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CHI RHO CONNECTION The eNewsletter of Chi Rho Press, Your LGBT Christian Publishing House

Vol. VI, No. 11
15 June 2005
 

Contents:

1. What if God Talked Back When you Pray?

This has been floating around the Internet, and some people have even told me that their churches used it as a kind of skit. I apologize that I do not know who wrote it or where it was first published. I have added the parts, just me and God.

I began: Our Father Who Art In Heaven.

God: Yes?

Me: Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.

God: But . . . you called ME!

Me: I called you? No, I didn't call you. I'm praying. Our Father who art in Heaven. . . .

God: There, you did it again!

Me: Did what?

God: Called ME. You said, "Our Father who art in Heaven." Well, here I am. What's on your mind?

Me: But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like fulfilling a duty.

God: Well, all right. Go on.

Me: Okay, "Hallowed be thy name . . "

God: Hold it right there. What do you mean by that?

Me: By what?

God: By "Hallowed be thy name"?

Me: It means, it means . . . good grief, I don't know what it means. How in the world should I know? It's just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?

God: It means honored, holy, wonderful.

Me: Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what "hallowed" meant before. Thanks. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.

God: Do you really mean that?

Me: Sure, why not?

God: What are you doing about it?

Me: Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there. We're kinda in a mess down here you know.

God: Yes, I know; but, have I got control of you?

Me: Well, I go to church.

God: That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money, all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read?

Me: Now hold on just a minute! Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at church!

God: Excuse ME! I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example.

Me: Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others.

God: So could I.

Me: I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free.

God: Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together, You and ME. I'm proud of You.

Me: Look, Lord, if you don't mind, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does. Give us this day, our daily bread.

God: You need to cut out the bread. You're overweight as it is.

Me: Hey, wait a minute! What is this? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups.

God: Praying is a dangerous thing. You just might get what you ask for. Remember, you called ME, and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep praying. ( . . . pause.) Well, go on.

Me: I'm scared to.

God: Scared? Of what?

Me: I know what you'll say.

God: Try ME.

Me: Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

God: What about Ann?

Me: See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories. She never paid back the money she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her!

God: But, your prayer. What about your prayer?

Me: I didn't mean it.

God: Well, at least you're honest. But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment isn't it?

Me: Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her. Boy, have I got some plans for her. She'll wish she had never been born.

God: No, you won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. You know how unhappy you are. Well, I can change that.

Me: You can? How?

God: Forgive Ann. Then, I'll forgive you. And the hate and the sin will be Ann's problem, not yours. You will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned.

Me: Oh, you know, you're right. You always are. And more than I want revenge, I want to be right with You . . . (sigh). All right . all right . . I forgive her.

God: There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?

Me: Hmmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all! In fact, I feel pretty great! You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight. I haven't been getting much rest, you know.

God: Yeah, I know. But, you're not through with your prayer are you? Go on.

Me: Oh, all right. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

God: Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.

Me: What do you mean by that?

God: You know what I mean.

Me: Yeah. I know.

God: Okay. Go ahead. Finish your prayer.

Me: For Thine is kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

God: Do you know what would bring me glory, what would really make me happy?

Me: No, but I'd like to know. I want to please you now. I've really made a mess of things. I want to truly follow you. I can see now how great that would be. So, tell me. . . . How do I make you happy?

God: YOU just did.

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2. Chi Rho Greeting Cards

Chi Rho Cards: A line of Gay and Lesbian greeting cards from Chi Rho Press.

Take a look at the cards and read about and order them on the Chi Rho Press Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/cards.html

With original artwork by talented New York artist Timothy Leetch, Chi Rho Cards are designed by and for the Lesbian and Gay community. Chi Rho Cards are printed on 100% recycled paper and are affordably priced, with single cards (for $1.49 each), in packs of five of one design (for $6.95), packs of ten of one design (for $12.95), and in a sample pack of two of each of the eight cards (for $16.95).

Women's Relationship Card. A religiously-themed card for a Lesbian couple, suitable for Holy Unions, Anniversaries, legal marriages, or just to celebrate their relationship.

Men's Relationship Card. A religiously-themed card for your favorite Gay male couple, suitable for Holy Unions, Anniversaries, legal marriages, or just to celebrate their relationship.

Lesbians' Anniversary Card. Two women, very much in love, silhouetted on a seashore, make this a striking card for a Lesbian couple's anniversary.

Gay Men's Anniversary Card. An intimate scene of a Gay male couple's bathroom decorates our card to celebrate your favorite Gay couple's anniversary.

All Purpose Anniversary Card. Our all purpose anniversary card is ideal to celebrate anniversaries of relationships, employment, sobriety, or any other special occasion.

