On Advent and Christmas
Posted on | December 29, 2005 | 7 Comments
I was at church on the second Sunday of Advent this season and the pastor spoke about the child of light coming to the earth. I thought that discussion was very enlightened for any Christian church today. He used a story about some high-school kids on a retreat camping in the mountains and noticing how bright the stars looked. Their retreat leader changed their perspective by stating, “the stars aren’t so bright – it’s the world that’s very dark.” He went on to say that it is our role as Christians to reflect the light of Christ into the darkness of the world around us. This got me thinking.
I thought first about the whole idea of pinpoints of light in the darkness. Most of those points of light are actually VERY powerful, blazing stars in the vast darkness of space. I thought maybe the Pastor’s thought about our duty to reflect the light of Christ into the darkness of the world may have missed the mark a bit. Instead of reflecting the light of Jesus Christ, maybe our role is to BE a light in the darkness – like Christ. After all, isn’t the point Jesus was trying to make simply that there is a Christ in each of us waiting to be found and brought back to God’s light? Christ in you. Christ in me.
It’s easy to see why the reflection idea is important, after all, the brightest lights in our Earthly darkness are the moon and the planets in our solar system that actually DO simply reflect the light of the Sun. Some of the brightest people around us seem to reflect the light of the Son. But are the people who simply reflect the light of Jesus more powerful than those individual sources of light that happen to be farther away, but bring a light of their own to far larger volumes of darkness? I don’t know the answer, or if one answer exists. Maybe at times we are called to be sources of light in the vast darkness, and at sometimes we are called to reflect a relatively brighter light for the path of a relative few closest to us who are wandering in the darkness. Maybe we need to be doing both at all times.
The Christmas service was themed around the light of God becoming man. The original celebration was on the winter solstice, when light physically returns to warm the Earth in the form of longer days. The Christmas liturgy makes far more sense when examined in this context. This time our new Senior Pastor was giving the message, and correctly themed his message as one of Christmas being a time to remember that the light of divinity descended into human-kind. Predictably, but no less disappointingly, the orthodox Christian interpretation of this idea – that the divinity descended into that one baby – Jesus of Nazareth – and no other human was the substance of his message. I believe this misses the actual message of Jesus Christ, which is unsurprising, because most of his messages were misunderstood by even his closest companions. I believe that his message was that divinity descended into him, as it has into ALL humans – he was different from most in that he was able to tap and appreciate his divinity to help others, while most of us simply don’t recognize our personal spark of Christos.
What if Christmas was understood? What if Christmas was a reminder of the divinity in each human instead of a story of God’s divinity descending ONLY to one man who lived for around 33 years over 2,000 years ago and hasn’t been back since? How much better would our world be if each of us were accountable for the spark of divinity God gave us?
I think the world would be a far better place if each of us recognized this responsibility – it might even be a Heaven on Earth.
More possible studies
Posted on | December 6, 2005 | No Comments
If I were to be responsible for the Adult Sunday School class, what would those study topics include? Here are some ideas – each would take at least one week, if not several.
1. Examining the Parables of Jesus
2. Examining the similarities between Jesus and the stories of Mithras, Osirus, etc.
3. Examining the symbology of the nativity.
4. Examining the symbology of baptism.
5. Examining the symbology of the cross.
6. Examining the symbology and traditions of Christmas.
7. Examining the symbology and traditions of Easter.
8. Examining the theories and symbology of Trinity.
9. Examining the symbology of Pentecost.
10. Exploring the interpretations of Eve eating of the fruit of the tree…
11. Exploring the implications of Collossians 1:27 – “Christ in you”
12. Working through the concept of “Accountable Christianity.”
Adult Sunday School at Our Saviour’s Lutheran
Posted on | November 30, 2005 | No Comments
Last Sunday I finished leading an 8-week adult Sunday school class at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church here in Ft. Collins. The topic was how the Bible came together as a document and how the different interpretations of the text have shaped history. We had steady attendance of about 40+ people, which was gratifying in a relatively small church. We used some great books: The Bible, the Book that Bridges the Millennia (http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/bible/). Many of the people in the class purchased extra sets of books to give to friends – at only $4.00 a set, they’re the best value on this topic.
After the class, several people mentioned that they would like to go through the entire class again, but with more time for discussion. (Due to time constraints, I had to power through the material in more of a lecture format than I would like). Other people asked if I would lead more in depth discussions and study into some of the doctrines and different episodes covered in the course. Of course I’d love that, it’s just a matter of scheduling it with the pastors.
