ORDINARY LIFE - Thoughts and Ideas to Help You Live a Happier Life

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Summary for November 24, 2019

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Dear Folks -

Sometime after Thanksgiving we will schedule two additional showings of the film “American Heretics.” I will announce those times this coming Sunday when we meet. These times will also be included in the e-mail that goes out after next Ordinary Life.

There is no written text for the class that Holly Hudley and I co-taught this week. I urge you to listen to the audio version of the talk. Also, I am grateful to Tim Leatherwood for posting the audio version of the dialogue between Matt Russell and me about the film. I know that was live-streamed and am assuming this week’s audio version will also be on the website.

Holly and I gave the talk we gave this title -

Choosing - A Better Way to Live

Between being stimulated by some event or some person and the time we make a response there is a moment where we have the opportunity to choose the wisest and most useful way to respond. Our culture seems more and more reactive and to encourage such behavior. Not helpful.

I read the first part of the “Reclaiming Jesus” document about how racism in its various forms is a growing issue in our culture. This is what both Holly and I attempted to respond to. One of the things I did was show a brief clip of Jane Elliott asking people a stunning question. It takes less than a minute to watch. Click here.

Holly spoke about liberation theology and the issue of reparations. She went into the etymology of the word and also talked about the differences between equality, equity and liberation. She showed a video of a starling murmuration as a metaphor for social change. It too is stunning. Click here to see it.

I encourage you to listen to the audio and view the presentation slides as well. All available using the links below.

On December 8 Chris Newlin will be presenting a program - Moral Failings: Why Religion and Politics Are Tearing Us Apart. I heard Chris present a program recently and was so impressed I asked him if he could come a present it to Ordinary Life. I promise you it is most valuable and educational to hear.

Matt Russell has agreed to co-teach with me once a month beginning in December. Holly and I will co-teach again on December 22. Our topic is “Holding Hands in the Dark.” It was inspired by one of my favorite Christmas carols - “In The Bleak Midwinter.”

The Ordinary Life Christmas party is Friday, December 20. Details on the Ordinary Life website.