June 6 Whiteylad Letter

Dear Whiteylad,

It’s touching to me to know that you’ve been following my guidance for much longer than I’ve even known. Years ago when you saw me in the stands at your Glen Bard bball game, as you were playing it seems you must have thought to yourself…”I must follow him no matter where it leads.” (just kidding)

In your letter you mention that BO’s nickname is Titmouse. Yes I’ve heard this before. Actually titmice are charming little fellows.

You mention that some of the Democrats are surely going hell. I think they probably are but would that be so bad? Mark Twain said that he was going there. Also in a recent movie, Gene Hackman said to Clint Eastwood (before Eastwood shot him)…”I’ll see you in hell.” Eastwood replied: “You probably will.” So what I am saying is that if Mark Twain, Gene Hackman and Clint Eastwood are going to be in hell, what’s so bad about it?

Enough about politics and on to Religion.

Just before I read your email I was reading an article in the NY Times about how the Vatican is trying to get control of American nuns. And of course nothing makes those old Roman guys crazier than the idea of women becoming priests. It’s like God is OK with a woman being a teacher, coach, doctor or lawyer, a CEO, an astronaut, a congressman, senator, Secretary of State, President or Prime Minister, but absolutely God feels that women are not capable of being priests. Talk about being beyond ridiculous.

My first real personal involvement with religion came when I was in my mid teens. I was greatly influenced by Young Life and I bought into their brand of mild fundamentalism. I went to Wheaton which affirmed this way of thinking. Then I began to realize that others were Christians way beyond Young Life/Wheaton thinking. Then in the 1970’and 80’s I began to embrace the thought that other faiths were just as valid as the Christian faith. Then in the 1990’s I developed a strong interest in Zen Buddhism and spent time with the San Francisco Zen Community and at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies in Massachusetts. Since 2000 I have been especially interested in Taoism a way of thinking which has its origins in ancient China. The sacred book that influenced me most in my youth was the Bible. The sacred books that have influenced me most since 1990 are the Dhammapada (Buddhist) and Tao Te Ching (Taoism). I was extremely fortunate in the church in NY which gave me great freedom to preach as I saw things. I could not have been a minister in a more supportive environment.

Anyway this is my first salvo to you in regard to religion. Return salvos would be greatly welcomed from either you or Jane.

Hope your cold is better. Also I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend, Jane’s former mother in law.

In Puerto Rico Magnificent Frigate Birds constantly soar around our apartment complex.

Go Celtics!

Mikey Do