It is #Pentacost weekend in Germany, Monday's a public holiday. *Every year* I have to research its meaning. Really, I should know it by now. It might have something to do with being a 20th century person knowing no literal spirit arrived to speak to the disciples.
2/
I reason & sense what the story is meant to tell us. How, in its time, it was meant to convince. The thing is, many take the scripture literally. They explain away all incongruity, just so that they can continue to believe.
I reason & sense what the story is meant to tell us. How, in its time, it was meant to convince. The thing is, many take the scripture literally. They explain away all incongruity, just so that they can continue to believe.
3/
I went to a Catholic girls' school & like to make fun of it, but it did have its good sides. It admitted non-Catholics, but we all had to take religious classes all the way through. My Protestant courses were more about ethics,even though they were taught by the pastor's wife.
I went to a Catholic girls' school & like to make fun of it, but it did have its good sides. It admitted non-Catholics, but we all had to take religious classes all the way through. My Protestant courses were more about ethics,even though they were taught by the pastor's wife.
4/
Even there, fellow students argued we must believe every word of the scripture, at all cost, at all time. Even then I thought (and forgive me if this sounds patronising) they were missing the point, the message. I felt sorry for them, having to hang on to every word.
Even there, fellow students argued we must believe every word of the scripture, at all cost, at all time. Even then I thought (and forgive me if this sounds patronising) they were missing the point, the message. I felt sorry for them, having to hang on to every word.
5/
Because, of course, (I thought and still think) there is a historic, cultural context to this text. It tries to convey a set of values, a guidance of how to live together, with respect, tolerance, modesty, generosity, decency, that I can subscribe to.
Because, of course, (I thought and still think) there is a historic, cultural context to this text. It tries to convey a set of values, a guidance of how to live together, with respect, tolerance, modesty, generosity, decency, that I can subscribe to.
6/
No, I do not believe in a god. But I believe in a set of values that seem to overlap with the scripture, and I arrogantly believe this is its actual message. And I think that taking it literally means you're in danger of losing its point.
No, I do not believe in a god. But I believe in a set of values that seem to overlap with the scripture, and I arrogantly believe this is its actual message. And I think that taking it literally means you're in danger of losing its point.
7/add
Please, it is not important whether it is called Pentecost or Whitsun.
Please, it is not important whether it is called Pentecost or Whitsun.
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