I’m going to offer to take over the responsibility for planning this course – effectively becoming the default leader, but allowing plenty of time into the schedule for other speakers and topics as they come up. I could post the schedule and each week’s course materials to the spiritcurve.com web site (yet to be created – although I have the domain name…) so that people could download the course materials each week. I would also hand them out in class a week in advance. I’ll talk with one of the pastor’s tonight to see if that’s something he thinks is a good idea.
32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason
Posted on | October 31, 2005 | No Comments
I’m now a 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason. The degrees were very meaningful and will inspire a great deal of additional thought and research – really opening a lifetime of doors to further spiritual exploration. The final degree really moved me and made me think that I have found a spiritual home of peers and men of like thought and purpose in life. This was a major mile stone in my life and spiritual development.
Scottish Rite
Posted on | October 25, 2005 | No Comments
This Friday and Saturday I will be taking the Masonic Degrees of the Scottish Rite. I’m really looking forward to more light. This has been a goal for a long time and if everything goes well, by Saturday evening I’ll be a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason.
MegaTrends 2010
Posted on | September 28, 2005 | No Comments
I just received and read the new book by Patricia Aburdene, “Megatrends 2010: The Rise of Conscious Capitalism” and think it’s right on track. Her premise is that to be “successful” as a person or a business today, one must have an integrated sense of spirituality – human consciousness as a person, company, or institution. The book is holistic without being “woo-woo.” I think it will resonate especially well with business people who are also active spriritual seekers. Highly recommended.
Additional Adult Bible-Study Class Ideas
Posted on | August 14, 2005 | No Comments
My attendance at church this summer has been dismal. The easy explanation is that it’s hard to get anything out of the service when one is chasing after a 3 year old and trying to keep a 2 year old happy and quiet long enough to hear a complete sentence -? much less get into the spirit of the service. However, in all honesty, with the exception of communion I really get more of a spiritual recharge by spending some time, like now, studying and reflecting on my personal spirituality than I do by taking part in the normal Sunday services. I DO enjoy seeing and talking with the other members of the church. One of my best friends is the cantor and does a wonderful job with the music -? adding a lot to the service. This is his contribution; we’?ve talked about it. It’?s how he recharges spiritually during the Sunday service. I don’?t have this type of talent.
My talents lean more toward leading discussions and helping people engage their brains on the way to engaging their spirits. It’s why I’?m excited to be teaching the Bible 101 class again starting in October. It’s how I’?ll be able to make a strong weekly contribution to our church community. Based on my experience at First Lutheran back in Cedar Rapids, it will also lead toward continuing discussions with members of the church ad hoc after the class has completed. These one-on-one discussions that happen regularly after the end of the formal classes really make me feel like I’?m part of a spiritual community. I hope they lead toward a regular offering of the Bible 101 class, and hopefully to some more advanced classes -? possibly using the following books as the basis of study:
1. ‘When Religion Becomes Evil,” by Charles Kimball
a. 7 Weeks
i. Intro & Chapter 1
ii. Absolute Truth Claims
iii. Blind Obedience
iv. Establishing the Â?IdealÂ? Time
v. The End Justifies Any Means
vi. Declaring Holy War
vii. Inclusive Faith & Conclusion
2. “The Gnostic Gospels,” by Elaine Pagels
a. 5 Weeks:
i. Intro
ii. Matthew
iii. Mark
iv. Luke
v. John
3. “The Gnostic Paul,” by Elaine Pagels
a. 6 Weeks
i. Intro &? Romans
ii. 1 Corinthians
iii. 2 Corinthians
iv. Galatians & Ephesians
v. Philippians & Colossians
vi. Hebrews & Conclusion
4. Mystery Cults & Early Christianity, Various Texts including: “The Jesus Mysteries,” by Timothy Freke & Peter Gandy and “The Pagan Christ,” by Tom Hurpur.
a. 4 Weeks
i. Intro – Osirus
ii. Dionysus
iii. Mithras
iv. Conclusion – Synthesis
Previously Called “Bible 101”
Posted on | August 8, 2005 | No Comments
The Bible: Past, Present & Future
Adult Education Course
Have you ever wondered who decided on the books of the bible and why these documents were chosen? What were there economic, social, or political considerations? What was wrong with the books that were excluded in the Bible? Why are there so many different interpretations of these books? Can anyone claim to be “right?”
Starting October 2nd at 9:30am, Our Savior’s will be offering an 8-week study of the Bible examining these questions and more. This is a different kind of Bible study focusing not on the content of the text, but how the text itself evolved into it’s current form and how it has been interpreted through the centuries.
If this course is of interest to you, just show up! No pre-registration is necessary. A $10 donation to defer cost of materials is suggested.
