Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma March 28, 2013
Born Each Instant When you maintain the straightforward frankness of your own mind as it comes to life each instant, even without effort, even without training, you are beautifully born each instant. You die with each instant, and go on to be born again, instant by instant. - Soko Morinaga Roshi, “One Chance, One Encounter” Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through March 29th, 2013 For full access at any time, become a Tricycle Community Supporting or Sustaining Member

Via FB / FatherMichael Beckett:

I, personally, am tired of folks hiding behind Christianity in this on-going marriage battle, and standing up for "Biblical Marriage." If these folks want a Biblical marriage, then let's make Biblical marriage the law of the land.....but....let's make sure we know what Biblical marriage IS.....For more than half my life, I've been a wedding coordinator, helping men and women plan the ceremonies that will bind them for life. One of the things that I ask my couples is, "What readings or scriptures do you want read in the service?"

Someone invariably mentions 1st Corinthians 13, the famous "Love Chapter." Love is patient, love is kind, love never insists on its own way and so forth. Wonderful advice for marriage, but Paul was not talking about marriage. He was addressing a church fight: the believers in Corinth had split into factions and were competing for prestige and influence. We see echoes of this conflict throughout the letter, but especially in chapters 12 and 14, which surround this passage.

Others want the passage from Ruth: "Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God" Another moving passage, but it's certainly not about marriage. Ruth addresses this moving speech to her mother-in-law Naomi: from one woman to another. Isn't THAT interesting???

And then, the second creation story in Genesis comes up: (Yes, there are TWO creation stories): "Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). This passage is certainly appropriate to marriage, as it reflects the level of intimacy and commitment that distinguishes marriage from other relationships. Jesus quotes this passage, too, in Matthew and Mark, but he isn't exactly discussing marriage. Instead, Jesus' topic is divorce, and when ministers read these Gospel passages at weddings, as they often do, the message seems a little off. I'd rather not hear about divorce at a wedding.
One other passage frequently surfaces in weddings but rarely in mainline Protestant Churches. This passage has become part of the traditional wedding vows that most people today leave out. The part about wives should obey their husbands. Ephesians 5:22-33 commands wives to obey their husbands and husbands to love their wives. Conservative Christians may try to explain away the offense of this passage, but there's no escaping its ugly reality. Ephesians calls wives to submit to their husbands just as children must obey their parents and slaves must obey their masters.

The point is, Christian weddings rarely feature passages that directly relate to marriage. Only one passage, Genesis 2:24, seems especially relevant, while other passages require us to bend their content to our desire to hear a good word about marriage. Things are so bad that the worship books for many denominations turn to John 2:11, where Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding feast, to claim that Jesus blessed marriage.

Yes, he turned water into wine at that wedding. But we must remember the circumstances: His mother, Mary, went to Him for help because the hosts had run out of wine. He told her that "It is not my time." But in the way of all mothers, she continued asking, and like a good Son, he did something for His mother. Jesus' first miracle wasn't to bless a wedding, but done as a favor for his mother. People think that Jesus blessed marriage because he attended a wedding. That's the best we can do? No wonder it's common for couples to struggle over the choice of Scripture for their wedding ceremonies. The Bible just doesn't have much to say on the topic.

The only thing Jesus really DID say about marriage was, "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." (Matthew 19:6) Divorce, was sin in Jesus' eyes. The only exception in which Jesus permits divorce is when adultery has already corrupted the marriage.

Moreover Jesus condemns all remarriage after divorce as adultery. Nor does He speak of remarriage as a one-time act of adultery, but of the ongoing relationship as adultery.

Let's be honest, unfortunately, many Christians use the Bible to support their own prejudices and bigotry. They talk about "biblical family values" as if the Bible had a clear message on marriage and sexuality. Let's be clear: There's no such thing as "biblical family values" because the Bible does not speak to the topic clearly and consistently.

