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Aug. 3rd, 2002
more Douglas-Klotz
Aug. 3rd, 2002 06:05 pmIn one of my first journal entries, I raved about Neil Douglas-Klotz and his book, The Hidden Gospel. I found I had to read it slowly, because every page contains something significant, and reading it too quickly, stuff was passing me by.
On pages 123-127, he describes the soul playing "hide and seek" with itself:
"Teaching stories and parables use their own 'hide-and-seek' style to address hidden parts of the soul. Because a Middle Eastern teaching story can both reveal and hide meaning, various Sufi orders use them for 'unlearning.' The stories are not intended to communicate a truth, but rather, using paradox or humor, to erase a preconception from the mind of the listener that stands in the way of change. The ability of a story or parable to do this lies at the heart of another seemingly puzzling statement of Yeshua [Jesus] quoted by Mark (KJV given):
"On the face of it, Jesus seems to be a bit perverse here. If he wants a wholesale change of heart on the part of his listeners, why hide things?"
He goes on to elaborate on the Aramaic words in the Peshitta rendering of this passage, and reinterprets it thusly:
"You who understand need only the barest suggestion
In order to transform and find the 'I Can' within:
One part of you already knows what I'm saying.
Parables are a time-release remedy for you who don't understand
and who are in the wilderness of your souls,
waiting to hear the invitation to come home."
On pages 123-127, he describes the soul playing "hide and seek" with itself:
"Teaching stories and parables use their own 'hide-and-seek' style to address hidden parts of the soul. Because a Middle Eastern teaching story can both reveal and hide meaning, various Sufi orders use them for 'unlearning.' The stories are not intended to communicate a truth, but rather, using paradox or humor, to erase a preconception from the mind of the listener that stands in the way of change. The ability of a story or parable to do this lies at the heart of another seemingly puzzling statement of Yeshua [Jesus] quoted by Mark (KJV given):
"Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are gvien in parables; that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. (Mark 4:11-21)
"On the face of it, Jesus seems to be a bit perverse here. If he wants a wholesale change of heart on the part of his listeners, why hide things?"
He goes on to elaborate on the Aramaic words in the Peshitta rendering of this passage, and reinterprets it thusly:
"You who understand need only the barest suggestion
In order to transform and find the 'I Can' within:
One part of you already knows what I'm saying.
Parables are a time-release remedy for you who don't understand
and who are in the wilderness of your souls,
waiting to hear the invitation to come home."
Have a look at this, the mission statement of the "Information Awareness Office" of the US military. Pay special attention to their logo!
Information Awareness Office
This should set the conspiracy theorists abuzz!
Information Awareness Office
This should set the conspiracy theorists abuzz!
I'm feeling the call
Aug. 3rd, 2002 11:46 pmThe city is calling me. Last time I felt this, and didn't go, I learned later why I should have gone. So, I think I'm going to go out and see what the city has in mind for me tonight.
New Orleans is a harsh mistress sometimes, but sometimes a kind one too. ;)
New Orleans is a harsh mistress sometimes, but sometimes a kind one too. ;)
