The Golden Rule vs. The Bottom Line: Is Capitalism Okay?
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Published by the Swedenborgian Church of North America Volume 245 • Number 3 • April 2021
The Golden Rule vs. The Bottom Line:
Is Capitalism Okay?
By Terrie Crenshaw
F
rom a very young age, I was a of finance. I had never imagined that a message. In our spiritual education,
dedicated capitalist. I saved ev- salary could be so huge. the message of love and truth, and of
ery dime and pestered my moth- the Golden Rule, are basic and perva-
er to open me a savings account in In our spiritual education, the sive. In business school, that value is
third grade where I deposited $500. I message of love and truth, and The Bottom Line.
babysat, walked dogs, sold Halloween of the Golden Rule, are basic In every discussion, every project,
Insurance1, and finally got my first of- and pervasive. In business every answer, it was drilled into us that
ficial job at age 14, earning the mini- school, that value is The profit was the only goal in business.
mum wage of $1.42 per hour plus one Bottom Line. We learned to craft vision and mission
grilled cheese sandwich per shift. statements, to write marketing plans,
But I also had a soft side. I felt a develop strategy, to mention goodwill
strong affinity with plants and an- After a couple of years selling in- when other arguments failed, and to
imals, didn’t want to hurt any living surance, being a commodities broker, say we considered human capital as an
thing, and hardly knew where to draw then a stockbroker, I went to business asset. But every decision was evaluat-
the line. As a young child, I spent too school. Until this time, I had stayed ed in financial terms, and, if it wasn’t
much time apologizing to and petting within my own environment in De- profitable, was to be discarded.
insects, trees, and even my own toys, troit. I still pursued music as a hobby, Legal, moral, and ethical consider-
for stepping on them, or even just ne- playing in local bands. My friends were ations were subject to the same pro-
glecting to say hello to them when I a motley collection of artists, eccentric cess. If a law could be broken to in-
was in a hurry. trust fund kids, fellow members of the crease profit, the cost benefit analysis
After college, after a too-long stint middle class climbing the corporate was done including the possibility of
working for a stingy nonprofit, one day ladder, and of course, my friends from the financial impact of fines, lawsuits,
browsing a magazine rack, I picked up church. or risk of having to cease operations. I
an issue of Fortune. Peter Lynch, the My business school cohort was an- want to be clear. Profit in business has
superstar portfolio manager of the then other story. From the first gathering, I the same role as Love in one’s spiritu-
groundbreaking Magellan Mutual became conscious that real friendship al life.
Fund, was profiled in detail. His base did not exist there. Over French cheese And that “ethics” class? The first
salary, a small percentage of the mas- and wine, I watched as we picked each case study involved an oil rig off the
sive assets of the fund, was mentioned. other apart, seeking weaknesses, or coast of North Africa. Employees were
On the spot, I decided to enter the field any interesting asset such as good con- a mix of Europeans and Africans. The
tacts or family money. And from the Europeans had contracts guarantee-
1 I would go around to neighbors before Hallow- first-class sessions, one of which was ing an airlift to a Swiss hospital in case
een and they would pay me $1.50 to clean up
any damage trick or treaters might leave. I only a cursory nod to the then current fad of a serious injury. Of course, the Af-
had one claim—and I was not able to get the of “business ethics,” we were indoctri- ricans did not. In the case study, an
soap off the windows—that was the end of my
enterprise!
nated with a simple, clear, repetitive Continued on page 45
Nominations for Elected Positions in the Swedenborgian Church • Teens on
What’s Inside: the Spiritual World • Technology Grants • The Home Planet from CSS
34 the Messenger April 2021
Rather, most fatal and non-fatal shoot-
Contents Guest Editorial ings result from abuse or misuse of
guns.3 Over 40,000 deaths annual-
The Golden Rule vs. Self-Defense? ly are caused by citizens shooting and
The Bottom Line...................................... 33
Guest Editorial: Self-Defense?
Or Second killing citizens, whether these shoot-
Or the Second Amendment Amendment ings are intentional, accidental, suicid-
Gone Awry?............................................... 34 Gone Awry? al, drug, or gang related.
Letter from the President........................... 35 Annually, there are 1.5 million
Nominations for Elected Positions I write this just crimes committed where firearms were
in the Swedenborgian Church........... 36 three days after used. 68% of murders are gun related
Social Media Strategy.................................. 41 the most recent and 55% of suicides are by using guns.
Technology Grants Available.................... 41 mass shooting in Atlanta, Georgia, on More than 69,000 shootings each year
SCYL Teens and the March 16, 2021. A young white male, are non-fatal, yet still leave in their
Year of the Spiritual World................... 42
armed with lethal weapons, shot and wake a trail of pain, suffering, disabili-
From the Social Justice Committee........ 44
killed eight people. Seven were wom- ties or disfigurement, and anguish and
Convention Keynote Annoucement...... 45
en and, of those, six were Asian. The grief for family and community.4
What’s Happening......................................... 47
issue of motive (racism and misogyny) A few days ago, I opened my March,
Virtual Education Offerings for the Planet
with Rev. Dr. George Dole.................... 48 is still being debated. (Really? Yes, re- 2021 issue of Harper’s Magazine, and
ally!) But I am concerned here with the found this article: “Another World is
conditions which allow for these ongo- Possible,” by Hari Kunzru. Following
ing travesties of justice. is an excerpt:
t h e Me s s e n ge r On June 30, 2019 at its annual con-
© The Swedenborgian Church of North America British police have the same
vention, the Swedenborgian Church problems with bias as their Amer-
Published monthly except July and August by
the Standing Committee for Communication and adopted a 2017 resolution from the ican counterparts, and my home
Information of the Swedenborgian Church of National Council of Churches in the country [England] has a history
North America (founded 1817, incorporated 1861
as the General Convention of the New Jerusalem USA on Gun Violence. It reads in part, Continues on page 46
in the United States of America), Rev. Jane Siebert,
president.
in an average year, 100,000 Americans likely to be used in an attempted suicide than
April 2021 are shot or killed with a gun. Every day to be used to injure or kill in self-defense.
