Atheists

When I was young, I had a conversation with my mom about people of different religions. I don't know how it started, but I probably made a remark assuming that all people were Christian or Catholics, and she corrected me. She told me that there were people who did not believe in God at all, called atheists.

That struck me kinda funny. I was curious to know what these people did when they went to church--I mean, what was there to talk about? I imagined a congregation in wooden pews, all looking straight ahead, fists pumping in the air, repeating, "We don't believe! We don't believe!"

That's what church must be like for atheists!

Organic on a Budget

We all know that organic foods costs more. Sometimes a little bit, sometimes two and even three times more! We also know the benefits are myriad and bountiful. But how do you budget it?

If you eat like most Americans, a shift away from some popular bad habits can have you eating organic without increasing your weekly budget--you might even show a savings!

1. Don't throw it out! Between 30-50% of all food goes into the garbage can. Being smart about freezing foods before they spoil is the main thing you have to do here to manage waste. And don't put it on your plate unless you're gonna eat it. Right off the bat, you can reduce your food budget by at least 30% just with this one change.

2. Buy basic foods. Bread, cheese, guacamole and salad dressing are the most heavily processed items I buy. My grocery cart is filled with items such as eggs, potatoes, onions, carrots, apples. The real money pit is the prepared foods. I cook simple but delicious recipes that don't take much longer than it would to heat up a microwave-meal or make a short trip to a fast food joint. Also, a dash of spices or olive oil is usually enough to dress up a dish. Sauces and marinades can be extremely expensive and double the cost of your meal. The food items themsleves can be rather cheap.

3. Avoid restaurants. You almost have to do this if you want to eat organically, anyway. I'm not against going out as a social event, but a lot of people eat at restaurants just because they mismanage their time and resources--late for work, too tired to cook, fridge is empty, etc. Being prepared, having ready-made meals of your own in the freezer helps (such as the leftovers from Item #1 above), things you can grab on the way out the door or heat up quick. It can also be fast and easy to cook up a nice dinner, you just need to keep some items on hand and a knowledge of a few recipes. Also: Keep snack foods such as granola or nuts in the car.

4. Buy in bulk. There is (what's left of) a 1/2 cow in my freezer. It lasts for a year. At bulk prices, this much organic, pasture-raised meat costs about the same as if you bought non-organics piece-by-piece at the grocery store. Other good bulk items: Dry beans, rice, barely, oatmeal, flour and whole sugar.

5. Grow your own garden. A single tomato plant averages around $2-4 around here. You could easily pay that much for a single package of tomatoes. In contrast, you could get between 20-40 pounds of tomatoes from each tomato plant. Some vegetables and fruits are difficult to grow in an organic format, but tomatoes grow very well with minimal supervision.

6. Watch out for sales. I can often find organic foods at conventional prices when they are just past the point of ripeness and the store wants to get rid of them quick. Good quality stuff at reasonable prices that way.


It does take effort. It does take foresight and preparation. And the most difficult part: It takes going against the grain of contemporary society. But with a little bit of practice, its not that hard at all and the payoffs are immense. I eat organic, gourmet meals every day spending about the same amount as the jokers eating fast food.

On Pushing Rivers--Let's Review

If you've been following this blog, you may have seen a trend that I have seen as well: I'm convinced that many of the problems with America stem from a pervasive attitude that we can force the world to be what we want it to be. We expend countless resources to do this, when it would be more effective, efficient and gentle to work with our surrounding and bend with them.

The following is a snapshot of ideas that have been discussed in previous posts. While they may seem to encompass varied topics, I am hoping the following shows a common theme among them:

Instead of finding a nice shade tree to relax under, we would rather rev up an engine and sit in houses and cars with air conditioning. People don't think of wearing lighter clothing or working at a slower pace in the heat. The term "climate control" sums it up. There is tremendous irony there, as people who live this way are not in control, but actually trapped in their homes and cars, powerless to thrive as the environment changes (they could if they just gave themselves a chance to adapt). A lot of people don't know that you can really thrive in the heat, but you have to give it a chance.

Instead of practicing a lifestyle of health and working with the body when it falters, our medical community is much more geared toward invasive drugs and surgeries. Do whatever you want, and our doctors will "fix" you when you get "broken." It is oriented toward forcing a cure rather than enabling health. Diet and exercise are considered as an afterthought, almost like extra credit or when all else fails. Any doctor will tell you that the best cures work with the body rather than against, but people often think (and act) otherwise.

Instead of appreciating rocky landscapes or desert foliage, Midwesterners who move to the southwest instead try to force a green lawn onto the arid landscape--even though water is scarce and introducing foreign species may upset the local ecosystems. They move all the way to the desert, but want to recreate Ohio.

