These are quotes which stood out to me, possibly for use in a sermon someday. Their presence here does not mean I agree with them, it merely shows that I might want to reference them later. The default view is five random selections. Use the tag list on the right to view all quotes relevant to that theme.
Sloppy, raggedy-assed old life. I love it. I never want to die.
ON SELFISHNESS & AMERICAN CULTURE "To bring [the Indian] out of savagery into citizenship… we need to awaken in him wants. Discontent with the teepee and the Indian camp is needed to get the Indian out of the blanket and into trousers--and trousers with a pocket in them, and with a pocket that aches to be filled with dollars!"- Dr. Merrill E. Gates (president of Amherst College) "The head chief [of the Cherokees] told us that there was not a family in that whole nation that had not a home of its own. There was not a pauper in the nation, and the nation did not owe a dollar… Yet the defect of the system was apparent. They [the Indians] have got as far as they can go, because they own their land in common… There is no selfishness, which is at the bottom of civilization. Until this people give up their lands and divide them among their citizens so that each can own theland he cultivates, they will not make much progress." - Senator Dawes (author of the Dawes Act, which forcibly divided Indian lands formerly held communally) Selfishness is the root of civilization? Amazing what people reveal about their values in such casual statements. The above would be funny were it not for the whole sad history of government dealings with the Native Americans. The quotes are from "In the Absence of the Sacred" by Jerry Mander (Sierra Club, 1991).
Consider what two petitions Christ couples together in His prayer: when my body, which every day is hungry, can live without God's giving it daily bread, then and no sooner shall I believe that my soul, which daily sinneth, can spiritually live without God's forgiving it its trespasses.
MEMO FROM THE PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE In our search for a suitable pastor, the following scratch sheet was developed for your perusal. Of the candidates investigated by the committee, only one was found to have the necessary qualities. The list contains the names of the candidates and comments on each, should you be interested in investigating them further for future pastoral placements. Noah He has 120 years of preaching experience, but no converts. Moses He stutters; and his former congregation says he loses his temper over trivial things. Abraham He took off to Egypt during hard times. We heard that he got into trouble with the authorities and then tried to lie his way out. David He is an unacceptable moral character. He might have been considered for minister of music had he not fallen. Solomon He has a reputation for wisdom but fails to practice what he preaches. Elijah He proved to be inconsistent, and is known to fold under pressure. Hosea His family life is in a shambles. Divorced, and remarried to a prostitute. Jeremiah He is too emotional, alarmist; some say a real pain in the neck. Amos Comes from a farming background. Better off picking figs. John He says he is a Baptist but lacks tact and dresses like a hippie. Would not feel comfortable around him at a church potluck supper. Peter Has a bad temper, and was heard to have even denied Christ publicly. Paul We found him to lack tact. He is too harsh. His appearance is contemptible, and he preaches far too long. Timothy He has potential, but is much too young for the position. Jesus He tends to offend church members with his preaching, especially Bible scholars. He is also too controversial. He even offended the search committee with his pointed questions. Judas He seemed to be very practical, cooperative, good with money, cares for the poor, and dresses well. We all agreed that he is just the man we are looking for to fill the vacancy as our Senior Pastor. Thank you for all you have done in assisting us with our pastoral search. Sincerely, The Pastoral Search Committee.
"Diamonds are nothing more than chunks of coal that stuck to their jobs."