Religion Lite

There's been something on my mind for the past several days: it seems that most people don't do much more than profess to be of one religion or another. They don't really live their faith; they just claim it - as if merely saying they're makes it so. That's not the way it works.

If you're going to claim to be a person of faith, you have to practice that faith. Day in and day out. Everything you do should be grounded in your faith. You can't simply apply the teachings when it suits you. And you can't ignore the divine until you need it (him/her/whatever). Going to church on Sunday doesn't make you a Christian. Living the teachings to the best of your ability - in each moment of your life - is what's required. God should be a part of your daily life . . . not hidden under glass until you decide you need His help. The teachings should infuse every decision you make, every action you take, every word or deed.

There's certainly more to be said on this subject. I'm still thinking about it, and letting it all gel. Today I'm going to start working on an essay on the subject. Once completed, I'll post it on the main site, and announce it here. Until then, perhaps this entry will spur you to think about it as well.

A "Must See" Movie

I just received wonderful news I've been waiting to hear about a movie I've been hoping and praying would finish production. Peaceful Warrior will debut June 2nd. Based on the biographical novel, Way of the Peaceful Warrior, by Dan Millman, this is a definite "must see". Whether you've read the book or not, this is a movie that will certainly inspire you to live a better life.

I discovered Dan's writings for more than a decade ago. Since then, I've gotten to know him a bit, and have gotten to hear him speak. His encouragement early in my writing career helped give me the courage to continue. And I am honored that my essay, A Gift of Spirit was included in Chicken Soup to Inspire the Body and Soul®, for which Dan was associate editor.

Like all of Dan's books, ...Peaceful Warrior can change your life - and will, if you only let it. If you haven't read it, you may want to wait a bit before buying it (please visit Dan's web site to order), as there will soon be a special edition, a companion to the movie, which will include an author interview: From Page to Screen.

Peaceful Warrior is an independent release, and will first appear on the West Coast. It may take a while for it to come to your town, but I can fairly guarantee it will be worth the wait.

Religion and Politics

Normally, I don't talk about politics much. My reason for this is that I don't feel the two should be mixed. My goal is to offer thoughts that might help others live a more spiritual, more fulfilling life. In order to reach the widest audience possible, I don't limit myself to a specific religion, and I don't bring politics into the discussion.

So why do it now? Because today, I read something I think everyone should carefully consider. The title of the piece is A Time for Heresy, by Bill Moyers. Mr. Moyers is the President of the Schumann Center for Media and Democracy. This article is actually the prepared text of his speech delivered on March 14 on the establishment by the Wake Forest Divinity School, of a scholarship in religious freedom in the name of Judith and Bill Moyers.

In his remarks, Moyers argues that our government is in danger of being taken over by, among other things, religious entities that would like very much to force others to think and act as they do. Personally, I'd much prefer they never got the chance. I strongly support each individual's right to practice the faith that best helps them to lead a good life. And I strongly support the separation of Church and State so that all of us continue to enjoy this right.

Thank you, Mr. Moyers for saying so eloquently that which must be said.

Read Moyers' remarks here.

Spiritual Shopping

Think you're doing all you can for all people?. So why are you wearing that T-shirt made by a child who makes ten cents a day? Why are you using products made by manufacturers that are destroying the enviornment? Why are you drinking coffee that Starbucks® and virutally every other coffee company practically steals from those growing and harvesting it? Do you see what I mean?

Yes, I agree it's very difficult to be completely friendly to the environment, to buy products that are fairly traded, that don't use child labor or a virtual slave work force. Here's how you can change that and do better for your world and those who share it with us: Check out these companies.

Cafe Rebelion
Formerly The Human Bean, Cafe Rebelion buys only "fair trade, all natural, shade grown coffee from two Zapatista coffee co-ops; Mut Vitz (Bird Mountain) and Yachil Xojobal Chulchan (New Light of the Sky)."

Abundant Earth Catalogue
Offers a wide variety of environmentally sensitive products and services for people who want to make a difference in the world.

Celebrating Peace
Numerous products and ideas to help promote peace. Many suitable for children.

FaithWorks Global Gallery
Offeres unique and affordable gifts from around the worl that are fairly traded.

No Sweat Apparel
From their we site: "No Sweat defines the market for goods that support independent trade unions - the only historically proven solution to sweatshops. We market direct to consumers, relying primarily on internet sales for distribution. The savings in advertising offset our higher labor costs, enabling us to provide a competitive product and a living wage. . . Together we can show the garment industry what a real fashion statement looks like."

Equal Exchange
A worker-owned Co-op that only sells Fair Trade merchandise.

Ethical Threads
For UK shoppers that want to dress ethically.

Sweat X
Clothes with a Conscience.

Powell's Books
From their web site: "Powell's Books is committed to the strength of a well-informed community and supports numerous organizations working to ensure the unimpeded sharing of ideas and knowledge. Donating books, time and money, Powell's Books is a leader in the support of public schools and libraries, adult literacy programs, children's reading programs, free speech issues, and civil rights causes."

Union Wear
Ensures a living wage to all.

Union Jean & Apparel
From their web site: "We believe in the USA, the health of our economy, our unions and all of the benefits derived from being and buying American."

If you know of another web site that deserves a place on this list, please feel free to e-mail me. I'd be happy to investigate, and consider adding your nomination.

An Important Weekend

For many, this weekend is among the most important in their religion. Today, Christians celebrate Easter. For Jewish people, it is part of the 8 day celebration, Passover. To any who celebrate either holiday, I offer my best wishes for a peaceful and pleasant day. And a meaningful one.

Servant First - Servant Always

Some time ago, I submitted an essay to the Greenleaf Center for Servant-Leadership for consideration for their upcoming book of essays. In it, I paraphrased Greenleaf's philosophy, paring it down to 4 words: servant first - servant always. I've been thinking about this again lately, and have renewed my commitment to living my life in keeping with this imperative.

What about you? Whom or what do you serve? Do your activities promote a more harmonious world? Or are you too busy making sure you get yours to worry about anyone else? Where on the spectrum between absolute service and complete greed do you pitch your camp?

The closing words of my prayer - "Let me be an instrument of service that I may play my part in the grand design, for that is my greatest desire." - are a reminder that one of our most important jobs while we're here is to serve others. I find that focusing on the phrase servant first - servant always is a great way to keep me pointed in the right direction. I hope it will do the same for you.