Forums on i.UCC are devoted to introductions, prayer, Bible study, spiritual conversation and questions about the United Church of Christ. To participate, please register or log in as a user. Your registration information will be confidential, and we'll send you no unsolicited emails.  Register
Log in
|
| You are not authorized to post a reply.
|
|
| Author |
Messages |
|
ProudDog
Posts:511
 |
| 05/27/2008 1:53 PM |
|
| What? We're talking about Noah this week? I wonder where our conversation will lead? Take a look at Kate's Waters of new life and my Noah and let's talk! |
|
-Kirk Moore |
|
|
Gertie
Posts:19
|
| 05/27/2008 9:05 PM |
|
I do remember this as a frightening story as a child. But today, if I can be so simple, I look at the flood story as a metaphor for what it takes to cleanse our heart for God - wiping that slate clean - starting anew - forgiven and loved. As a metaphor of the tears we shed when we find ourselves lost with nowhere to turn but back to God. As the animals and humans grouped together on this ark, so must we on this earth, group together, with the ideal that if we all work together, in this earthly space we have been asked to watch over, maybe we can keep it whole.
I don't know - but it is the lesson I came away with....
Gertie |
|
Ephesians 4:29-30 ..speak only words that will give grace to those who hear. |
|
|
subear
Posts:774
|
| 05/28/2008 10:23 AM |
|
I see the story of the great flood as an analogy for the growth (development) of Consciousness in the human being. In the state of unconscious ignorance, the evolving spiritual being in human form (us) is blind to truth and right action; discerning right from wrong is trial and error (along with the chain of consequences). It is as if we were living in darkness.
As we evolve in Consciousness, through the creative process of the divine, with our participation in: faith, spiritual practice (prayer, meditation, contemplation, introspection), moral discernment, self discipline, devotion to God (Loving God and Neighbor as ourself, unconditionally); the ignorance of humankind (and the misbehavior that goes along with that) drops away, leaving the gentleness, rest, calm, peace, and equilibrium, which is the meaning of the Hebrew name, Noah.
The Hebrew meaning of Noah's father's name, Benjamin signifies an active, accomplishing faith.
The Hebrew meaning of Noah's sons names refer to the spiritual, mental, and physical aspects in the human being.
That's what I think.
In Peace, Love and Understanding,
Susannah |
|
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience." Pierre Teilhard de Chardin |
|
|
kate huey
Posts:52
|
| 05/29/2008 11:01 AM |
|
These are beautiful reflections and interpretations of the text!
I'm working on my sermon for Sunday, and I'm thinking a lot about the good earth and our "violence" upon it - and how much that violence endangers not only us but the "every living thing" included in the covenant. At the same time, here and there, I see the glimmers of hope that are like the little ark bouncing on the waves and holding a precious promise of life in spite of everything else engulfing us.
One powerful thing about this text is the sense of our being with the other living things instead of over them. It makes it harder to think of using them purely for our own benefit, especially when you read how much things depend on each other in nature. What do you think about this story as a new creation story? |
|
|
|
|
Gertie
Posts:19
|
| 05/30/2008 7:33 PM |
|
I do think this story is talking about a New creation. But I wonder about the dramatic nature of the 'new'. With this story everything is wiped out. We certainly don't want that to be our future. We need to nurse this world back to wholeness. As long as the big new is with a change in our hearts, then I think we're on the right track.
I recall reading a book many years ago called The Ages of Gaia - I was maybe 25 years old - but I liked the premise it showed - that we are all a part of a great web of life - a great 'circuit' of life, where all things are dependent on each other. Our health as a whole being is at risk if we don't stop the violence to not only our earth, but ourselves. Can we individually be whole if the rest of us is not?
Just thinking.....thanks for the mental push... |
|
Ephesians 4:29-30 ..speak only words that will give grace to those who hear. |
|
|
|
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
|
|
ActiveForums 3.6
|
|
 UCC 101
Learn more about the UCC's past and present, and the future of our "united and uniting church" which we hope will include you! We've got blogs, videos and a discussion space where you can ask questions about the church—and about this online community. UCC members are also welcome! Opening the Bible
We believe that when you explore the Bible, you don't have to check your mind at the door—or your curiosity. Scripture can do great harm when used as a weapon, but it also opens a door to the story of God's loving relationship with humanity. Spirit Café
We invite you to an interactive space for spiritual inquiry and exploration. Learn about new and ancient spiritual practices, and share your spiritual journey with others on a quest like yours. Prayer Chapel
End your day with a simple, quiet, meditative experience of evening prayer. We gather in our virtual Prayer Chapel every night at 9 p.m. (Eastern). At all other times, you're welcome to post your prayer requests in our Prayer Chapel Forum.
|
|