Volume 245, No. 3, Whole Number 5463 (on average) 300 Americans are vic- Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, with
Editor, design, and production: Rebekah tims of gun violence, with 85 lives tak- data from the Centers for Disease Control and
Greenwood Prevention, National Center for Injury Preven-
en daily as a result.1 tion and Control, Web-based Injury Statis-
Copy editing and proofing: Jen Darcy, Ben
Phinney, Brittany Price, Herb Ziegler, & Trevor The United States is rapidly mov- tics Query and Reporting System (2006, most
Standing Committee for Communication and ing from a land of hospitality and free- recent year available), http://www.cdc.gov/
Information: Holly Bauer, Kevin Baxter & Val Brugler ncipc/wisqars; http://www.bradycampaign.
dom to a land of the fearful and the org/issues/gvstats/suicide/
Printing: Classic GraphX, Cambridge MA
Email: messenger@swedenborg.org
besieged, with gun violence being the 3 In a given year, roughly 642 people killed
Editorial, Business, and Subscription Address: driving force behind this change. We accidentally are killed accidentally in gun vio-
lence. Likewise, 15,698 people survive being
The Messenger, Central Office have become a nation at war with accidentally shot. On average, nine children
50 Quincy Street
Cambridge MA 02138 ourselves and numbed to the sacred- are killed by gun violence each day in the U.S.
Tel: 617.969.4240 ness of human life. Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, with
Email: manager@swedenborg.org Responsible gun ownership can data from the Centers for Disease Control and
Subscriptions: free online subscription at Prevention, National Center for Injury Pre-
https://swedenborg.org/subscribe/. Printed and
be consistent with our constitutional vention and Control, Webbased Injury Statis-
mailed to US address, $25/year; to Canada address, rights; however, it must be stressed that tics Query and Reporting System (2006, most
$30/year; to all other addresses, $40/year; single recent year available), http://www.cdc.gov/
copies, $3.00, Libraries & prisoners, free. Send there are relatively few shootings by av-
ncipc/wisqars; http://www.bradycampaign.
check made out to “Swedenborgian Church” with erage citizens defending themselves.2 org/xshare/pdf/facts/2008-death-and-injury-
“Messenger” on the memo line. Other requests,
write or call Central Office. stat-sheet.pdf.
Submissions are accepted at any time. 1 Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, with 4 Office of Statistics and Programming, Na-
Submissions must be received by the third data from the Centers for Disease Control and tional Center for Injury Prevention and Con-
Monday of the month to be considered for the Prevention, National Center for Injury Preven- trol, CDC Data Source: NEISS All Injury Pro-
next issue.
tion and Control, Web-based Injury Statis- gram operated by the Consumer Product
The opinions and views expressed are those of tics Query and Reporting System (2006, most Safety Commission for numbers of injuries.
the authors, not of the Messenger, the Standing
Committee for Communication and Information,
recent year available), http://www.cdc.gov/ Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Re-
or the Swedenborgian Church. ncipc/wisqars. porting System (2007). http://www.cdc.gov/
2 A gun in the home is eleven times more injury/wisqars/index.html.
the Messenger April 2021 35
Letter from the President
The Year of the Spiritual World: 2020–21
Dear Friends,
We have been given a precious gift. America to visit thirty-
The restrictions and isolation and fear surround- eight churches, camps, re-
ing all of us living through this pandemic have treat centers, and other
brought us closer together as a denomination with a ministries. And we shared
variety of blessed opportunities for connection. the traditional convention
We share in the suffering. We join in the grief. worship services as a big family, separated by space, and
We care for those enduring financial hardships. We joined by love for one another.
are concerned about the unequal challenges people Convention 2021 will be virtual again. There will
face due to this pandemic. The year behind us has be business meetings with virtual voting for new
darkened our days and, as we begin to see light, we committee members, the president-elect, and by-
look at the experiences the Lord has led us through law changes. With virtual voting, every church can
with thanksgiving. We pray not to go back to “nor- be represented, and we expect almost 200 delegates
mal” but for a new awakening during this time of compared to the sixty delegates we had in 2019. It is
regeneration. an amazing opportunity for more members to have a
In the midst of this, I feel a new energy and re- voice and be a vital participant in convention.
sourcefulness within our ministries as I hear the stories We will worship together, filmed at the churches in
from associations, churches, camps, ministers, and our Massachusetts so you can virtually visit Bridgewater,
seminary. Cambridge, Elmwood, and Newtonville. There will
Assistance during the Pandemic. In 2020, be opportunities to learn through a wide variety of
$31,900 was donated and distributed to eight mini-courses and top-notch speakers.
churches struggling during the pandemic. So far Convention 2022, hopefully, will be hybrid with
in 2021, over $35,000 has been donated from Gen- in-person and virtual options, in Southern Califor-
eral Council, associations, churches, and members nia, hosted by The Garden Church and Wayfarers
to assist families and individuals. So far eighteen Chapel. No longer will meetings be restricted to those
$500 grants have helped members from Canada to that have the time, good health, and resources to travel
New Mexico, from California to Maine, from New to annual conventions.
York to Massachusetts, and from Michigan to Kan- Camps. As the Messenger reported, 2020 was a
sas. Requests are still accepted. (email president@ Summer of Virtual Reality, including Almont Sum-
swedenborg.org). Also, some churches and camps mer School and Fryeburg New Church Assembly.
have started their own food donations and financial Both were well attended, drawing people from around
assistance to help their neighbors. the U.S. and Canada—beyond the regular campers.
