Below you will find three Appendixes, all just for fun, and none entirely necessary. The first is a section of diagrams I've created to aid me in discerning the path of Shalom, some of which may be familiar to you already, others explained for the first time. The second section lists a handful of other blogs in the blogosphere that you may find of interest, as well as some good ole' real books. Admittedly, these are somewhat blind recommendations. I have only read snippets of each, so I do not necessarily endorse all posts or opinions, but if you are reader, here are some places that may open your eyes wider. The third section is purely for for fun and entertainment, with some videos I referenced directly and indirectly throughout my Queer Place Trilogy. Enjoy!
Very Diagrammatic Diagrams
The Integral Identity Process (Book I)
The Progress of Accord and Actualization (Book I)
Seasons, Selves and Pronouns within Shalom
(as described in Book II)
For each Season there is a focus on an particular Identity within the the Creative Cosmos. As we mature and develop through the process of the Seasons as described in Book II, we move from internalized, individualized identity struggles toward external, outward realities of reconciling the Self with the Creator's source, from when we fell. As we move from individuation toward unification with God's will, we come to recognize Truth as it is found beyond Self, in Others, in Created Nature, and in the Creator, the Godself. As such, we move from identifying solely with the struggling Self of survival (the I), through Self among foreign Others (Them), into recognition of Self among Others and common Nature (us), finalizing our communion with Others, our common Nature, before God (we).
Shalom is the peaceful collaboration of all Powers, horizontal and vertical, of Created Nature, and of human-made Society. Creativity is the bending all natures to beget the common good, to incite Love, to invite Shalom.
The Counter Trinities: Holy Creativity versus "Creative" Industry
(as described in Book III)
We commonly hold that the Godself is three-in-one: Father-Mother, who acts as Creator, the image of beauty, Truth, Love, goodness, and the benevolent mystery self-same complexity; the Son, Jesus the Christ, the One through and in Whom all was Created, and was God-made-flesh for us, salvation and judge, the source of the spectrum for the discerned mind; the Holy Spirit, the fire of Pentecost, the Creative One who empowers the Gospel, and establishes the complex presence of God through Holy Creativity.
The Anti-Natural Cult of Industry is conversely trinitarian. The Source of Industry is held within a contrived Facility, know by Its self-same simpleness, the image of accuracy, mobility, and accessibility. The unnatural product of the Source is a conjured Binary, a monotone messiah, the salvation and judge for the statically somnolent mind. The Power begotten from the conventions of the Binary is Efficiency, promoting proto-simplicity and countering inherent complexity by providing Convenience.
Further, Farther Reading
A Joyful Stammering. This blog belongs to my good friend Matt Jones. In Matt I find a fellow intellectual, Christ-lover, and queer. He also experienced the...interesting...environment that Wheaton College is for gays. I love his company in person, and I've not spent enough time in the company of his blog, but if you're a reader, check it out.
A Queer Calling. This is a brand new blog for me, introduced to me by the two main writers, Sarah and Lindsey, as they led a workshop called Celibacy in the Church. I found their story and companionship to be truly unique and inspiring, and they have a lot to say on the complexities that are celibacy, queerness, and Christianity - especially when they are all woven together. This is a great starter post for allies.
Spiritual Friendship. A very popular blog among particularly celibate queer Christians coming from more traditional background. I have found solace and resonance with a post now and then.
The Gay Christian Network. Well, pretty self-explanatory. This is a great resource for anyone, but particularly Christian queers looking for company in their wonderings. They are best known for their online message boards, as old school as that may be, it might be just right for your or a loved one. Another great resource that they have posted right now is the four keynote speakers from the GCN Conference they held in early January, which I attended and am still mentally processing...process with me! I'd recommend Vicky Beeching to start, she is both hilarious and profound.
Coming In: A Coming Out Story. If you want to read even more of me (ugh, gosh...), this is another piece that I wrote for my friend Chad's The Simba Life. It's a slightly more personal, narrative approach to my "coming out" process.
Books:
Oriented to Faith by Tim Otto. This is also on my to-read list rather than read (read: rehd) list, however I will promote it just so you can spend time with my friend Tim Otto in narrative form. He is a wonderful, merciful, meek, and surprisingly fiery man who similarly tucks himself away in a Christian community, but over in San Francisco.
Gathering Those Driven Away by Wendy Farley. This is for the academics. Farley's writing is densely analytic and critically historical, yet lyrical. She makes a strong argument for opening your mind to the Creative in a way you never have known, and embracing the abyss that is the glorious Cosmic Lover who will romance you into God's bosom like you have not been before.
(Highly) Recommended Viewing:
if I have ever heard one. Oh, and fractals.
Because Nature celebrated dandies far before Society did.
Because you can see it too, I might just see it different than you.
Because finding your heart can feel a lot like being lost in the dark,
in the light, and in the woods, all at once.
Lastly, no video here, just audio.
Because finally someday we will believe without sight,
love even in darkness, and live wildly in Light.
Recommended intake: lay down and close your eyes,
maybe even without the burden of clothing.
And, if you're on Spotify, check out the Queer Place Trilogy Credit Reel here. Feel free to make recommendations. Note: this is not as curated as would have liked, due to limitations of moving songs around, so best to just put it on shuffle.
Stay wholly Creative, people.
No comments:
Post a Comment