Let's not even go into some of the Bible's most interesting marriages. We won't talk about the fact that

Lamech had two wives - Genesis 4:19.
Esau had three wives - Genesis 26:34 & 28:9.
Jacob had four wives - Genesis 29:28 & 30:4-9.
Gideon had many wives - Judges 8:30.
Abijah had 14 wives - II Chronicles 13:21. and the list goes on.....

Nor will we talk about some of the Bibles most chilling teachings regarding marriage, such as a man's obligation to keep a new wife who displeases him on the wedding night (Deuteronomy 22:13-21), his obligation to marry a woman he has raped (Deuteronomy 22:28-30) or the unquestioned right of heroes like Abraham to exploit their slaves sexually. I wonder: Have the "biblical family values advocates" actually read their Bibles?

In Biblical times, a wife was regarded as chattel, belonging to her husband; the descriptions in the Bible suggest that she would be expected to perform tasks such as spinning, sewing, weaving, manufacture of clothing, fetching of water, baking of bread, and animal husbandry. However, wives were usually looked after with care, and men with more than one wife were expected to ensure that they continued to give the first wife food, clothing, and marital rights.[Ex 21:10]
Since a wife was regarded as property, her husband was originally free to divorce her for any reason, at any time. A divorced couple were permitted to get back together, unless the wife had married someone else after her divorce.[Deut 24:2–4
Betrothal (erusin), which is merely a binding promise to get married, like engagement, is distinct from marriage itself (nissu'in), with the time between these events varying substantially. Since a wife was regarded as property in those days, the betrothal (erusin) was effected simply by purchasing her from her father (or guardian) and the girl’s consent is not explicitly required by any biblical law.

It's high time people came clean about how we use the Bible.

Via JMG: Ezra Klein Vs Justice Scalia

"The idea that there is something so wrong with same-sex households that it would be preferable for these children to go two or four or six years without permanent parents — an idea, again, that has little to no evidence behind it, and that is in fact contradicted by most of the evidence — bespeaks a homophobia so deep that it is hard for me to believe it could persist long among people who actually know any children in the foster system, and who actually know many gay couples. [snip] The answer to Kagan’s question is that gay marriage doesn’t harm traditional marriage. But the answer to Scalia’s retort is that he’s got it precisely wrong: Gay marriage is good for children in the foster system." - Ezra Klein, reacting to Justice Scalia's claim that there is "considerable disagreement" among sociologists regarding children adopted by gay parents. (Tipped by JMG reader Russell)

Labels: Antonin Scalia, DOMA, Ezra Klein, gay adoption

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Obama On SCOTUS: No Predictions

 

Yesterday President Obama spoke with the nation's two largest Spanish-language networks regarding this week's marriage cases before the Supreme Court. 
Speaking to Univision:

“I never predict what the court will do. But I used to teach constitutional law, and there is certainly a strong basis for determining that in this age, given what we now know, given the changes that have been taking place in the states around the country, same-sex couples should be treated fairly and have the same rights benefits, be able to transfer property, all the rights and recognitions that heterosexual couples do.”

Speaking to Telemundo:

"I think it is time for the justices to examine this issue. I think not only is it right and fair but also consistent with our Constitution to recognize same-sex couples It doesn’t mean everybody has to agree from a religious standpoint about this issue. It does mean that it is very important for us to remember that we’re a nation where everybody is supposed to be equal before the law."

(Via Pink News)

Labels: Barack Obama, LGBT History, marriage equality, SCOTUS

Reposted from Joe

Vai JMG: Quote Of The Day - Charles Blow

"Witnessing a historic moment is such an odd and exhilarating thing. It is hard to register the full scope of it because you are chest deep in it.That is how I feel about the gay-marriage arguments made before the Supreme Court on Tuesday and Wednesday.However the court rules on California’s Proposition 8 and the federal government’s Defense of Marriage Act, there is no denying that something historic has just happened: an aggrieved group has taken a stand and given voice once again to the American — and indeed Democratic — ideals of justice and fairness and freedom." - Charles Blow, writing for the New York Times.