Convention 2020 was turned upside down into Dependent on how things come together this sum-
a virtual gathering and was a big success. The Key- mer, they will utilize what they learned to open camp
note address by Rev. Dr. George Dole was attended to a broader audience than may be able to attend
by over 100 guests online and many others watched in-person.
later. Each of the six mini courses also had remark- The Center for Swedenborgian Studies has a new
able attendance. Everyone loved the virtual parade of initiative, Virtual Educational Offerings for the Plan-
ministries where we traveled together around North et. In the fall, people from around the globe joined
Continues on page 47
36 the Messenger April 2021
Nominations for Elected Positions
in the Swedenborgian Church
T he Nominating Committee
nominates at least one candi-
date for each open elected po-
sition. Elective offices and nominees to
date are listed on the chart shown on
Position to be Filled
President
Vice President
Term (Yrs)
3
1
Candidate
Jim Lawrence
Kurt Fekete*
Recording Secretary 1 Karen Conger*
the right. If you are interested in being
Treasurer 3 ***
nominated for any position, contact
the Nominating Committee through Barb Halle*
General Council: layperson (2 to be elected) 3
Herb Ziegler
Central Office. The following candi-
date statements have been received by General Council: layperson (unexpired term) 2** Tom Murphy
the Messenger to date. General Council: layperson (unexpired term) 1** Beki Greenwood
The candidate elected to be presi- General Council: minister 3 Thom Muller*
dent will become the president-elect
Standing Committee for Communication & Information 3 Tara Conkling
and then take office as president at the
2022 Annual Convention. Standing Committee for Communication & Information (unexpired term) 2** Holly Bauer
Standing Committee for Education & Resources for Spiritual Community 3 Shada Sullivan
Rev. Jim Lawrence, D.Min., Ph.D. Tom Neuenfeldt
President Standing Committee for Financial Accountability (2 to be elected) 3
Kurt Fekete*
(three-year term) Standing Committee for Financial Accountability (unexpired term) 1** Rachel Madjerac
The future holds grand promise for
Committee on Admission to the Ministry: layperson 3 BJ Neuenfeldt
our special brand of Swedenborgianism
in Convention, and I am excited for the Committee on Admission to the Ministry: clergy (unexpired term) 2** Alison Lane-Olsen
prospects of Nominating Committee 5 Paul Deming
an emerging * Incumbent
new phase of ** Years remaining in unexpired term
our Church’s *** No candidate to be elected this year
life. We inher-
it a rich his- of our denomination’s life will require small grotto but found himself behold-
tory of wit- ongoing thoughtful and energetic care. ing an immense and sumptuous pal-
ness and pres- Long ago, while in a mainline ace. You can never exhaust the bigness
ence in North seminary, I continued exploring of our spirituality.
America, and Swedenborg, whose works kept ris- Indeed, Convention has steered me
we enjoy a be- ing above everything else I was study- into room after room of profound re-
loved collection of remarkable minis- ing. After investigating all the branch- lationships and experiences through
tries supported by so many wonder- es of Swedenborgianism, Convention my service in congregational minis-
ful people. New-start ministries in re- clicked on a personal level in a very en- tries in St. Louis, Fryeburg, and San
cent years show vision, innovative ap- gaged way. Yet, I hesitated to make the Francisco, in publishing ministries as
proaches in our historic churches, jump due to its smallness. What over- editor of the Messenger and director
demonstrate creativity, and fresh vision came that hesitation is the deep sense of J. Appleseed & Co., and in high-
for virtual spaces in Convention’s work of community and profound congruity er education as dean and professor at
all augur for a healthy partnership with with the ideas and spirituality I expe- the Swedenborgian House of Stud-
divine providence. Maintaining the re- rienced in Convention. Tiny or not, it ies and the Center for Swedenborgian
cent energetic, generous, and farsight- felt like home. Yet, so many times I’ve Studies. Along the way, I have served
ed leadership for our beloved commu- smiled in remembrance of a cartoon as President of the Pacific Coast Asso-
nity is my personal hope and passion, depicting an astonished perplexity of a ciation for six years, on the Advisory
as I also believe an exciting new phase man who thought he had walked into a Continues on page 37
the Messenger April 2021 37
Nominations to Almont Summer Camp every year Karen Conger
Continued from page 36 where she taught the fourth and fifth Recording Secretary
grade class and sold penny candy af- (one-year term)
Placement Committee for twenty ter lunch as “The Candy Lady.” I loved Greetings! It’s
years, on our Educational Resources Almont and when I became a teen- once again an
for Spirituality Committee for the past ager, I attended youth retreats. Like honor to accept
few years, and on the Board of Direc- Swedenborg, although I loved study- nomination for
tors of the Swedenborg Foundation for ing religion, I also enjoyed the scienc- the office of re-
twenty-five years. Additionally, I have es and engineering. I graduated from cording secretary
enjoyed being an active member at the Wayne State University with a B.S. in of the Gener-
Swedenborgian Community Church Chemical Engineering and worked as al Convention, a
at Hillside for the past seventeen years. a bench chemist, department direc- position to which
I made the right decision forty years tor, and quality engineer into my for- I was first elected
ago to jump. Now I am delighted to be ties. However, all the while working as in 2015. I am a lifelong, third genera-
feeling the promise of an ongoing fu- an engineer, I continued to love learn- tion Swedenborgian who was raised in
ture—one that holds as much prom- ing about Swedenborgian theology the Church of the Holy City in Wash-
ise as ever before. We have a most be- and being active in the Swedenborgian ington, D.C. I have been a member of
loved community to share through Church. I had an instrumental role both the Urbana and Los Angeles So-
our special Convention brand of in launching and leading the young cieties, and am currently a member-
Swedenborgian spirituality: spaces for adult group known as Transitions in at-large of the Pacific Coast Associa-
an inclusive, egalitarian, collegial com- the 1990s and early 2000s. I was also tion (PCA). I have served on the Min-
munity exploring together some really a board member of the Almont New istries Support Unit for several years,
big ideas about what’s up in this uni- Church Assembly and served as presi- the Nominating Committee more
verse and in each of our lives. dent for a partial term. My real passion than once, and was the secretary of the
was youth retreats, and I left my career PCA for several years, as well as hold-
Kurt Fekete in chemical engineering to become the ing elected positions on the Board of
Vice President Youth Director for the Swedenborgian Directors of the Los Angeles Society
(one-year term) & Church of North America. Now in my and the Wayfarers Chapel Board of
Standing Committee for Financial twentieth year serving the youth of the Directors. I continue to very much en-
Accountability Church, I still love working with teens joy working as secretary and hope to
(three-year term) and pre-teens at retreats and summer continue in the position. Thank you
I am pleased camps. The pandemic has made this for your consideration.