Instead of trying to work with other nations, the USA instead follows the imperial model of using military force to get our way. The "War on Terrorism" is a perfect example. The notion that we can simply end terrorism by military force is actually impossible, if you consider the definition of terrorism--the last ditch efforts of a group of people with little to lose, who aren't afraid of dying, willing to commit acts of destruction to make up for their small political or economic power, all in an effort to disrupt the imperial power. Reducing communication and the political power of others leads to terrorism, it does not fight it.

When Senator Obama stresses the importance of maintaining dialogue with other nations, that simple and common sense attitude is just too radical for many Americans. Yet dialogue breeds negotiation which breed compromise and commitment. Sure beats the current model, which is "I'm not talking to you, but I'm gonna bomb you." I realize that negotiating with people who are already terrorists may be hard to do, but the idea here is that terrorists come out of a context. If there were more opportunity, if their culture had more of a voice, terrorists probably would not exist at all--and if they did, they would not have the popular support they depend on.

It is for reasons such as the above that America as a whole is often considered spiritually immature--still convinced that strength in isolation is the way to approach the world and solve problems. We're like a strapping young teenager who hasn't fallen flat on his face yet, only to discover later in life that you can't go through life forcing it to be what you want or "taking it on" yourself. Health, happiness and yes--responsibility--comes by being in relationship--with yourself, your surroundings, your community.

You don't pull no punches,

and you don't push the river.

-Van Morrison

Triple Threat, Triple Advantage

Many people choose natural products and organic foods because it limits their direct exposure to toxins. There is actually an impact far greater than this, as the benefits can be felt in triplicate: at the point of production, consumption, and disposal.

Take teflon pans, for instance. They contains toxins linked to cancer and other nasty bits. You can minimize your exposure to these toxins by cooking on low heat (never use high heat with teflon!) and by using only a soft spatula, careful not to scrape off any of the coating. When a pan starts to lose its coating, you can discard it and get another.

However, toxins will still be released into the environment where the pan was manufactured (people living near a teflon factory in Parkersburg, WV, have had high instances of liver cancer). There will also be toxins released as you send your pan to the landfill. It may be contained for a while, but eventually that pan will break down into the environment. It may be generations later, but it will happen.

Virtually everyone is downstream or downwind from a factory or agricultural site. Other effects of pollution such as climate change, acid rain and ozone depletion are global, so there isn't anybody who can claim to be outside of their sphere of influence.

If fewer people buy teflon pans, then the teflon factory will create and release fewer toxins. The workers will take jobs at the safer cast iron factory, instead. Buying organic foods will mean that chemical farms will decrease while organic farms increase. The health of everyone as well as the surrounding ecosystems will improve as there are more and more organic farms to replace the chemical ones. People living downstream will benefit. Rivers, lakes and oceans will be safer to swim in. Your city drinking water will be cleaner, too.

Every time you buy a natural or organic product, you are not just saving yourself from exposure to toxins directly . You are also saving people and animals you will never see, some who haven't even been born, yet. You are making the earth a cleaner place to be, a blessing which will come back to you at some point because whether you know it or not, you are also downstream from these farms, factories and landfills, as well!

Applause in Church

There is little that gets me more riled up these days than hearing that obligatory round of applause at the end of mass at my beloved Newman Center.

When I first starting attending mass there, I thought the applause was great--a fitting tribute to a fine musical ensemble. Maybe we think we're being more Protestant that way, I don't know (do Protestants do this?) In any case, it is a way to be more expressive in a church that often needs to be more expressive.

But its just so wrong.

Without realizing it, applause creates a huge chasm between the average churchgoer and the celebrants. They are the ones performing, we are the audience. In a church where there is already too much distance between the hierarchy and Jane Catholic, this can't be good.

To give applause makes it seem like we're actually not participating, but rather just watching a show. We're being entertained. Are people actively meditating, praying and involving themselves? Do they feel like they have the opportunity to do so?

It also gives the impression that the music is the real show. While I do believe the musicians are co-celebrants with the priest, readers, Eucharistic ministers and others, I worry when the balance is thrown off to much.

A key word is "obligatory". Let's face it: The music isn't always good. It is performed by human beings who have good and bad days, who are better prepared some days than others (I used to be one of those musicians, so I can attest from personal experience). If people were so moved they just couldn't contain themselves, I'd be more gracious about the whole applause thing. But they are not--it has become another obligation.