Kevin Houchin – Spiritual Manifesto (a work in progress)
Posted on | August 4, 2005 | No Comments
I believe there is something greater than us at work in the universe (multiverse).
- I like the idea of a God of Creation – and I believe he/she/it is STILL creating.
- How boring would eternity be if God’s creative work was FINISHED?!
- I don’t mind being the creative experiment of something larger – as long as I’m given a second chance if God makes a mistake (which I think IS possible).
I believe humans are not (yet? ) capable of understanding all the dimensions of the universe/multiverse.
- We just understand Length, Width, Depth, and Time (Four of an infinite number of dimensions – pretty arrogant to think we’ve got it figured out based on this miniscule sensory input. And, we probably don’t really have an accurate understanding of even these dimensions – especially time.)
I believe that when we DO happen to perceive a dimension, two people will not necessarily perceive that dimension in the same way.
- This is the source of miracles.
I believe we (humans, animals, etc.) are able to touch or at least sense that larger presence at certain points in our lives.
- Whether or not we recognize the touch or sense depends on a lot of factors.
- Our Physical state
- Our Emotional state
- Our Spiritual openness
- Our Psychic openness
- Some of the times we “Touch God” are:
- When we are in love and are loved in return.
- When we CREATE
- Conception, Quickening, Birth
- As such, women have more potential to touch God – indicating the “femaleness” of God (although not exclusively female) – which indicates a prominent role for women in religious leadership (especially in the family – “family of God”) and as such a terminal error in any religious practice/denomination that excludes women from leadership roles.
- Art, Music, Writing, Learning, Etc.
- o When we COPE with TRAUMA (not a happy touching, but a necessary touching…)
- o When we laugh or cry – anytime our emotions spill from their bodily container.
- This can be good or bad – ANGER, FRUSTRATION, Etc.
- In each of these instances we are touching the source – it’s just a matter of how we channel it.
- Sincere (not canned) prayer.
- Except when the “canned” prayer is memorized so deeply that it becomes a ritual that opens a meditative state and allows us to approach God.
- When we “commune”
- I like the example of communion in the movie “Phenomenon” the mystical understanding that something or someone can become a part of you.
- Communion is not just the Christian idea of making JESUS a part of you – it’s making you recognize that YOU are a PART of EVERYTHING else.
- When we constantly strive to tap our own potential.
- When we help others strive to reach their potential.
- Teaching your children and your peers.
- Learning from others – students force the teacher into deeper understanding and mastery of the subject – so the act of learning is also an act of teaching by the student.
I believe there are many, many, multiple paths to spiritual understanding and that those paths are as individual as the people treading them. (touching God and recognizing the touch).
I believe that all religion boils down to the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Everything else is window dressing.
- Christianity is just one of those paths.
I believe our souls return until they have this understanding.
- Once they have the understanding they have the CHOICE of returning and how to return – or they can decide NOT to return (heaven?)
- I believe Jesus was an actual man who had this understanding and his soul is still alive.
- I believe that the man Jesus was not the first time THAT SOUL had been on earth.
- Confusious?
- Aristotle, Socrates, Plato?
- Budda?
I believe Jesus or at least “the Christ(os)” has returned fairly often in an attempt to remind us of his TRUE lesson – which has been corrupted by men and women throughout history.
- Other embodiments of the soul of Jesus????
- Mother Theresa?
- John Lennon?
- “All you need is love”
- Outcast by the establishment, loved by the people…
- Murdered in his prime
- The songs of the Beatles may be around for the next 2000+ years just like the Bible… and with less opportunity to be changed through interpretation or political motivation than the words of Jesus as reported by the Gospels we read today. (NOTE: Jesus didn’t write anything himself… souls must be able to learn from what seems to have been a mistake.)
- Yes, these two people (Theresa and Lenon) were alive at the same time… I believe the SOUL OF JESUS can be present in more than one person at a time.
I believe the Bible is an incomplete work and that some of its contents were politically motivated.
I believe a literal interpretation of the Bible stands in the way of a real spiritual relationship with God – as actually taught by The Christ(os).
I believe that one must PRACTICE to find one’s faith and improve one’s ability to touch and even call on the creative source of God – which helps us deal with the opportunities and challenges of our lives and helps us appreciate the “life” that is present at those time and at all times, everywhere.
- I choose to implement this practice in the context of the Evangelical Lutheran Church because it’s ritual touches me and it allows and encourages the “family of God” through it’s attitude toward Women and Men as equal.
- I believe Christianity is just ONE way of helping people find the higher power’s peace and love in their lives.