Labels: Charles Blow, LGBT History, marriage equality, SCOTUS

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Willie Nelson Backs Marriage Equality

 

In an interview with Texas Monthly country music legend Willie Nelson displayed the above take on this week's marriage equality meme and restated his well-known support for LGBT rights.

TM: For better or worse, you've also grown into a reputation as something of an authority on marriage itself. WN: I've been there and back a few times. It's not perfect, so why should we expect it to be perfect for everybody? TM: But to be clear, you think everybody should be able to get married? WN: Absolutely. I never thought of marriage as something only for men and women. But I'd never marry a guy I didn't like. TM: A lot of people think this battle echoes the fight for civil rights in the sixties. WN: It does. It's about human rights. As humanity, we've come through so many problems from the beginning to here. I guess it finally had to come around to this. This is just another situation, another problem. We'll work it out and move on. TM: And what do you think they'll say when they look back on this? WN: We'll look back and say it was crazy that we ever even argued about this

Texas Monthly concludes the article by posting the above weed-equality avatar and inviting readers to use it themselves.

 

Labels: country music, pop music, straight allies, Willie Nelson

Reposted from Joe

Via Being Liberal / FB:

Via Truebook.org / FB:

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma March 26, 2013

Changing our Approach to Life

In Buddhism, the point is not simply to be accomplished meditators but to change our whole approach to life. Meditation is not merely a useful technique or mental gymnastic, but part of a balanced system designed to change the way we go about things at the most fundamental level.

- Judy Lief, "Is Meditation Enough?"

Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through March 27th, 2013
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Via JMG: Bill Gates Will Pay For A Better Condom

Bill Gates has issued a "grand challenge" for a better condom and is offering a $100,000 prize to the start-up that comes up with a "next-generation" version. From the challenge site:

We are looking for a Next Generation Condom that significantly preserves or enhances pleasure, in order to improve uptake and regular use. Additional concepts that might increase uptake include attributes that increase ease-of-use for male and female condoms, for example better packaging or designs that are easier to properly apply. In addition, attributes that address and overcome cultural barriers are also desired. Proposals must (i) have a testable hypothesis, (ii) include an associated plan for how the idea would be tested or validated, and (iii) yield interpretable and unambiguous data in Phase I, in order to be considered for Phase II funding.

Several years ago a German company introduced a spray-on condom, but the product was withdrawn because men did not want to wait the full minute for the product to dry.  That, and you couldn't really travel with the applicator in your wallet.

Labels: Bill Gates, condoms, safer sex, science

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: She Had A Dream

Labels: civil rights, Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Signorile: It Was Grassroots Activists And Not Gay Inc Who Got Us To SCOTUS

"Whether it was ACT UP organizing civil disobedience at the height of the government ignorance of the AIDS epidemic in the late '80s, or Get Equal members chaining themselves to the White House fence to push the president on 'don't ask, don't tell,' it took brave people who put their reputations, their privacy, their futures, their jobs, their families and sometimes literally their own bodies on the line to push things forward. They withstood attack not just from antigay zealots,the police and the media, but from the gay establishment, telling them to just be good little boys and girls.

"Sometimes these champions weren't even gay themselves but were allies of gay rights as well: When San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom began marrying couples in San Francisco in 2004, the Democratic establishment, and the gay establishment which is very much a part of it, went ballistic. It affected Newsom's political career, but there's no doubt Newsom is a hero of marriage equality whose action was pivotal.

"If not for grass-roots activists pressuring President Obama, gay leaders seemed likely to have given him a pass on 'don't ask, don't tell' repeal in his first term and on defending DOMA in court, let alone moving forward on marriage equality. So let's not forget these brave people as we watch all the talk shows and read the media interviews which highlight the very gay leaders who were often opposed to the exact strategy they're now embracing." - Michelangelo Signorile, writing for the Huffington Post.