When a Catholic mass is done "right" (very loaded language here!), it is a wonderful, flowing experience of word and music. The musicians lead the congregation in the call-and-response of the ritual. We don't just sing whole songs, but have numerous refrains, alleluias, one-liners and small bits we sing throughout the mass. This is very well done (without being too showy) at New Albany's Church of the Resurrection. When you can feel the energy going back and forth between the congregation and the celebrant, it is glimpse to what mass could and should be, rather than the dry repetitions you often see at Sunday masses these days.

The point is that the music should foster a sense of involvement. Directors often exclude music because they are performance pieces or at least relegate them to certain slots (such as the offertory) where the music can be a primary focus. Dramatic solos and show-off numbers just don't fit in so well anywhere. The Newman Center music ensemble does a fine job with this and takes into account all of these things! The applause is not their fault.

Far be it from me to tell people how to experience church (remember, I'm the guy who says that not paying attention during mass is rewarding). I take the viewpoint that there are many valid approaches and a time and a season for each. However, I get alarmed when I see church practices gravitate toward a style of consumerism and entertainment that matches our secular culture. Maybe it is unavoidable that our church traditions are going to reflect our modern culture. But sometimes I think Church traditions are the only alternative some of us ever get to secular culture, so I feel a desire to hang on to some of that.

The Mexican Food Revolution

The time has come to declare that Mexican food is an integral part of our national cuisine here in America… er, I mean the United States (they’re American too, you know).

Salsa, fajitas and carne asada are not just exotic foods you get at a specialty restaurant—they’re what’s on the menu at your local suburban backyard cookout. People grow cilantro in home gardens across the land. You don't have to italicize the words, either. The final proof that Mexican food has arrived: Kids aren’t afraid of it.

The US certainly has incorporated foods from all over the world into our national menu. However, certain nationalities have risen from an ethnic specialty into a national food. Look at Italian foods. Who hasn’t grown up eating spaghetti, lasagna and ravioli? And I’m not even going to mention pizza. While most people love pierogies and kielbasa, few Americans can name more Polish dishes than that. Yet, the Italians and Mexicans have worked their way to the top of our menu and their dishes are as American—and as common—as apple pie. And to be honest: I rarely eat apple pie, but had several burritos just last week.

Neither Mexican nor Italian foods have lost their ethnic associations. No one forgets where the burrito or the lasagna come from. But there’s a sense that its our food, not just their food.

To be sure here, I’m talking about Mexican-American food. Most folks here in the 50 states still haven’t partaken in drunken beans (frijoles borrachos), ox-tail soup (sopa del caldo) or other gems of Mexican foods. But they’re not so far away, either. And that’s just the way it is in the USA, where Americanized versions predominate.

Its hard to say if the stunning popularity of Mexican food is due to immigration or the marketing of some restaurant chains. Taco Bell certainly broke into the market, but clearly left us at a plateau that someone else needed to rise above. If it were just for Taco Bell, I would still think a burrito was just glue wrapped in tar. Thanks to Chipotle and others who have redeemed the good name of the burrito.

When I was young, I was leery of salsa. I assumed it was just another “sauce” that was full of sugars, oils and was clogging the arteries of Americans—no different than commercial BBQ sauces or salad dressings (this may have been due to Taco Bell calling what's in their hot sauce packed "salsa"--but I could be remembering incorrectly). It wasn’t until later that we all realized that salsa is this amazing thing which is somewhere between a sauce and a salad. It’s a tremendous blend of tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro. While some commercial varieties can add some negative ingredients, at its core, salsa is one of the healthiest things you can put in your body.

Who doesn’t love Mexican food and want to eat a lot of it?

Mark my words: Middle Eastern food will be next.

Zen Catholic

Going to weekly mass was a gruelling affair for a young child like me. As an undiagnosed, possibly hyperactive/ADD child, sitting through the repetition was an unspeakable agony. I say “repetition” because knowing which words were coming next and being able to pace the always-too-slow course of mass made it so much worse than just sitting through an event that could change at a moment’s notice. It wasn’t changing. There were few variations. I was utterly shocked and horrified that people would opt to repeat the same words over and over week after week. Mass has often been an endurance event for me.

I learned to Zen out, though. I would get lost in my imagination and take long fantastical voyages. Sometimes I’d let the sunlight wafting through the stained glass lull me into a trance. I wouldn’t work too hard on paying attention to the celebrant, but rather let my attention fade in and out naturally. Sometimes the words and chanting would occupy my attention, other times it was a lot of mumbling that was a pleasing drone. In the summer, the large fans provided another nice drone (no, our church didn't have A/C!)

Sometimes there was an engaging homily or music, a lot of times there wasn’t. Instead of forcing myself to active participation with conscious focus on the words, I’d instead let them roll over me like a babbling brook.

