A Bit of Rilke

Looking at some of Rilke's writings, I found this:

Religion is something infinitely simple, simpleminded. It is not knowledge, not the content of our emotion (for all possible content has already been granted from the beginning wherever a human being engages with life). It is neither duty nor renunciation; it is not limitation, but in the perfect expanse of the universe it is a direction of the heart.

I found that poetic metaphor of religion as a direction of the heart as something wonderful to contemplate. How do you respond to it?

Any Surprises Here?

By now, everyone should know that America stands out among all "developed" countries - that is those with major industrial and economic capabilities - as the most religious. Various regions in America, though, vie for the distinction of being the "Bible Belt," or being the most religious in the most religious western country. According to a new poll put out by the Gallup organization, there is no contest.

After surveying 350,000 people nationwide and asking "Is religion an important part of your daily life?", people in the South answered affirmatively more than people in any other region. In fact, Southern states make up 9 of the top 10 states in the poll, with Mississippi (at 85%) leading the way. The other really religious Southern states are: Alabama (2), South Carolina (3), Tennessee (4), Louisiana (5), Arkansas (6), Georgia (7), North Carolina (8), and Kentucky (10). The only non-Southern states at the top, and here the issue could be debated, are Oklahoma at 9 and Texas tied with Kentucky at 10.

The least religious region is New England. 6 of the bottom 10 are in New England. Vermont takes the prize for having the lowest % respond affirmatively to the question at 42%

One surprise for me is the ranking of Utah. With 69% saying yes, Utah ranked behind Kansas (70%) and just ahead of Missouri, Virginia, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Indiana - all at 68%. I would have though Utah would have been higher than that.

What does this prove? Not much really. The survey did not define what being an important part of your life actually meant. So, two people could both say "Yes" and mean entirely different and, perhaps, contradictory things. The survey also did not tackle the question of what is religion. So, a devoted Druid and a born-again Baptist could both say yes, while the Baptist would assert that the Druid was not religious at all. And, many folks could have said yes simply because thay wanted to be thought religious, even if they really weren't. This is akin to those who say they go to church every week and don't.

Think about your neighborhood. What do you imagine the results would be if you and your neighbors were surveyed? Just think about it; it might be better not to do your own survey.

It was only a matter of time, I suppose.

In the midst of the euphoria over and celebration during the Inauguration of President Barack Obama, it was hard to imagine anyone in the country who was not thrilled about the results of the election. Even some Republicans were saying nice things about the new President.

Now, I can confidently say that the honeymoon is over. In addition to the widely quoted remarks made by talk-radio impressario, Rush Limbaugh, hoping that President Obama will fail, there was a post made on World Net Daily [http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=86469] the day before the Inauguration that may well sum up the response of many within the most conservative Christian groups.

Joseph Farah goes beyond Limbaugh's hope for an Obama administration failure. Farah calls for faithful Christians to invoke God's help in guaranteeing such a failure. The post is entitled "Pray Obama Fails" and insists that the Bible does not enjoin Christians to pray for the success of government when that government is "evil." Instead, says Farah, "nowhere does the Bible ever suggest evil rulers are to be obeyed." Further, he states, "I want Obama to fail because his agenda is 100 percent at odds with God's. Pretending it is not simply makes a mockery of God's straightforward Commandments. So you will not see me joining in the ritual of affirming Obama and his mission in public or private prayer this week – or any other week."

So, regardless of who your choice for President was, do you think you should pray for God to insure that President Obama fails? Do you think Obama's administrative goals are 100% at odds with God's? Do you think President Bush's goals were 100% in line with God's?