Get Well Card. Send our little bear to cheer up a friend who is ill, and speed their recovery.

Sympathy Card. An empty chair poignantly calls to mind the loss of a loved one, through death or divorce.

Inside: "Grieving With You at Your Loss. You are in my Prayers."

Thank You Card. Our leaping figure celebrates all that we have to be thankful for. Inside: blank, write your own specific message.

All Chi Rho Cards measure 4-1/4" wide by 5-1/2" high and come with plain white envelopes. Our packaging isn't fancy, to save you money.

Order your selection of Chi Rho Cards now! Single cards are $1.49 each, packs of five of one design are $6.95, packs of ten of one design are $12.95, and a sample pack of two of each of the eight cards is $16.95; plus shipping and handling.

Find them at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/cards.html

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3. Have you read "Positively Gay"?

Chi Rho Press has copies of the third edition of "Positively Gay: New Approaches to Gay and Lesbian Life" (Celestial Arts, 2001).

Chi Rho Press carries this book in part because our founder and Director, Adam DeBaugh, wrote the chapter entitled, "Using Your Gay and Lesbian Voting Power." This is an important book and the new edition, in the bright red cover, is an important addition to every LGBT library.

"I wish we had published that!" says Adam DeBaugh. "But I am proud to have been a part of Positively Gay since the publication of the first edition in 1979. This book has been a basic primer for LGBT life for 26 years!"

"Positively Gay has been widely and consistently praised for its practical treatment of the variety of topics affecting the lives of gays and lesbians. In this revised, third edition, Dr. Betty Berzon has brought together an impressive list of contributors from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and approaches to spotlight significant but frequently overlooked issues that often take center stage in a gay or lesbian person's life.

"From lawyers, writers, psychologists, social workers, rabbis, and priests, you'll read about building successful same-sex partnerships, reconciling religious dilemmas, coming out to your family, creating gay families, using your voting power, dealing with legal and financial issues, and living as a gay person of color. Although much has changed since 1979, this fully updated edition of Positively Gay holds true to the original mission of focusing on those aspects of gay and lesbian life that can most directly enhance one's positive identity" (from the book jacket.)

Author Michelangelo Signorile says, "Positively Gay was the first gay book I ever read. It scared me. It challenged me. It excited me. And it eventually made me feel good about myself."

Sections of the book include, Being Gay: Personal Issues, Social Options; Partnering: The Special Issues of Same-Sex Coupling; Family Relations: Fresh Perspectives; Aging: A Season of Grace; Religion: Reconciling the Spiritual Dilemma; The Practical Aspects: Taking Control of Your Life; People of Color: The Special Experiences of Minorities Within a Minority; Young People: The Future of Our Community; and Telling Our Stories. There is also a helpful discussion guide.

Authors include the compiler and editor, Betty Berzon, Mark Thompson, Betty Fairchild, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, Rabbi Denise Eger, Rev. William Johnson, Father Robert Nugent, Brian McNaught, R. Adam DeBaugh, Teresa DeCrescenzo, and John Preston. U.S. Rep. Barney Frank wrote the Foreword.

"Positively Gay" sells for $14.95 plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are $11.25 each. Order on our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevPositivelyGay.htm

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4. Gay/Lesbian Pride Symbols: The Lambda

Happy Gay/Lesbian Pride Month! Ken, from MCC San Diego, CA, USA, sent this to another list we are on and I thought I would pass it on. Thanks, Ken!

Lambda as a symbol of gay/lesbian rights: The Encyclopedia of Homosexuality has the following entry on the use of the Lambda:

In the early 1970's in the wake of the Stonewall Rebellion, New York City's Gay Activist Alliance selected the Greek letter lambda, which member Tom Doerr suggested from its scientific use to designate Kinetic Potential, as its emblem. (Curiously, in some ancient Greek graffiti the capital lambda appear with the meaning "fellate," representing the first letter of either "lambazein" or "laikazein.") Because of its militant associations, the lambda symbol has spread throughout the world. It sometime appears in the form of an amulet hung round the neck as a subtle sign of recognition which can "pass" among unknowing heterosexuals as a mere ornament. Such emblems may reflect a tendency among homosexuals toward "tribalization" as a distinct segment of society, one conceived as a quasi-ethnic group.

In "More Man Than You'll Ever Be" by Joseph P. Goodwin (Indiana University Press: Bloomington, 1989) on page 26, Goodwin writes: "The lowercase Greek letter lambda carries several meanings. First of all, it represents scales, and thus balance. The Greeks considered balance to be the constant adjustment necessary to keep opposing forces from overcoming each other. The hook at the bottom of the right leg of the lambda represents the action required to reach and maintain a balance. To the Spartans, the lambda meant unity. They felt that society should never infringe on anyone's individuality and freedom. The Romans adopted the letter to represent "the light of knowledge shed into the darkness of ignorance." Finally, in physics the symbol designates an energy change.

