Beyond All Our Thoughts (Perichoresis - Divine Indwelling) John 1:1-5 (NRSV) - The Word Became Flesh “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” Beyond our thoughts and words, there lies a mystery, something full of wonder and depth. Consider the opening of the Gospel of John: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.” This profound statement invites us to reflect on how God brought creation into existence and how our lives are interwoven with this divine act. Genesis 1:1-3 (KJV) - In the Beginning Before creation, there was a formless void, an emptiness waiting to be filled. Genesis tells us, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” Creation emerged From this Void, and with it, the Eternal Word was present, perhaps born from God's single desire and thought. “In the beginning was the Word.” As we ponder this, whether as Christians or adherents of another faith, we may begin to see how our relationship with creation is rooted in the Word. Our lives arise through relationships—relationships with creation, with each other, and ultimately with the divine. For Christians, this relationship is centered on Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word, the Word made flesh. Yet, words are central to many sacred traditions, binding together the family of humankind. When we dwell on our relationships, even those beyond our immediate circle, we begin to see how these interconnections sustain life. Can you imagine how your life touches mine, even if we have never met or spoken? Can you fathom how your existence impacts the lives of others and will continue to do so? This is the power of relationships in the world. It is the Word, the Holy Spirit, at work among us. Our thoughts become words, shaping our world, lives, and communities. We are all interconnected, perhaps more so now as we listen to one another within a sacred community. Words have a life of their own—they shape our existence and connect us in marvelous ways. This is why writers are drawn to writing and why people cherish poetry, good plays, compelling novels, and stories that resonate with their experiences. At home, we have more than 500 books in our library. Each one represents a relationship, a connection with the words within it, just as I hope the words I am writing now create a connection with you. In Buddhism, the concept of interconnectedness with all life and reality is called Dependent Origination, or Pratītyasamutpāda in Sanskrit. This principle teaches that everything arises in dependence on multiple causes and conditions. Although Buddhism's language can be symbolic and complex, at its heart, it speaks to a reality of shared interdependence—one that intimately connects us to everything else in life. Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk, calls this interbeing in his book The Heart of Understanding. He teaches that “to be” is to inter-be, for nothing can exist in isolation; everything is part of a larger, interconnected whole. In Christianity, a remarkably similar concept is found in the Greek word Perichoresis, used by early church fathers and mothers to describe the mystery of the Trinity. Perichoresis refers to the indwelling of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit within one another, so intimately connected that their unity forms a single divine essence. This divine indwelling extends to us through Christ, who invites us into this sacred unity. How fitting, then, that we cannot imagine life without words. Words are the vessels of our thoughts, how we shape our lives and express our innermost selves. Let us return, then, to the beginning—to the wordless void, the Buddhist concept of Śūnyatā, or emptiness. This emptiness is not a void of despair but a space of infinite potential from which all reality arises. Imagine it as an empty cup, ready to be filled by you, by God, by the fullness of life itself. This emptiness holds the promise of newness and creation in each moment, just as an empty cup can be filled with new wine or hot jasmine tea. Sometimes, we must let go of all our words, images, and thoughts, even becoming lost for a while. This emptiness can be a good thing—a necessary thing. In letting go, we open ourselves to new language and new images, like artists creating a symphony, painting, poem, or photograph that leaves us breathless and speechless. I love that feeling of speechlessness, empty and ready to receive the next new thing. The secret is understanding that each moment is the next new thing, full of infinite potential, born out of every preceding moment. As I reflect on this, I recall the words of a poem I once wrote: “We are the poet, and the poem out of each moment arises.” This truth, born from my thoughts, words, and spiritual life, resonates deeply. It is a truth I hope to share with you—a truth discovered within any sacred community, where we find new meaning, new words, and new life in one another. These words, arising from a single point of emptiness, help us shape our lives into a new language, a new existence. They enable us