Monday's thoughts

Sermon for Sunday, August 16th

I have been impressed with the writing of Karen Armstrong. I think she as done a great deal of good in bringing people together and helping establish some understanding among religion people. She has written several important book on world religions. Her book A History of God established the fact that Islam, Judaism, and Christianity have violent elements in their history and violent leaders at present but they also are religions that have foundational similarities that can work toward cooperation and peace. She has helped us look beyond the extremists to see the progressive people who are working toward reform. Her books give us a reason for hope.

Her book Through the Narrow Gate tells about her experience as a Catholic nun. Her book The Spiral Staircase is autobiographical and it is largely from that book I will draw my information for the sermon. I want to know what personal history enables someone to have such compassion and understanding to be able to transcend the prejudice that seems to prevail in the post 9-11 world.

Karen had to encounter two very strict institutions. The Catholic Church and living in a convent, and Oxford University and the rigors of academic discipline. She was a failure at both. She had little support at home and yet she comes out of all that with a positive attitude that is open and hopeful.

She was able to climb out of her personal darkness and I think there is something to learn here.

How do we climb out of the darkness in our lives? If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the congregation click on the box below.

I look forward to hearing from you.


Charles Schuster