Labels: activism, LGBT rights, Michelangelo Signorile, SCOTUS

posted by Joe

Via JMG: Edith Windsor: NYC Pride Grand Marshal

Via press release from New York City Pride:

NYC Pride announced that it has selected and confirmed Edith Windsor, Harry Belafonte and Earl Fowlkes as Grand Marshals for the 44th annual NYC LGBT Pride March. These individuals represent dedication, greatness and inspiration within the LGBT community. Edith Windsor will be taking her fight against DOMA all the way to the Supreme Court after paying more than $360,000 in federal estate taxes upon the death of her partner of 44 years. Harry Belafonte has been a longtime advocate for civil rights and universal equality on a global scale. Earl Fowlkes serves as the President/CEO of the Center for Black Equity, whose mission is to fight for health, social and economic equity in the Black LGBT community.

Fantastic selection!

Labels: DOMA, Edith Windsor, NYC Pride, SCOTUS

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Signorile: It Was Grassroots Activists And Not Gay Inc Who Got Us To SCOTUS

"Whether it was ACT UP organizing civil disobedience at the height of the government ignorance of the AIDS epidemic in the late '80s, or Get Equal members chaining themselves to the White House fence to push the president on 'don't ask, don't tell,' it took brave people who put their reputations, their privacy, their futures, their jobs, their families and sometimes literally their own bodies on the line to push things forward. They withstood attack not just from antigay zealots,the police and the media, but from the gay establishment, telling them to just be good little boys and girls.

"Sometimes these champions weren't even gay themselves but were allies of gay rights as well: When San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom began marrying couples in San Francisco in 2004, the Democratic establishment, a

Location

nd the gay establishment which is very much a part of it, went ballistic. It affected Newsom's political career, but there's no doubt Newsom is a hero of marriage equality whose action was pivotal.

"If not for grass-roots activists pressuring President Obama, gay leaders seemed likely to have given him a pass on 'don't ask, don't tell' repeal in his first term and on defending DOMA in court, let alone moving forward on marriage equality. So let's not forget these brave people as we watch all the talk shows and read the media interviews which highlight the very gay leaders who were often opposed to the exact strategy they're now embracing." - Michelangelo Signorile, writing for the Huffington Post.

Labels: activism, LGBT rights, Michelangelo Signorile, SCOTUS

Reposted from Joe

Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:

	Daily Buddhist Wisdom
	It does not matter whether you are a theist or atheist, what matters is sincerity, forgiveness, and compassion. - His Holiness the Dalai Lama More Buddhism Quotes >>

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma March 23, 2013

Deep Engagement

It is a misunderstanding to think that enlightenment is some sort of final escape from life and that the doctrine of the unsatisfactory nature of samsara obviates any need for involvement with other beings or social responsibility. Because nirvana is selfless, there is no self that enjoys a state of being beyond the world. Wisdom and compassion are ultimately inseparable, wisdom being the complete knowledge of ultimate selflessness and compassion being the selfless commitment to the happiness of others.

- Robert Thurman, "The Politics of Enlightenment"

Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through March 24th, 2013
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Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma March 22, 2013

Taking Risks

In order to practice, we have to surrender, we have to take a risk. Otherwise what we’re doing is standing back in order to judge, in order to feel superior. Often the obstacle is fear: we don’t think we’ll ever succeed. And so we’d rather stand apart and be cynical, to feel protected in that way, not having to try.

- Sharon Salzberg, "Sitting on the Fence"

Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through March 23rd, 2013
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Tricycle Daily Dharma March 21, 2013

The Potency of the Present

Once we abandon the belief that there is a more spiritually useful moment than the one we are in, we have embraced our life and infused it with the energy for awakening.

- Rodney Smith, "Undivided Mind"

Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through March 22nd, 2013
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F*F - Flash Mob de Pedido de Casamento (Wedding Proposal) - Gabriel e Daniel