Thus the lambda, with all its meanings, is an especially apt symbol for the gay liberation movement, which energetically seeks a balance in society and which strives through enlightenment to secure equal rights for homosexual people.

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5. "Christian with a Twist"

Here is a selection from our second major book of reflections, "Christian with a Twist: Reflections on Scripture that are a bit more inclusive, a bit more relevant, and with a bit of a bite," by the late William Gaston.

"Christian with a Twist" is available for $19.95 each, $14.95 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and handling. You can read more about it and order it at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.htm

As the subtitle suggests, Bill's writing has a bit of a bite, and we believe you will enjoy his sharp, but loving take on Scripture, life, and faith.

Here is a selection entitled "Magikal" from the Pentecost section of "Christian with a Twist."

Please read Isaiah 6:1-8

If I had turned to this passage six months or a year ago I would have probably passed it by more quickly than you could say, "cherubim and seraphim." I mean, what the heck is a seraph anyway? I like my God to be natural. Six winged creatures and purification by fire seem like the stuff of pagan religions, not mine.

But then what is natural? I have learned a bit about pagan beliefs of late, and while they are way too complicated for me, Jesus told me not to judge. Christianity can be made very complicated, too. To some it is unbelievable. Jesus did not say anything about seraphs, but he did know the book of Isaiah and I am sure his reflections were a lot better than mine. Maybe I should be looking for the truth rather than a way to justify my unbelief.

Whether they came from the mind of Isaiah or holy intervention, the seraphs said something that is very real to me. Before the communion table we recite:

"Holy, holy, holy LORD God of power and might! Heaven and earth are full of your glory!"

I feel the presence of Jesus as we come forward to the table. For me the bread and the cup are symbols of that reality. For others perhaps they are physically transformed. God meets us where we are; physically, mentally, and spiritually. I guess we could also add; imaginatively.

The image of a six-winged creature purifying the mouth of Isaiah with a live coal is not one I want engraved on my mind. But then, I have cheerfully ridden a gurney on the way to surgery several times. Some would rather face a seraph with a hot coal. The lessons of Jesus we can take anywhere. Jesus taught that God can provide whatever is needed for us to measure up to the tasks God lays before us.

I affirm that when I serve communion. If somebody needs a mystical creature to convince them that their voice can be used by God, then I am sure God can come up with such a creature. After all, God came up with me.

http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.htm

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6. Sanctoral Cycle

As a regular feature in the Chi Rho Connection, we are offering up traditional saints listed in the 2005 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary from today until our next scheduled electronic newsletter.

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Wed., June 15, St. Germaine. Patience: St. Germaine was a peasant, ignorant in human knowledge, who learned something that is very precious in God's eyes: patience. She spent most of her life watching over her family's flocks in the pastures, and in spite of neglect and cruelty, she was good, kind, and devout. The unhappiness in her home was borne with unfailing patience.

Thurs., Jun. 16, St. John Regis. Others come first: When St. John was struck in the face by someone whom he had rebuked, he replied, "If you only knew me, you would have given me much more than that." His meekness converted the man. It is in this spirit that he teaches us to win souls to God.

Fri., Jun. 17, Sts. Marcian and Nicander. Christian affection: Love God above all. Do not let any attachments keep you from hearing God’s voice. You help those you love best when you follow the call of God. Do not grudge them to God when God calls them by death. They are more than ever yours when they belong to God alone.

Sat., Jun. 18, St. Ephrem. Humility: Humility is the path that leads us to abiding peace and brings down God’s mercies on us. "Take off my mask, you will see in me nothing but filth; take off my cloak of hypocrisy, and you will find a hideous sepulcher," St. Ephrem.

Sun., Jun. 19, St. Juliana Falconieri. The Seven Sorrows: "Meditate often on Mary’s sorrows, sorrows inseparable from the sufferings of her beloved son. If you seek the cross, there you will find the mother; and where the mother is, there also is the son," St. Paul of the Cross. "Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene" (John 19:25).

Mon., Jun. 20, St. George (Patron saint: Boy Scouts). Fortitude: When your honor is at stake, compromise is the worst form of imprudence. It is sometimes a duty to smash the idols we are called upon to worship. "Does not one have hard service on earth? Are not one’s days like those of a hired worker?" (Job 7:1).

Tues., Jun. 21, St. Aloysius Gonzaga. Watchful chastity: St. Aloysius used to say he doubted whether without penance grace would continue to make headway against nature which, when not firmly dealt with tends gradually to relapse into its old ways and to lose the discipline of years. "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires" (Galatians 5:24).

