, and probably to Christianity as a whole. But if I can’t think of Jesus as being in some ways just like me and my friends then I have trouble believing that he actually existed at all.

In another scene earlier on in the second chapter of John, Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding, so that the celebration may continue with plenty of alcohol. What’s missing from this section? Jesus getting drunk. We see plenty of evidence of Christ, of a Godly figure who will be the savior. What we see less of, or rather what I have yet to see, is Jesus, the guy who had a mother and siblings, and at some point had to grow up, go through puberty, maybe get a job, and come to terms with the fact that he was God’s only son.

I haven’t read the whole New Testament, but I hear that there is a significant portion of his life that is not included, namely the period between Him as a child and Him appearing as an adult, perfected and divine. I suppose I would appreciate being able to read Jesus’ autobiography rather than reading other people’s gospel about him. I’d like to see the spelling mistakes, because without them he seems more like a perfect machine than a man.

The people that have walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Though hast multiplied the nation and not increased the joy; they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For though hast broken the yolk of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. For every battle with the warrior is confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of the hosts will perform this.

- Isaiah 9:2-7

This month has been going well so far, at least better then the previous ones have gone, that’s for sure. I didn’t make it to church last Sunday, as I was up until five in the morning writing a paper, and didn’t really wake up in time to make it. Sara made it though, she said it was nice and that familiar hymns were sung. The sermon was about modern persecution of Christians, and how one should react when you are say, passed over for a promotion because of your Christian religion. Frankly it seems like an odd thing to say. Are we really that secular here? Are Christians, members of the predominant faith in Canada and North America, really so persecuted? I never really thought about it, and it certainly seems possible. It’s just not something you’d expect to hear coming from the majority. It would be something to keep in mind, a good question to discuss with the Christian community.

A new friend of mine gave me a copy of Mere Christianity by CS Lewis to peruse this month, and I’m excited to read it. It has been recommended by a few people now, and I should be able to finish it within the month. That is if I don’t spend all my newly acquired free time playing video games. It is mighty tempting.

The one thing that has so far really struck me is a small, internal conflict that I have noticed while at services and amongst Christians. I realized that for a long time now, in many of my philosophy papers and during philosophical discussions, Christian ideas have been my antagonist. Now most of the time I’m speaking against faith-based belief and dogma in general, but the readily available example is always Christianity and ideas of redemption, salvation, the afterlife, and God that some people take a bit too seriously.

I realize that many Christians aren’t as rabid in their beliefs as my past discourse may have suggested. I usually qualify myself when attacking religious beliefs, to make it apparent that I am attacking the more extreme interpretations and denominations of these ideas, and not in fact many of the believers that I have met so far this month. All of the Christians I have met and held conversations with have seemed like perfectly reasonable and decent people. They have even made fun of the extremists and fundamentalists who have been the brunt of my philosophical arguments. I keep expecting to see this dogmatic and unreasonable bogey man to leap out at me and try to convert me on the spot. But it hasn’t happened yet, and I realize that this was probably an unreasonable thing to expect of your normal church goer.

The quote above was read during a candlelit service on the first Sunday of advent at Christ Church Cathedral. It was a very calming and beautiful service, where I got to take part in some caroling and heard bits of scripture that told of the coming of Jesus. This section of Isaiah I think captures an overall theme that runs through many religions, and a valid reason why people do turn to religion. In our normal lives our joy consists in the pleasures and toils of the everyday grind. Our pleasures are fleeting by nature and so we are ceaselessly pursue that which makes us happy, all while trying to provide for ourselves and the burdens which that may carry. But with the coming of Christ there is the coming of eternal bliss, of happiness that does not require one’s favourite food or to have one’s friends and family easily at hand. There comes a light, shining brilliantly in the darkness of the ordinary, something to fall back on and look forward to. It’s a kind of symbolism that I will be coming back to in the future. (Bits of this were paraphrased from Sam Harris’ talk at the last AAI convention, which is brilliant)

All in all, a pleasant experience so far. More to come.

First off the bacon party went very, very well. There was organic bacon, double-smoked bacon, nitrate-free bacon, thick bacon, slim bacon, bacon wrapped scallops, BLTs, and all manner of other pork side paraphernalia.

Today was my first Sunday service (ever) and it was at an Anglican church. Anglicans are a kind of middle path in the Christian world- they don’t identify completely with either Protestant or Catholic doctrines, so their theology and rituals are a mixture of each. One of the ties that binds the Anglican Communion is the Book of Common Prayer, the content and use of which can be explained by its full title- The Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church According to the use of the Church of England Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches and the form and Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.

I’ve been to Christ Church Cathedral before for their weekly Gregorian chants that take place during the service of Compline. It was an evening service with dim lighting and only a handful of people attending.  The place looked very different this morning, with around a hundred attendants of all types and ages.

