Hoity-toity

The cultural dimensions of religion often get a bad rap. I’ve often heard the phrase “just cultural” used to dismiss the importance of a particular practice or tradition. For example, in Christian circles, to say that a practice is “just cultural,” is to imply that because it is particular to a certain group of Christians, and not binding to all, that the practice is not really all that important. Somehow the universal automatically trumps the particular. 

Worst of all, I’ve found my self saying that something is  “cultural” when what I really mean is that I think the tradition is backward and outdated. Thus, the the word “cultural” becomes an insult of sorts. 

I wish I could take back my hoity-toity proclamations, but alas I cannot. So my self-assigned penance is to cultivate a healthy empathy for those who cling to the cultural embodiments and expressions of religious belief. Some of the practices that we dismiss as “just cultural” may last defense we have against the steamroller of modernity. To that end, I’ll review films and novels as they come my way. The first is an extraordinary film about arranged marriages. More on that next time ...

Ice cream and cake and the world's Muslim population

A few days ago I was fetching my car from the garage and decided to stop at a new shop enticingly called, Wheaton Delights. What a find! In addition to a tempting array of ice cream from across the border (Wisconsin, not Mexico!) a variety of pastries were on display, including homemade chocolate and vanilla layer cake. I was offered a generous sample of the cake and must say it was one of the best I've had in many years.

The owners of the shop, a middle aged husband and wife, were warm and hospitable in a decidedly charming small-town way. I noticed they had just a hint of accent in their voices and asked them about it. My guess was that the accent was Urdu and that they hailed from the good country of Pakistan. My guess was right on, which helped explain their remarkable talent for hospitality. I also guessed they had been living in the US for quite some time. Indeed. Twenty-seven years in fact! We had a meaningful talk about the large number of Pakistanis in the Chicago suburbs and how difficult it is for new immigrant women, to adjust to American culture.

When I mention to people that I know Muslims that have lived in the US for more than twenty years they seem shocked. The usual impression is that most Muslims live "over there" and the few that are in the US are recent arrivals. This study published in the Toronto Star helps to dispel those myths: Study dispels myths on Muslim population - thestar.com

If you live in north Wheaton or Carol Stream, be sure stop by Wheaton Delights on the corner of Gary and Geneva Road. Don't miss out on the chance to enjoy their Wisconsin ice cream, homemade pastries, and small town hospitality.

A new start

It has been a ridiculously long time since I've posted a new blog. Meanwhile, my life has taken some rather dramatic and exciting turns. Since Fall of 2007 I've been an adjunct professor in the Philosophy and Religion department at our community college. It seems fitting to revamp the Burning Bush to fit in with the topics that I'm currently reading, teaching, and thinking about.

I'll start with some thoughts on the question "Is Christianity a Religion?" Please join the discussion if you wish, but I'm sure I'll think of things to blather on about, with or without electronic dialogue partners.