After a week break, I’m back with a new podcast – my reflections on the whole Teri Schiavo fiasco. No wired links on this one but since it can be found on nearly every blog, many podcasts, and the news, I’m sure you have your own. When President Bush is talking about creating a “culture of life” out of all this, all I see is a “carnival of death”, with sideshow freaks and carnies on both sides claiming moral superiority and the spiritual high ground. I have no use for either side and I don’t see god in either place. My take is that God is in the midst of it all, embracing the suffering, enduring the questions that have no easy answers, and walking with us to an unexpected new life that trumps the scientific fact mongers and the Bible thumping fanatics. That’s what Holy Week was all about, cross and resurrection, choices of death and life in a broken world that is fixated on a carnival of death.
What do you think the implications are of all this – for the country, for us individuals, and for people on the spiritual journey?
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Tom,
The carnival of death is a good description of this tragedy. Easter helped remind me of the hope in the resurrection Jesus has given to us.
Keep up the good work and thanks for the podcast.
Bob
Tom,
“A downer of a podcast?” I’m a little saddened by your self-analysis. As a Christian, I know we cannot always be “eternal-optimists”, but by the same token, understand that many of us believers and non-believers have a bad habit of seeing the trees and not the forest. We also tend to be negative in our thoughts and actions. As a Christian, why not believe in our hearts that God’s purpose for Teri may not be revealed to all at once but later. Although the media made this a “Carnival of Death” (and believe me, I’m not totally crazy about them either) I do believe God used them to show other people that having a living will is a good idea. It opened discussion about the fragility and sanctity of life. Those who questioned their own mortality and even whether their spiritual roads were capable of handling this burden.
You have every right to be bummed out by the events in Florida. At this time, it stinks for a lot of people. As Christians, we must learn to have God’s perspective, have faith in His will, and pray that we may be prepared to face those that want some answers. In other words – Rise to the occasion.
Keep the podcasts coming! I am really appreciating your thoughts and views.
– Dimplemonkey
Thanks, Dimplemonkey, I like the post-Easter advice – rise to the occasion. I’ve come to conclusion that Terri and the Pope provide an interesting insight into the spiritual struggles of the postmodern West regarding death, suffering, and meaning. Sounds like the next podcast.
Glad you like the podcasts and appreciate your input.