and honored work very challenging, not being able
to accept the to gather in-person with youth. How- Barbara Halle
nomination to ever, the crisis has also opened up the General Council–Layperson
t he position opportunity to assume a leadership (three-year term)
of Vice Pres- role in the denomination as interim Having served
ident as well vice president. I assumed that posi- my first three-
as the Stand- tion in autumn 2020 and I have en- year term (plus
ing Commit- joyed working with my colleagues on one year, due to
tee for Finan- the forward vision and day-to-day de- the pandemic) on
cial Accountability. I was raised in a cisions and activities of the Church. If General Council
Swedenborgian family and have been elected to the vice president position in and very much
involved with the Swedenborgian the coming year I look forward to con- enjoying the de-
Church for my entire life. I attended tinuing to provide a youthful perspec- nominational in-
Sunday school at the Detroit Church tive to the organization while honor- volvement and
which moved to Royal Oak, Michigan ing the heritage and foundational prin- the dear friendships that have evolved,
when I was a teenager. I was fascinated ciples of our beloved faith communi- I am honored to be nominated for a
by Swedenborg, and my mother, Joyce, ty. I live in Maine with my fantastic second term. It is my hope to continue
and I loved talking about theology wife, Shelley—who I met at a youth re- on that path for another three years. I
when I was an adolescent. She took me treat—and our two teenage daughters. Continues on page 38
38 the Messenger April 2021
Nominations Tom Murphy twice to lobby on behalf of artists for
Continued from page 37 General Council–Layperson the passage of the Music Moderniza-
(unexpired two-year term) tion Act, which granted new rights and
am a long-time member and current Growing up revenue streams to musicians. These
treasurer of LaPorte New Church in as a Catholic in efforts taught Tom the balance of
Indiana, as well as treasurer of the Illi- Northern Cali- bringing people together for larger so-
nois Association. fornia, Tom Mur- cial change, the political incentives to
The last four years seem to have phy didn’t know, move things forward, and the patience
flown by as I have been serving on var- or learn, much needed for true long-term change.
ious interesting committee projects. By about Emanuel I am honored to be considered
continuing to serve on General Coun- Swedenborg un- to serve on Convention’s General
cil, I look forward to being able to help til later in life. Council.
our denomination reach its spiritual Tom attended Je-
and earthly potential in an open-mind- suit High School (Bellarmine College Beki Greenwood
ed, caring, and discerning manner. I Prep) and University (Santa Clara Uni- General Council–Layperson
will do my best to serve well, with faith versity) on the West Coast, where he (unexpired one- year term)
in God’s guidance. was introduced to a broad spectrum of I have been in-
traditions (Buddhism, Yoga, Druid- volved with the
Herb Ziegler ry). It wasn’t until 2012 that he discov- Swedenborgia n
General Council–Layperson ered the San Francisco Swedenborgian Church for as
(three-year term) Church while planning his wedding. long as I can re-
I would like to That was such a positive experience, member. Grow-
thank the Nomi- Tom and his wife learned more about ing up, I attend-
nating Commit- the church and became members. Af- ed Bla irhaven
tee for asking me ter a few years attending, and then Summer Camp
to run for Gen- helping to plan the Annual West Coast in Duxbury, Massachusetts, partic-
eral Council. I Swedenborgian Retreat, Tom was ipated in youth league retreats as a
look forward to elected to the San Francisco Church teen, and was confirmed as a member
this opportuni- Council in 2015, where he has served of the Bridgewater Church at the age
ty to serve the terms as president, vice president, and of eighteen. I have been attending the
Swedenborgia n secretary. Fryeburg New Church Assembly for
Church and help it through these rap- Time on the Council has taught forty years—spending the past fifteen
idly changing and sometimes perilous Tom the fiscal challenges of keeping a of those as an active member of the
times to the extent my talents, knowl- local church solvent, the constant en- Board of Directors. In September of
edge, and efforts allow me. I have ex- ergy required to keep the members en- 2019, I was contacted to fill an unex-
tensive experience with the Church gaged, and the delicate art involved in pired term on the General Council and
having served on General Council, the keeping things relevant to potential was honored to be asked. Since then, I
Board of Directors of the Center for members. have become the editor of the Messen-
Swedenborgian Studies, and the In- In addition to his service with the ger, been an active ex officio member of
vestment Committee. I am a member Church, Tom spent six years on the the Standing Committee for Commu-
of the Cambridge Church and served Board of the San Francisco Chapter nication and Information, part of the
as president of the Massachusetts New of The Recording Academy, where he planning committee for Virtual Con-
Church Union for many years and served as secretary and Advocacy Com- vention (2020 and 2021), and serve on
I am a trustee of the Gray Fund. As mittee chair. During that time, he led a a variety of sub-committees. My hus-
well, I was an employee of the Church number of both local and national ini- band, Jason, and I live in Massachu-
for twelve years, serving as editor of tiatives to create new income opportu- setts near Cape Cod with our two chil-
the Messenger. The Church has given nities for musicians. Locally, he helped dren, Serena and Nate, and our three
me much in terms of spiritual, social, create a new Limited Live Performance cats. I look forward to continuing to
and material well-being, and growth in Permit for the City of San Francisco— serve the denomination on the Gener-
wisdom and perspective. I would like, for new methods of income. National- al Council.
