I think you're a poet who got sidetracked into theology. Or perhaps I simply think this of myself and project it on to you as well. The poet lives within the depths of appearances, of feeling, of vision — within the being that manifests as becoming. The theologian is too often tempted to 'look behind the curtain' at reality and 'tell the actual story' in the language of reason. But it is really other other way around. The poet tells the greatest truth by attending to the play of reality manifest in the world of becoming; and the rational account, while not nothing, is perhaps an evasion of our true creative role.
I say all this in reference to the restlessness you write of in your essay.
My undergrad poetry professor, who told me in a heartfelt way to keep writing, because I had a gift that might be lost if I didn't would agree with you... (I didn't listen to her RIP.)
“It requires first of all a wise stewardship and askesis with regard to the body, aimed not towards mortification of the body but towards its vivification.”In my life I call this process my “carcass maintenance program”. I am 73. I do look years longer, but I am still 73. I am the oldest in my weekly men’s group meeting, my nickname is Elder Fudd. One guy is 70, most of the rest in their 60’s, one 59, the youngster is 50.
Another older guy in the gym said to me the other day, “It seems like it’s one step forward, two steps back” and I said “yeah but unless you do this, it’s one step forward five steps back”
Life maybe is not about asking the right questions, but continuing to sincerely ask them, even when we know the answer, or rather, that there is no answer.
Stunning. I need to read this again and again (and again). I don't know why, but I have this impulse to put vitality in conversation with Paul's metron pisteōs. Also, I think you have a book inside of you!
I think you're a poet who got sidetracked into theology. Or perhaps I simply think this of myself and project it on to you as well. The poet lives within the depths of appearances, of feeling, of vision — within the being that manifests as becoming. The theologian is too often tempted to 'look behind the curtain' at reality and 'tell the actual story' in the language of reason. But it is really other other way around. The poet tells the greatest truth by attending to the play of reality manifest in the world of becoming; and the rational account, while not nothing, is perhaps an evasion of our true creative role.
I say all this in reference to the restlessness you write of in your essay.
My undergrad poetry professor, who told me in a heartfelt way to keep writing, because I had a gift that might be lost if I didn't would agree with you... (I didn't listen to her RIP.)
“It requires first of all a wise stewardship and askesis with regard to the body, aimed not towards mortification of the body but towards its vivification.”In my life I call this process my “carcass maintenance program”. I am 73. I do look years longer, but I am still 73. I am the oldest in my weekly men’s group meeting, my nickname is Elder Fudd. One guy is 70, most of the rest in their 60’s, one 59, the youngster is 50.
Another older guy in the gym said to me the other day, “It seems like it’s one step forward, two steps back” and I said “yeah but unless you do this, it’s one step forward five steps back”
Life maybe is not about asking the right questions, but continuing to sincerely ask them, even when we know the answer, or rather, that there is no answer.
amen
Stunning. I need to read this again and again (and again). I don't know why, but I have this impulse to put vitality in conversation with Paul's metron pisteōs. Also, I think you have a book inside of you!