It was quite the experience, with a deep feeling of community. It was a choral Eucharist, so in addition to the sermon, reading of scripture, and communion, there were plenty of songs to be sung. As I sat there, listening to various proclamations, I wondered how anyone could want to take this away, how people could be so quick to call down the Christian religion. It seemed so peaceful and innocent, with simple moral rules and an established creed. The power of the idea was almost tangible. This was the genuine experience I had been looking for.

I didn’t take part in the communion, I had mixed feelings about it. It seemed disingenuous to be swallowing the blood and body of Christ, even though I don’t believe in transubstantiation. I wasn’t comfortable going through with the ritual, even though I didn’t think it meant anything. Perhaps I was scared of being converted.

Another aspect that impressed me was the amount of charity. Sure, the collection plates made their rounds, but what was impressive were the various charitable funds and initiatives the Church was involved in. They were contributing to the local downtown eastside women’s shelter, providing toques filled with gifts for the poor, and various other outreach programs. It was touching and it was great to see theory being put into practice.

It was a good first experience. I’m looking forward to next week.

I have not had bacon in three months.

Last month was our month of Hinduism, where we were not meant to eat meat. I didn’t bothering following this, as the project has been kind of dead to me for the last while, but I still refrained from pork. The months before that were Islam and Judaism who have specific rules against eating pork.

Today is December 1st, and I can have bacon again. All three of us have been looking forward to this moment, so much so that we are having a Bacon Party today, where fried, smoked pork sides and general revelry will be had. I’ll be leaving for Andrew’s place as soon as this post is finished. It ought to be positively rapturous.

In other news, I have started to read the Gospel of John, thanks to recommendations of local and international Christians alike. It is a lot shorter than I had thought, which is great. I will probably be able to read more of the Bible, and will be able to compare my readings amongst various versions. I’ve already found notable discrepancies between the King James Version and other more modern versions, which I guess should be expected.

Tomorrow will be my first Sunday morning service, at 10:30 in the morning, at a local Anglican church. I’m looking forward to it. There will also be a jazz concert/service in the afternoon at another church, and then lessons and carols for advent in the evening back at the Anglican church. Advent is Latin for ‘coming’ and denotes the time of awaiting Christ’s nativity. So in other words, the period where Christians get ready to celebrate Christmas, and reflect on the coming of Christ in scripture.

My Sundays are going to be very, very full.

It has been a while.

The last few months have been lackluster as far as involvement in the Year of Faith project goes, and December is the final month of the project. I will not let all this go with a whimper. This has been an important part of my life and my studies, despite the cobwebs and dust this place has collected, and I want to be able to finish it off properly. I have no excuse beyond a lack of conviction, motivation, and a lot of school work to sift through.

Christianity is the most influential religion in my hemisphere of the world, it is the basis of large parts of our society and culture, and it is the last religion I will be studying and experiencing this year. It is the religion I am most familiar with, one of the few that I have actually experienced and participated in to some extent. That being said, I sure have a lot more to learn, I just won’t be as lost as I have been with previous religions. I hope to learn and experience as much as I can this month. I want to be able to go out with a bang.

The question arises though- which denomination will we be studying and practicing? The answer is all of them and none of them. My own practices are going to grow and evolve as I study and experience the religion, and I will be studying within each branch and denomination. I will be attending services at both Catholic and Protestant Churches, and there are plenty to pick from in Vancouver. I will be attending a Catholic theology class on campus, and will do my best to find at least one Bible study group to participate in. As the month progresses I may find myself leaning toward one particular branch, but we shall see.

There is plenty going on this month. Lots of churches have programs and events on that lead up to the celebration of the birth of Christ, so I won’t have an excuse not to be posting regularly. I also have final essays to work on for the next few weeks, so I probably won’t manage daily updates, at least not until mid-December. This means I won’t be writing an introductory post, but at the end of the month you ought to be getting a rather massive examination of this entire year, so there’s that to look forward to. I figure most people should know at least the basics of this particular religion anyway, and if not, then go out and get educated. I am ^_^.

Burn worldly attachment, into ink powder it; make your chaste intelligence the paper.  With the pen of devotion, with the mind to scribe, record what the Preceptor has taught.  Write down thou praise of the Name, that is endless and limitless.

Last month I can safely say was a bit of a failure, and this month isn’t shaping up to be much better.  Let’s look at exactly what I managed not to do:

• Didn’t even try to initiate contact with relatives and family throughout the month.
• Barely read the Guru Granth Sahib.
• Did not attend a single service, religious function, or information session.
• Did not manage to converse with the religion’s adherents.
• Did not acquire most of the five symbols of a Sikh.

However, all is not lost, as I did manage to:

• Grow a beard and abstained from cutting my hair.
• Read a bit of the Guru Granth Sahib and secondary texts.