- I believe that the true practice of Christianity is embodied in all believers in a higher power who practice their faith sincerely – even if they are not actually worshiping Jesus.
- I choose also to practice my spirituality and explore knowledge and tradition through the traditions and teaching of Freemasonry.
Introduction to Masonic Geometry
Posted on | August 4, 2005 | No Comments
Introduction to Masonic Geometry
© 2005 Kevin E. Houchin
Draft 1.0
It’s no secret that Geometry is important to Masons. Everyone can see the square and compass in our symbol, and only the most non-thinking human would miss the connection between our most visible symbol and geometry. Of course non-masons are not expected to UNDERSTAND the connection. Unfortunately, many masons don’t take the time to engage and understand the connection either. In this brief essay I hope to give you an overview of why geometry works so well with Masonry, and hopefully engage your interest enough to engage in your own study, or at least recognize the connections as you attend to the work of your lodge.
The first step toward understanding the connection between geometry and Masonry is to recognize that geometry was the first science of reasoned, abstract, thinking. To understand geometry humans had to make the mental jump from working through a physical project (like marking boundaries of property) to working through an abstract IDEA that could be applied to a physical project. With this in mind, defining “geometry” as the study of spatial order through the measure and relationships of forms becomes understandable . Remember the words “study,” “order,” “measure,” and “relationships” as we proceed. Geometry, as Masonry, requires one to think, to engage one’s brain, to always question and seek more light. This is a helpful distinction between Masonry and many religions as sometimes religions ask followers to turn off their brains, stop questioning, and fall in line.
From it’s earliest days, geometry shed light on the order of the world. Some would say it sheds light on how God “built” the world. In this sense, geometry leads to a better understanding of our physical environment. However, it didn’t take ancient geometricians long to find situations where geometry put man in his place relative to God. Many geometric relationships are easy to understand and work very well into whole numbers and nice, reasonable functions. However, a few geometric relationships quickly show man the limits of his knowledge, and give us a glimpse of God.
These relationship include:
1. The square cut by its diagonal: Square Root of 2
2. The Vesica Piscis: The Square Root of 3
3. The Square root of 5
4. The “Golden Section:” Phi
5. The Circular relationship: Pi
Writing and interpretation of these numbers literally fills volumes – written from the dawn of man to present day. It’s not my goal in this brief introduction to show how these ideas have manifested in architecture and religion through the ages – that’s part of the fun of discovery. But I will share the kernel: all these numbers are non-repeating, never-ending decimals. They are “irrational” numbers. We humans can’t nail them down, yet these relationships form the very heart of nature; the nautilus-shell spiral, the harmonics of musical scales and octaves, and arguably the most important: the proportions of the human body which the Bible tells us is “made in God’s image.” When we study these numbers, we touch both the finite and the infinite at the same time. These numbers never die – they are the earthly manifestation of eternity.
When understood in this way, geometry is the balance and combination of science and spirituality. It’s a metaphor of universal order. As Miranda Lundy states: “Sacred Geometry charts the unfolding of number in space. The basic journey from a single point, into the line, out to the plane, through to the third dimension and beyond, eventually returning to the point again, watching what happens on the way.”
Our Masonic work is a similar journey from the point that is each of us, to the lines that are the relationships between ourselves and our brothers, families, and neighbors. We move into the third dimension as we effect our community, and into a forth dimension as we make a difference over time. In geometry and Masonry we find a visual vocabulary for understanding and building a sense of personal balance. In geometry and Masonry we find a way to visualize how we fit into the world, one working block at a time.
In 1813 John Playfair, Professor of Mathematics in the University of Edinburogh wrote the following in his preface to a wonderful reprinting of Euclid’s Elements of Geometry:
“To all this it may be added, that the mind, especially when beginning to study the art of reasoning, cannot be employed to greater advantage than in analyzing those judgments, which, though they appear simple, are in reality complex, and capable of being distinguished into parts. No progress in ascending higher can be expected, till a regular habit of demonstration is thus acquired; it is much to be feared, that he who has declined the trouble of tracing the connection between the proposition already quoted and those that are more simple, will not be very expert in tracing its connection with those that are more complex; and that, as he has not be careful in laying the foundation, he will never be successful in raising the superstructure.”
One would be hard-pressed to find a better summation of the Masonic work of becoming better men.
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About Kevin
Kevin E. Houchin is an attorney, artist, teacher, author, and principal of
Houchin Consulting, PLLC, a copyright, trademark, arts & entertainment,
business development, and branding firm located in Scottsdale, Arizona.
To schedule Kevin for keynote speeches, workshops, or seminars, call 970.231.2426
or email
kevin@kevinhouchin.com.