Wed., Jun. 22, St. Thomas More (Patron saint: civil servants). Putting first things first: The fundamental obligations of Christian life are the same for all Christians, lay people and clergy: they call for the recognition of God’s sovereignty in all things, and faithfulness to them may demand not only cheerful perseverance but heroism as well.

Thurs., Jun. 23, St. Etheldreda. Separation: St. Etheldreda chose to be a servant of God than the mistress of an earthly court, having been married twice. Etheldreda is also known as St. Audrey. "Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the LORD" (2 Corinthians 6:17).

Fri., Jun. 24, St. John Baptist. Forgetfulness of self: St. John became great before God because he forgot himself and lived only for Jesus, who is the source of all greatness. Remember that you are nothing: your own will and desires can only lead to misery and sin. So, every day sacrifice some one of your natural inclinations to our LORD and learn little by little to lose yourself in Christ.

Sat., Jun. 25, St. Paulinus of Nola. Generosity: "An athlete has not won when he has laid aside his clothing, it is then that the contest begins and on its issue hangs the crown," St. Paulinus. "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ" (Philippians 3:7).

Sun., Jun. 26, Corpus Christi.

Mon., Jun. 27, St. Peter Canisius. Upholding the truth of the church: The champions of the faith prove the truth of their teaching no less by the holiness of their lives than by the force of their arguments. Never forget that to help to convert others you must first see to your own soul.

Diversity Date. Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. On this day in 1969, LGBT people in the U.S.A. mark the beginning of the modern movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered equal rights. After the funeral of gay icon Judy Garland, patrons of the Greenwich Village, NYC, gay bar, the Stonewall Inn, resisted what had become routine police abuse and harassment and fought back. Led largely by drag queens, many of whom were people of color, they started a series of demonstrations and "riots" that caught the imagination of LGBT people throughout New York City and indeed the world, leading to the birth of pride and LGBT empowerment organizations like the Gay Liberation Front and later the Gay Activists Alliance and then on to what we think of as the modern gay movement.

Tues., Jun. 28, St. Potamiaena. Chastity: Christ was born of a virgin, that he might enable us to follow him in purity of soul and body. He sanctified our flesh by taking it upon himself and with his last breath he commended us to the care of his maiden mother. Day by day he feeds us at the altar with the food of incorruption – his body and his blood.

Wed., Jun. 29, St. Peter (Patron saint: fishers). The successors of Peter: St. Peter lives on in his successors and guides and feeds the flock committed to him. The reality of our devotion to him is the surest test of the purity of faith. "Where Peter is, there is the Church," St. Ambrose. "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 16:19).

Thurs., Jun 30, St. Paul. Whole conversions: St. Paul complains in his letter to the Christians at the church of Philippi that all seek the things that are their own, and not the things that are of Christ. See if these words apply to you, and resolve to give yourself to God without reserve. "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you" (Ephesians 5:14).

*****

Order the 2004-2005 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary, complete with the entire year's Sanctoral Cycle, at this link: http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa04_05.html

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7. Adam's Last Word

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Happy Pride Month! What are you doing to show your pride in how God made you?

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Summer has arrived in the Maryland/DC area with something of a vengeance, with lots of rather hot weather. We hope you are all comfortable and happy!

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Well, we have been busy, adding two new Christian music albums to our Web site, "I Am Not Ashamed" tape and CD by David North and the Gospel Celebration, and "Jesus is Lord of All" tape by Witness. There is some wonderful music here and I encourage you to order both of these albums. See the description of the albums in article 1 of this edition of the Chi Rho Connection and on our Web site at: http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/AudioRevNotAshamed.htm and http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/AudioRevLordOfAll.htm

*****

And please check out the Chi Rho Cards! Our line of greeting cards, by the talented New York artist Timothy Leetch, are now available. See the descriptions of the cards on our Web site at: http://www.chirhopress.com/products/cards.html.

Order some cards today!

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*****

Gracia y paz,

R. Adam DeBaugh, Director, Adam@ChiRhoPress.com.

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We are glad you are partners in ministry with us here at Chi Rho Press. We are eager for your comments, your suggestions, your assistance with selling our books, and your own purchases! And of course, we covet your prayers for this ministry.

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For all e-mail correspondence, please write Adam@ChiRhoPress.com.

Our snail mail address is:

Chi Rho Press, Inc. P.O. Box 7864 Gaithersburg, MD 20898

Our telephone and fax number is 301/926-1208.

Customers outside the U.S. and especially our Canadian friends can order using credit cards on our Web page.  Some of our books are available through our Canadian distributor, MAP Enterprises, Mary Ann Pearson, at her Web page, http://www.christiangays.com.

Copyright 2005, Chi Rho Press, Inc.

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