I think I’m beyond making excuses for myself at this point.  Right now all that I am following of Judaism is the easiest of the dietary prohibitions- not eating pork.

Tomorrow is the Sabbath.  I don’t know whether the prohibition against work covers school work as well.  Even if it did, since I’ve managed not to get anything done today, I don’t think I can afford not to work tomorrow.

Until the first post about Judaism goes up by our lovely resident photographer Andrew, I’ll be putting up leftover thoughts about Sikhism. University has begun again and so I am busier than usual, but maybe I’ll keep my act together long enough to post…oh…every week or so at this rate.

Doing my best to adhere to the dietary restrictions, though I had some sausages today without even realizing what I was doing. It’s easy to forget these things when your mind is more on philosophy rather than religion. Though it’s kind of a fine line…
Ah well, enough about that. Let’s talk about beards.

This whole thing about not cutting your hair raises a lot of interesting questions about devotion and God’s will.

When one cuts their hair, they are in essence saying that God’s plan wasn’t quite right. This is absurd as the traditional Sikh would reason- God is totally and unbelievably perfect and this shows through in It’s creations. By cutting our hair, we are in some ways choosing not to see ourselves as God fashioned us, but by how we decide to see ourselves. It seems, in the Sikh sense, that choosing to cut one’s hair is the same as choosing not to devote themselves to God.

However, there are some obvious practical concerns as well. I mean, unshorn hair is a rather obvious sign of ones place in a religion. As I remarked in the introduction, it makes it hard to hide where your convictions lay. It isn’t necessarily just a sign of devotion, though it is still a sign of commitment.

Yet I’m curious. How do Sikhs feel about those who shave, cut, and even dye their hair? Are they mistaken? Uninformed? Or is it perfectly acceptable? The Sikh religion seems to entail that any path to God is valid, so long as it is done genuinely, so really, there should be no problem.

However, it is not a question of religion or faith when we cut our hair, or shave off that itchy stubble on our face or on our legs. It is a question of vanity, and of convenience and practicality. When I get up in the morning, I did not approach my morning routine with the reverence and mindset of my daily prayers. I picked up the razor simply because I thought I looked better, and felt cooler, with less hair.

It does not seem that Sikhism is alright with this. Things done for the flesh are clearly not done for God, but for the self, for the body. The end is not faith, it is not commitment to your duties as a Sikh.

It seems to me that whether or not semone grows their hair out defines where they lay in Sikh eyes. it determines whether or not you live in devotion to God.

And what does that say about those of us, a great majority of the world, who don’t just let it all hang out?

It seems like in some other circumstances this would be more of a confession. Perhaps if I were more devout in my monthly beliefs, if I took each to be exclusive in its control of my thoughts and feelings, then this may feel a bit more like coming out. But such is not the case, so I don’t feel that bad.

You see, I haven’t been sticking to my readings for the last few months. Instead I have been quickly (quick for me, anyway, which ain’t that quick) working my way through the latest and most popular atheist authors in addition to my religious readings. I’ve finished Richard Dawkins’ The God Delusion, and Christopher Hitchens’ god is not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything and now I’m reading Dan Dennett’s Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon.

It seems kind of strange that I would be trying to maintain positions that seem both for and against religion. Luckily this is not the case. As I study these religions, month by month, my interest in my own personal beliefs has escalated. I’ve never been really against religion per se, but these books are a good way of getting a look at religion from the outside, which oddly enough is something I think I’ve been missing. I’ve spent so much time trying to wrap my head around new ideas that I’ve forgotten where I’m coming from, so it’s good to get back to my roots.

When (perhaps I should rather say ‘if’, this place is looking pretty bare these days) I’m finally at the end of this year, looking back on the twelve months and the twelve faiths that I tried to practice and study, I doubt I will find myself wholly converted to one of these ideas. In fact, I kind of hope I don’t. I’ve never been satisfied with one school of thought or another.

So anyway, don’t get me wrong. I am genuinely trying to experience each of these religions, but my personal beliefs have not changed. In fact, they’re growing by leaps and bounds.

So there’s been a few hiccups this past week.

First off, there was a problem on the site and people were not able to leave comments.  Sara was good enough to identify the problem and fix it, so comment away!  You all have no excuse.

However I do, because my computer in the past few days was in a kind of limbo.  There were a few points where I thought I would lose all my data, but thanks to my father’s quick and knowledgeable tech-support everything is a-ok, and I even have more disk space!  Yay.

We will now be getting back to our regularly scheduled updating.  I’m off to Victoria for a couple of days soon, so I’ll try to check out the Sikh community there and have some updates prepared.

Still digging my teeth into the GGS, and still haven’t woken at dawn.

But I’m doing my best to put a smile on my face and be optimistic about life.   For such is the way of chardi kala, a peaceful and rather bouyant frame of mind that all Sikhs are advised to adopt.  It’s a fine way to look at life, no matter your faith.