with your approval, to give back. ly, Tom travelled to Washington D.C. Continues on page 39
the Messenger April 2021 39
Nominations hometown, no less) was a special gift. Holly Bauer
Continued from page 38 In the years since I have lived in many Standing Committee for
places for school (Kansas State Univer- Communication & Information
Rev. Thom Muller sity (BS –Wildlife Biology/Biology), (unexpired two-year term)
General Council–Minister Texas A&M (MS-Wildlife and Fisher- After graduat-
(three-year term) ies Science), and Mississippi State Uni- ing from the Uni-
Rev. Thom Muller is the pastor of versity (PhD-Forest Resources-Wild- versity of Maine
Hillside Commu- life)) and work (California, Utah, Tex- in 2016, I lived
nity Church, an as, Kansas, Florida, and even Austra- in Manhattan for
Urban Sanctu- lia) in my career as a Wildlife Biologist, four years work-
ary, in El Cerrito, but I have only been close enough to ing in market-
California, as well congregations a few times to be able to ing at a technol-
as managing edi- attend a Swedenborgian church. ogy start-up. I
tor of Our Daily Now living and working in Davis, moved back to my hometown of Port-
Bread at spiritual- California, I have enjoyed my couple land, Maine, during the COVID-19
questers.org, and of visits to the Hillside Swedenborgian pandemic, doing marketing contract
Assistant Night Minister at the San Church, but the pre-pandemic dis- work for a business author. Travel is
Francisco Night Ministry. His pas- tance (and the California traffic!) my greatest passion, so over the next
sions include interfaith spirituality, civ- made more frequent visits difficult. few years I’d love to continue market-
il rights work, comparative mysticism, The presence of the COVID-19 pan- ing contract work while living abroad.
and the western esoteric tradition. demic has both challenged our ideas At the age of twelve, I attended my first
of traditional church and at the same Maine Youth League event, a sleepover
Tara Conkling time provided the opportunity to ex- in the Portland Church. I was an avid
Standing Committee for pand our outreach and connectedness member of the Swedenborgian Church
Communication & Information in this time of isolation, including im- Youth League (SCYL) as a teen and
(three-year term) proving the opportunities to partic- served as the SCYL president in 2011.
Thank you for ipate for those of us without a local From 2012–2015 I worked as the co-
this nominating congregation. Thanks to Zoom, I have rec director at Almont, and I have been
me for the Stand- been able to attend local events such volunteering with the SCYL at retreats
ing Committee as church services and guild meet- for the past six years. I also helped run
for Communica- ings with friends and family in Kan- the childcare and teen programs at an-
tion and Infor- sas, as well as participate in insightful nual conventions in 2018 and 2019.
mation (SCCI). denomination-wide programs, such as Over the past fifteen years I have got-
Originally from the Swedenborgians in Action Against ten so much out of my involvement in
Prett y Prairie, Racism last fall. Although nothing is this church community. I have been
Kansas, I grew up quite like the experience of in-person serving on SCCI for the past year and
going to the New worship and fellowship, this past year would welcome the opportunity to
Jerusalem Church there, and even has shown me the benefits that these continue to serve the organization in
though we often didn’t attend regu- (along with our traditional) methods this role.
larly, our presence in the congrega- of communication have in maintain-
tion was always welcomed with smiles ing our sense of connection with oth- Rev. Shada Sullivan
and open arms. Many of our clos- ers. I look forward to this opportunity Standing Committee for Education
est friends and neighbors have been to participate on the Standing Com- & Resources for Spiritual
Swedenborgians, and I have always mittee for Communication and Infor- Community (three-year term)
considered our church members to be mation to help continue these valuable Rev. Shada Sul-
part of my extended family. efforts in our Swedenborgian commu- livan is the pas-
Leaving Pretty Prairie for college nity, using technology problem-solv- tor at The Church
was my first experience of realizing ing skills I have gained through my re- of the Holy City in
that Swedenborgian churches were search positions as well as my strong Wilmington, Dela-
few, and often, far between, and the interest in technology to help grow our ware. She also serves
opportunity to attend one (in my tiny tech innovations. Continues on page 40
40 the Messenger April 2021
Nominations Rev. Rachel Madjerac role at Almont New Church Assembly,
Continued from page 39 Standing Committee for Financial serving as treasurer for over forty years.
Accountability I have attended many annual conven-
as an at-large member of the Council (unexpired one-year term) tions over the past fifty years and have
of Ministers (COM) Executive Com- Rev. Rachel served on the Education Support Unit
mittee, a member of the Social Justice Madjerac cur- and the Financial and Physical Re-
Committee (SJC), and a member of rently serves as sources Support Unit.
the Swedenborgians in Action Against the ministry co- After a couple years of hiatus, I am
Racism (SAAR) Leadership Team. ordinator and as willing to serve again as a member of
a rites and sac- the Committee for Admission into the
Tom Neuenfeldt raments minis- Ministry. I look forward to sharing in
Standing Committee for Financial ter at Wayfar- the excitement as new folks strive to
Accountability ers Chapel in serve the Swedenborgian Denomina-
(three-year term) Rancho Palos tion in many ways.
