Our Summer Controversy is inspired by the film ARE YOU THERE, GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET!
I invite you to join the conversation about the film and its concepts. If you haven’t seen it, you may first want to: View the movie’s trailer:
- Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023) – IMDb
- Next: Watch the film (Or skip this step and go to): Where to Watch & Stream ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’ (collider.com)
- Next: Read my review on my blog and feel free to write a comment:Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret? – A Charming Film About Growing Up That Makes a Sound Theological Statement | frjamesdiluzio
- Next: Let us entertain some Challenging, perhaps, even Controversial, Ideas:
- Invitation to Dialogue: I am asking myself lately–especially since I have been speaking with young adults: Is not the ultimate objective of all religion unity with God and others? Agree or disagree? Read on for more particulars and enter into the conversation.
Love of God and Neighbor is a tenet of almost all religions. Yet, we understand God differently. Some conceive God as a Person, a Creative Will, an Ultimate Reality desiring relationship with humanity and all of creation. Others understand God as a spirit of “ultimate good,” “a force,” or “energy,” or an expression of Truth, Beauty, Love, Mercy, Hope, and Justice. Most agree that God desires unity with all peoples in endeavors of love and respect for one and all, and care for our planet. Those who may not accept God often agree that unity, harmony, and peace are the primary goods of life on this earth. Some believe God is to be worshiped, honored, and prayed to, and that this is a necessary religious obligation. Others do not. Participation in “the good,” is sufficient. Therefore:
- Is God’s plan, as we understand God, that all peoples celebrate commonalities, and grow in respect of diversity? Is this each faith’s ultimate goal? I.e., is each of us called to affirm the good in all faith traditions without any sense of superiority or supersessionism, and, at the same time, accept the Providence that each of us is called to his/her/their particular faith? Is this what we mean by “surrender to God’s will?” Agree or disagree? Why or why not?
- If religious dialogue is a primary way to nurture commonalities and appropriate appreciation of differences among peoples –a path to find solidarity in the good, the true, and the beautiful– is it time we redefine “Righteousness?” Instead of understanding “righteousness” as our adherence to the “right practices” and the correct interpretations of our scriptures, the proper observances of rules and traditions of our personal faith, is true righteousness living in love, humility, and mutual care? Why or why not?
Click the link below to access my blog on The 26th Annual Vaishnava (Hinduism) and Christian Dialogue to explore other aspects of these faith dynamics. Above all consider this statement of agreement between these two faiths; “the DIVINE may never be fully known in human terms,” i.e., God is greater than any of us can conceive.
frjamesdiluzio 