to breathe as one body, in one single breath, and in one spirit together. There is something sacramental and spirit-driven in such a dialogue, something that binds us together in an indwelling unity — Perichoresis. In John 10:10, Jesus says, “I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” As I think of these words, I reflect on how much your life enriches mine and how we enrich one another. I want us to fully realize, appreciate, and know this truth: that we are all part of the gift of life, a life given by God, and that we should be grateful for the sacramental moments we share, where we come to know and be fully known by God, and where we come to be blessed. I think the Buddha and Jesus would agree with this, in their own way, through the practice of prayer, enlightenment, and wakefulness—celebrating life as a journey of interconnectedness and abundant possibilities. Many Blessings,
—Ron Starbuck Saint Julian Press, Inc. Publisher-CEO Houston, Texas Bipartisanship in an Era of Division: A Path Forward for America Embracing Bipartisanship in an Era of Division: A Path Forward for America In the modern American political landscape, the widening chasms of polarization have turned even routine legislative debates into fierce battles. The enticing lure of partisanship, often cloaked in the noble guise of ideological purity, pulls politicians and citizens further from the cooperative spirit that once defined American governance. In this divisive era, bipartisanship emerges not merely as a nostalgic longing for a more civil past, but as an essential strategy for navigating the complexities of contemporary national issues. It is impportant to remember that during the 2021-2024 Presidential term dozens of bipartisan bills were passed, reflecting efforts to work across party lines on various issues. In defining the Harris-Walz Democratic ticket, there appears to be a refreshing approach to governing that is passionate, pragmatic, flexible, and bipartisan. This is a new paradigm and a broader vision the nation may embrace for our common unity. For so many people, it is a joyful and healing change. We see Harris-Walz as change agents for a nation that needs healing, reconciliation, and a greater sense of compassion for one another in a pluralistic society. Historical Echoes and Modern Conundrums Crafted with an acute awareness of the perils of factionalism, the American Constitution’s checks and balances were designed to compel negotiation and compromise. In the early 17th century, aboard the English ship Arbella crossing to America, John Winthrop envisioned America as a “city upon a hill”—a beacon of democratic ideals and communal responsibility, setting a precedent for the nation’s role in championing a governance model that balances robust debate with cooperation. As the centuries have unfolded, this idealized vision has often been obscured by the smog of political conflict, exacerbated today by digital age dynamics and media fragmentation that have deepened ideological divides. This polarization now stands not just as a backdrop for election cycles but as a fundamental threat to the effective functioning of America’s democratic institutions. The Destructive Nature of Current Culture Wars Today’s culture wars morph nuanced issues into stark dichotomies, straining the nation’s social fabric with battles that are as destructive as they are unwise. This environment prioritizes short-term victories over long-term national interests, fostering a reactionary rather than visionary approach to governance. The inability to engage in constructive dialogue under these conditions stalls progress and erodes the collective intellect necessary for a thriving republic. The Perils of Populist Extremism Particularly alarming is the rise of far-right populist figures whose negative charisma exploits public fears and frustrations. These leaders challenge the very bedrock of democracy—government, justice, the rule of law, education, commerce, and electoral integrity—eroding public trust and creating fertile ground for conspiracy theories and misinformation. Such erosion of trust in foundational institutions destabilizes the mechanisms essential for a fair and functioning democracy, deepening societal divisions and complicating the quest for common ground. Heeding Lincoln’s Call for Unity Amidst this turmoil, Abraham Lincoln’s words from his 1862 address to Congress resonate with eerie relevance: “We can succeed only by concert... The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise—with the occasion. As our case is new, we must think anew and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country.” Lincoln’s plea for unity and transformation urges us to shed the self-destructive patterns entrenched in our political processes and to foster a spirit of cooperation essential for national salvation. Strategic Pathways to Bipartisanship Achieving a more collaborative political environment requires a multifaceted approach: 1. Elevating Shared Goals Over Partisan Tactics: By focusing on common aspirations—national security, economic resilience, public health—politicians can find fertile ground for consensus. 