My life as a Verdes, California. Previously, she
Swedenborgian worked as a hospital chaplain in Ha- Rev. Alison Lane-Olsen
began when I waii and San Diego, and she is origi- Committee on Admission to the
met my wife, nally from New England. Ministry–Clergy
BJ. She intro- (unexpired two-year term)
duced me to the BJ (Betty Jean) Neuenfeldt Rev. A lison
Detroit Church Committee on Admission to the Lane-Olsen cur-
and Almont— Ministry–Layperson rently lives in
I was hooked. (three-year term) Fryeburg, Maine,
I have learned My church where she has
that Swedenborgian theology is more affiliation has been serving the
than blind faith; it is a life of service been lifelong; Fr yeburg New
and regeneration. growing up in Church as pastor
Most recently I served as vice pres- Detroit, I reg- since 2013. She
ident of the denomination. When BJ ularly attended lives there with
and I made the commitment to help the Church of her husband, two children, and pets.
our grandchildren with virtual learn- the Holy City
ing, I realized that I could not fulfill until I moved Paul Deming
my responsibilities as vice president at away to go to Nominating Committee
a level that I felt was needed. My brain college at Cen- (five-year term)
and my daily schedule could not keep tral Michigan University. I received a Paul is the
pace with both duties. I chose the chil- Bachelor of Science in Education de- pastor of the
dren over the position. The children gree at CMU and a master’s degree in Church of the
have now returned to in-person school. the Art of Teaching from Marygrove Open Word /
My brain is still somewhat suspect, but College. My husband, Tom, and I Garden Chapel
my schedule has opened back up. met at CMU and married after col- in St. Louis,
I have also served on General Coun- lege, both pursuing careers in teach- Missouri, where
cil and on the board of the Center for ing—I worked in many special edu- he was installed
Swedenborgian Studies. I believe that cation rooms, then kindergarten and in 2016. He is
my involvement in the denomination first grade before I retired. Since retire- also a music
at the national level gives me the back- ment, we have been busy with grand- specialist at Rohan Woods School
ground and knowledge to review fund- children—including a return to teach- where he teaches elementary students
ing requests and budgeting require- ing as we spent September to March of three days a week. In his spare time he
ments associated with the Standing the pandemic helping them with virtu- writes music, plays lead guitar in a lo-
Committee for Financial Accountabil- al school from their home. cal band, and teaches Karate. Paul is
ity. This is an important committee, Beyond the Detroit Church (which married and has two grown sons with
and I am honored to be nominated. is now in Royal Oak) I’ve had an active families of their own.
the Messenger April 2021 41
The Importance of a Good Social Media Technology Grant
Applications Now Being
Strategy When Your Church Is Virtual Accepted
By Ben Phinney
S T
ocial Media is often thought of (not advertise) to your members. Then he Standing Committee for
as just another thing we have to when you have a “traditional” church Communication and Informa-
do to stay relevant—a trend that service to advertise (digital or other- tion (SCCI) has been given a charge
must be adopted in order to appear wise) your audience is more apt to be by General Council to assist our mem-
hip to the times. We just need a Twit- engaged and paying attention to what ber communities develop, implement,
ter handle or an Instagram account you have to say. and improve their online worship, edu-
to connect with the younger genera- cation, and community presence. The
tion, right? Maybe you are a little more Use social media to simply first step was to bring on Ben Phinney
“glass is half-full” and see it as a good, deliver the message of your as a consultant who can work with our
cost effective way to market yourself. church and communicate congregations with these efforts.
Unfortunately, while those things may (not advertise) to your We are now announcing phase two!
be true, if any of those statements re- members. A grant opportunity to help our com-
flect your attitude about social media, munities achieve the goals they have
then you likely aren’t leveraging its In my view, the most successful so- been developing. Grants at this point
most useful aspect—the ability to con- cial media strategies are the ones that can be up to $3,000 depending on the
nect with people regardless of where don’t appear to have one—not to be application. A successful application
they are. confused with being disorganized. should be a written statement that:
People are smart—everyone intui- What they are is a voice, not a strate- 1. Clearly outlines using technology
tively know things without even real- gy in the traditional sense. The beau- to improve the community’s
izing it. If you are using a social me- ty of this approach is, in order to have function and outreach.
dia platform because, for one reason a successful social media strategy you 2. A detailed list of the equipment
or another, you feel like you have to, only need a small handful of things. the organization is seeking to
then that is exactly how your interac- You don’t need a big, elaborate plan. acquire.
tions with your audience will appear— 3. Show congregational buy-in
1. Think about who the audience
forced. The result being that even through a committed core of
is that you are trying to reach.
though you are doing it, you probably volunteers dedicated to making
Is it just your congregation, or
aren’t getting much of a return on in- the addition of A/V equipment
something bigger?
vestment and only connecting with a successful, with a suggested
2. Decide who is speaking. Not who
very limited audience. financial commitment from the
is in charge of posting. What
Isn’t social media just another mar- churches of 20% equipment cost.
voice and point of view are you
keting tool? Well…yes and no. It can 4. A clear statement of the financial
speaking with?
be a very powerful marketing tool, but need it has and the local
3. Figure out what kind of
if you use it as a marketing tool, peo- commitment they are able to
information you want to
ple likely won’t even pay attention to offer.
communicate to your audience.
what you are doing. Instead, use so- Applications should be made
4. Pick a social media platform
cial media as a communication tool. with direct consultation from Ben
that specializes in that kind of
This is especially relevant today in our Phinney (AskPhinney@gmail.com)
communication.
pandemic world. While your instinct and may be emailed to Holly Bauer at:
5. Finally, just commit to posting
might be that you first need to deliv- Bauer.HollyM@gmail.com
regularly.
er a church service in some form digi- The SCCI is made up of three elect-
tally, and then use social media to ad- You can actually answer all these ed members: Val Bugler, Chair; Holly
vertise that service, the reverse thought bullet points with this one thought ex- Bauer, and Rev. Kevin Baxter. We
process will actually get a better bang periment: If your church building had meet monthly with a committed group
for your proverbial buck. Instead, use a personal social media account, how of volunteers: Rev. Dr. Jim Lawrence,
social media to simply deliver the mes- would it use it? It might tweet short Beki Greenwood, Rev. Thom Muller,
sage of your church and communicate Continues on page 46 and Brittany Price.