You would think the stand-up, kneel-down, sit-down, stand-up again would have been a nice physical release from the monotony. It probably was, but at the time, I didn’t appreciate it as such--it just wasn't enough. Besides, long periods of kneeling or standing in place aren't exactly the best tenion-releasers. Like most kids, I looked forward to the moment when I could slip out inconspicuously and go to the bathroom, careful to be strategic about when and how I use that precious break.

I am sure kids all over did similar things, but I do wonder if my faith tradition lends itself to this. As a Catholic, we have a sense of interacting with God through creation, such as the presence of Christ in the bread and wine. It is not just through abstract ideas in a sermon, but the physical participation in the sacraments and communing through the atmosphere of a church—the incense, the wood, the kneeling, the coming forward in procession, the cool stone and echo of an old church. [The notion that we can encounter God in and through creation is called panentheism, which has a lot of support in traditional Christian theology.] Catholics say they go to mass for Communion, not necessarily to hear a good sermon. In the Latin days, people said silent prayers while the priest conducted the mass. Maybe the sense of "do your own thing but still participate" is still in the culture, somehow.

We engage through art and music—statues, paintings, stained glass. My attention could trace the delicately sculpted fingers and gentle facial features of a statue of Mary--features caved out of stone as light as a feather--and I could learn about God's love through beauty. Luther couldn't have been more wrong in thinking that statues and artwork were a "distraction." Some churches get needlessly ornamental, but that wasn't how I experienced it.

We engage by simply being there. Its very atmospheric, and I would drink it up. Zenning out like this is one way in which the monastic traditions really influence our whole faith. I would try to pay attention sometimes, but it never worked so I let it go.

Further, nobody worked that hard to catch my attention. Nobody worked that hard to entertain me. And the older I get, the more I appreciate that. There were few props. There isn't much latitude to play with kneelers, or the little clips to hold your books in place on the backside of a pew in front of you (boy, they'd be loud when you'd snap them accidentally, and then you'd get glares and lose your opportunity to play with them). The mass books didn't provide a lot of stimulation, either--no cartoons or games for kids in them.

Yet, I was always glad I went to church. I had that sense of accomplishment afterwards like you get when you do some exercise that you didn’t feel like doing, but are glad you did when you are done. I loved the music, the community and yes, sometimes even some words of wisdom.

I could appreciate a Catholic mass the same way you'd sit by a babbling brook and just listen to the water trickle, sometimes looking at a frog jumping, sometimes thinking about something going on in your life, but always just being there drinking it up.

Is this the only way to experience church? Certainly not. Is this what Jesus would have intended for his church? Who knows--silly hypothetical question. Is not paying attention what we're called to do?? It can be a good way. One thing is for sure: This way of participating in church is very honest.

You would think the statues, ritual, and costumes of the Catholic masses of my childhood would lend themselves to external stimulation. They didn't, though. They were the antithesis of a TV show--which stimulates and caters to you. There was little on the surface, but the roots ran deep. All that stuff was there to engage with, but it was up to you to do it—or not. Nobody was going to hold your hand or make it fun for you. It wouldn't have killed anybody if the church tried a little harder to engage people, at least to get the ball rolling like in a retreat or classes. But this was old time ‘ligion--all the good of it without the harshness. An ideal moment to experience church, I'd say. And yes, it was boring, too... sometimes.

Not to sound like a cranky old timer, but I'm tired of everything that has to be "made into fun" for kids. Few people made mass fun for me (except when I was real young and was set apart in the "Crying Room"). Perhaps the church has missed the opportunity to engage a lot of kids that way. We were expected to sit in our seats and participate in the mass--which often mean just keeping quiet. In this world of ever-increasing narcicism in children, its good for kids to learn that sometimes the world does not revolve around them--sometimes you are expected to play your part. There is something bigger than you. Yes, sometimes the Catholic Church seems unfriendly to kids, but maybe there is a lesson there worth learning. I have mixed feelings about this--part of me would love to see a church that welcomes kids in all their kid-liness--running around and screaming. Another part of me says that expecting kids to live up to a standard of behavior is a very worthy lesson, too. Any way we can do both?

So in summation: Sometimes you pay attention. Sometimes you don't. Sometimes you think about the latest thing going on at school. Sometimes you commune with God through the chanting and rays of sunlight. God dances on the sunlight which comes and goes, and so do you. In the end, you respect God's freedom and God respects yours. You don't have to "win" his favor or try hard to be 'the good churchgoer.' You don't have to fake interest--but you do show up to mass. And so does God.