2. Institutional Reforms to Encourage Moderation: Mechanisms like ranked-choice voting and eliminating gerrymandering can mitigate the influence of extreme elements, encouraging candidates to appeal to a broader electorate. 3. Fostering Cross-Party Interaction: Rebuilding personal relationships across the aisle through bipartisan committees and joint policy forums can bridge divides that have deepened partisan isolation. 4. Civic Education: An informed electorate, versed in the complexities of governance and the virtues of compromise, can hold representatives accountable, promoting a more thoughtful approach to legislation. 5. Media’s Role in Balanced Discourse: Media outlets must strive for fairness, resisting the allure of sensationalism while promoting media literacy to help the public critically evaluate information. Philosophical Shifts for a Bipartisan Future The essence of bipartisanship is a philosophical pivot from viewing opponents as enemies to seeing them as partners in governance. This shift necessitates a political culture that values dialogue and mutual respect over zero-sum victories. Reinvigorating America’s Democratic Promise Embracing bipartisanship does not mean diluting ideological convictions but enhancing the democratic process to honor the principles laid out by the framers—a government working for the collective good through balanced, informed, and respectful debate. Recommitting to bipartisanship serves America’s interests and reaffirms its role as a global exemplar of democracy—a “city upon a hill” navigating the tensions of a diverse society to forge a more perfect union. This commitment could be a beacon for democracies everywhere, showing that cooperative governance remains the most viable path to securing liberty and justice even amidst deep divisions. This approach is not just practical but imperative, reflecting the best of our historical ideals and addressing the pressing needs of our times. As we consider the path forward, it is clear that the forces of division have not only hampered our ability to govern effectively but have also undermined the social cohesion that underpins a healthy democracy. In this context, bipartisanship isn’t merely a political tactic but a necessary condition for the survival and flourishing of our national community. The current moment is indeed, as Lincoln suggested, “piled high with difficulty,” requiring us to rise with the occasion. This rising means moving beyond the entrenched partisan warfare that dominates headlines and shapes public perceptions. It involves embracing a broader, more inclusive view of our American destiny. This recommitment to bipartisanship could revitalize public discourse, transform political dynamics, and restore trust in our governmental institutions. By engaging in this transformative effort, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and lay down a robust foundation for those who will inherit our place in history. We cannot escape history, nor should we want to; instead, we must aim to be remembered as a generation that, when faced with unprecedented challenges, chose unity over division, dialogue over conflict, and hope over fear. As the United States continues to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the principles of bipartisanship can guide us toward a more stable, prosperous, and equitable future. The task is formidable, but the rewards are immense—not just for our generation, but for the “latest generation” that will judge our actions. In this effort, every citizen, lawmaker, and institution must play a part, contributing to a renewed vision of American democracy that reflects the ideals upon which it was founded. Together, through concerted effort and a renewed commitment to our shared values, we can indeed save our country and ensure that the beacon of democracy remains bright for all the world to see. —Ron Starbuck
Publisher-CEO-Executive Editor Saint Julian Press, Inc. Houston, Texas |
Publisher's BlogRON STARBUCK is the Publisher/CEO/Executive Editor of Saint Julian Press, Inc., in Houston, Texas; a poet and writer, an Episcopalian, and author of There Is Something About Being An Episcopalian, When Angels Are Born, Wheels Turning Inward, and most recently A Pilgrimage of Churches, four rich collections of poetry, following a poet’s mythic and spiritual journey that crosses easily onto the paths of many contemplative traditions. Archives
August 2024
CategoriesAll Anglican Anglican Communion Books Buddhism Christianity Christmas Easter Episcopalian Ghost Story Interbeing Interconnections Interfaith Dialogue Jesus John Cobb Literature Mystery Nativity Paul F. Knitter Paul Knitter Poems Poetry Theology Thich Nhat Hanh Vietnam War |
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As an Amazon Associate — Saint Julian Press, Inc. may earn funds from any qualifying purchases.
This arrangement does help to sustain the press and allow us to publish more books by more authors.