42 the Messenger April 2021
The Year of the Spiritual World
Teens Respond to Swedenborg’s Writings
Concerning the Spiritual World
By Teens Graduating from the Swedenborgian Church Youth League
Heaven and Hell, §548 a means of deception are cast direct- than ever. But
We can now see that the Lord ly into hell. I have seen people like our society is
does not throw anyone into hell. We this cast into hell immediately after stronger than a
throw ourselves in, not only while their death. One of the most deceit- year or two of
we are living in this world but after ful went head first and feet last. quarantine, and
death as well, when we arrive among
I like to think
spirits. Though the
that once all
Humans quotes above
of this is over,
blame ever y- may seem in di-
when we come
one but them- rect competi-
back to camp,
selves for the tion with one
t he ha rmo-
consequences of a not her, HH
ny will still be
their life choic- §491 is actually
there just as strong as before, because
es. It is no one a perfect exam-
even as we are disconnected physical-
else’s fault but ple of HH §548.
ly right now, our spiritual harmony as
their own. The Simply put, to
a society has always been there and al-
Lord gives ev- use goodness as a means of deception
ways will be.
eryone a chance is to stomp all over the line drawn in
—Nathan Hamilton,
into heaven. Like the quote says, “not the sand. When it comes time to stand
Lansing, Michigan
only while we are living in this world on the right side, how will you know
but after death as well.” No matter if which is which? Wherever we cast our- I see t h i s
you are living in the physical or spir- selves in the afterlife will be a testa- quote (SH §687)
itual world, you can get stuck in hell ment to how many times we’ve rid- as saying that
and never leave, with the mindset of den that line, so it makes sense that a you cannot live
“the Lord put me here.” There is always chronic deceiver should face-plant into as an angel or
a second (or thousandth) chance to be a mouthful of sand! spirit after death
reborn and live in heaven. —Josh Moore until you have
—Ivy Little, Saginaw, Michigan lived your life on
Mount Pleasant, Michigan Earth working
Secrets of Heaven, §687 toward the great-
Heaven and No angel or spirit can have any er good of your
Hell, §491 life unless he is in some society, and neighbors. Harmony to me means a
On the oth- thereby in a harmony of many. A cohesive unit of those working togeth-
er hand, peo- society is nothing but a harmony of er to benefit themselves and everyone
ple who have many, for no one has any life sepa-
else. Living in harmony is important to
been profound- rate from the life of others.
living a happy life, and it is comforting
ly ma licious
I love this quote as it makes me think to know that living this way will allow
but have out-
wardly worn a of our church and our camps and how you to live like this in your next life. I
guise of good- we can feel disconnected from camp believe that it is important to help out
ness, people when we aren’t there. Especially this last each other in a society. When it says so-
who have therefore filled their mal- year, with everything that’s been go- ciety, I read that as a society of all be-
ice with guile and used goodness as ing on we may feel more disconnected ings no matter their background. This
Continues on page 43the Messenger April 2021 43
Teens and Swedenborg “You are special! Your difference today. Most everyone has a family
Continued from page 42 makes you, you!” member or friend profoundly affected
“God gave you a gift, Ava.” by it, even if it remains undiagnosed.
quote tells us “Those people are talking about Also, who says what is normal? These
that all of our people with cancer…or people with mental illnesses were defined by hu-
lives are inter- low-functioning autism, the nonverbal mans. Perhaps God has a different def-
twined and that kind. They aren’t talking about you.” inition. Perhaps some overactive hor-
we have to work Apart from the ambiguity and prej- mones do not a sick mind make. How-
together in or- udice that comes with calling some ever, even if I squeeze through the pro-
der to live a ful- autistic people low-functioning and cess of regeneration, I will pity those
filling life. some high-functioning, we encounter who do not. What an unfair hand to
—Jack a further problem. This is not a mat- be dealt—having to struggle with se-
Cadden, ter of a lecturer’s belief; it is a matter of vere mental disorders your whole life,
Mattapoisett, Massachusetts a thought leader’s belief. Swedenborg and then be told that you will not even
did, in fact, write on mental disorders: get respite in death!
Disabilities in the Spiritual World On the other hand, Swedenborg
No one is reformed in a state of
I will first make it clear that I do mental disorder (animus), because may be wrong about this detail and the
not believe in a personal deity or a con- disease of the mind takes away ra- strawman may be right. Physical ail-
scious, eternal afterlife. I am a human- tionality, and consequently free- ments and illnesses may all be cured,
ist and I love humanity; therefore, I am dom of acting according to reason. but illnesses of the mind may only be
fascinated by the religions and mythol- For the mind (mens) is sick and un- tempered so there is no undue suf-
ogies it has developed for itself. One of sound, and a sound mind is rational, fering. If this is true, what about the
the most interesting human views of but a sick one is not (Divine Provi- deaf community? There are some peo-
the afterlife conveniently happens to be dence, §141.) ple who consider their deafness part of
the one I was taught about at church This goes in their identity. This may prove a prob-
as a child: the Swedenborgian spiritual a different di- lem, even if the physical sense of hear-
world. I have spent a lot of time reflect- re c t ion t h a n ing is not a part of the spiritual world.
ing on this vision of a life after death the original in- If a form of communication resembles
and asking questions about it. I have ference. Rath- sound, some deaf people will be quite
gotten many answers from many dif- er than finding upset! If there is no communication
ferent people, but since Swedenborg some incompre- resembling sound, though, that seems
himself is long gone, some are just per- hensible way to rather boring to me. I would not want
sonal beliefs or inferences about what separate my au- to live in a heaven without music.
he may have thought. tism from my No matter which way you spin it, the
A common inference I have been core spirit, God Swedenborgian
given during sermons and discussions will not reform me at all. I will there- spiritual world
is that all worldly ailments and illness- fore not be able to go through regener- sounds pretty
es are lifted when a spirit enters their ation and will never go to heaven. I am awful for those
life beyond death. All people become not sure where this will put me (hell? of us with dis-
youthful, healthy angels if they love back on Earth? Catholic-style limbo?) abilities. If you
goodness and truth; the evil and dis- but I wager that it is nowhere I want would like to
honest become sickly, disfigured de- to end up. At this point, my strawman discuss this with
mons or evil spirits. This is a simple, friend or relative might say something me and make
satisfying answer to most people. It like this: “Ava, you are a rational per- t he spi r it u a l
does not satisfy me. Why? son, your mind is sound. You wrote world more ac-
I am autistic. In the eyes of the this piece!” cessible, I would
world and the state, I am ill. In the eyes If that is true, if my autism is not be happy to talk it over at Almont
of myself and my community, I am ex- an irrational disorder, what about my this year. And no, celestial wheelchair
ceptional. Which, then, am I to God? anxiety? What about the ADHD of a ramps will not cut it!
Right away, anyone who knows me friend, or the bipolar disorder of a class- —Ava Dolley,
will rush to my defense. mate? Mental illness is very common Gorham, Maine44 the Messenger April 2021
From the Social Justice Committee
Immediate Antiracism Action Ideas
By Page Morahan
With thanks to Swedenborgians in Action Against Racism (SAAR) members for the original list and links
H
ow can White people (mem- some way indicate you feel they might When ordering food, try the app
bers of the White caste1) not belong. https://www.eatokra.com/ to locate
show antiracism support, Black owned restaurants. And I buy
partnership, and allyship? This can be Small most of my spices from Penzey’s Spic-
tricky, because White people histori- If you overhear or encounter someone es, which models what it preaches:
cally rush to action with good inten- making bigoted statements, treating any- https://www.penzeys.com/
tions that often have unfortunate out- one differently and unfairly, speak up
comes. This performative allyship is (if there is any personal danger, act as Medium
“when someone from that same non- a witness from a safe distance). Telling When you need a new supplier, replace
marginalized group professes support the truth is always good, like: “What with minority-owned business. Your pa-
and solidarity with a marginalized did you just say?” “I’m uncomfortable tronage helps make things equitable.
group in a way that either isn’t help- with that.” “I note we do not have any Look around your workplace/organi-
ful or that actively harms that group.”2 people of color in this group, and we zation. Do individuals in marginalized
are making decisions that affect them.” groups have mentorship? If you can,
First (and continual action) Purchase some Black Lives Matter offer this. Also, sponsor people of col-
White people need to take the (BLM) gear or signs for your home, car, or by recommending for opportunities
time to inform ourselves. For exam- or body. They have great “freedom” or actively facilitating getting known
ple, the history I was taught growing and “justice” black masks! http:// by decision-makers (e.g., committees,
up in Virginia was that General Rob- blacklivesmatter.com/. collaborative projects, writing articles,
ert E. Lee was a wonderful patriot; I When doing shopping, support Black- etc.). I focus my mentoring and spon-
have only learned recently how false owned small businesses (or any wom- soring with women of color profession-
that was.1 What is the true history of en-owned, or other less-advantaged als these days.
Swedenborgians with race and with group’s business). Explore these re- Support groups that focus on changing
Native Americans? One simple way sources: app for finding businesses, systems. Dr. Kendi emphasizes this as
to keep being educated is to sign up https://app.bblkapp.com/; https://we- essential.3 I am focusing on non-parti-
for Manifold Angels and the SAAR buyblack.com/; https://www.refin- san efforts: correcting election process-
newsletter. ery29.com/en-us/2020/06/9849096/ es (www.commoncause.org), being a
Here are other actions to consid- find-black-owned-businesses-online- two-minute social activist (www.aauw.
er (Note: Sizes refer to the amount of apps; https://officialblackwallstreet. org/act/two-minute-activist), and en-
preparation required, not to impact!). com/directory/; http://www.nmbc. suring a thriving democracy (https://
org/. And this Fast Co article lists ten: americansofconscience.com/).
Extra-small h t t p s : // w w w. f a s t c o m p a n y. Dr. Page S. Morahan,
In your daily activities, take note of com/90512942/how-to-find-and-sup- has spent her career in
any individuals who are different from port-black-owned-businesses-wherev- academic medicine as
you, or from the people you normally see. er-you-are. a faculty member and
university administrator,
Take a brief moment to direct a friend- When purchasing books, use Black
and creating leadership
ly gaze or hello—to acknowledge with -owned stores vs. Amazon. Explore these programs to advance
dignity. Avoid a prolonged look or in sites: The #1 Black Children’s Book- women faculty and
1 Isobel Wilkerson. Caste: The Origins of Our Dis- store!; https://www.oprahmag.com/en- health professions
contents. 2020. tertainment/books/a33497812/black- faculty around the
2 Holiday Phillips. Performative Allyship Is world. She serves as the lay representative on
owned-bookstores/; https://bookshop.
Deadly (Here’s What to Do Instead). May 9, the Committee for Admission to Ministry.
2020. Access at: https://forge.medium.com/ org/; aalbc.com/bookstores/list.php.
performative-allyship-is-deadly-c900645d9f1f 3 Ibram X. Kendi. How to be an Antiracist. 2019.the Messenger April 2021 45
Is Capitalism Okay? or defraud consumers, you’re ultimate- for being giving, for not extracting
Continued from page 33 ly justified, and even virtuous, because the most advantage in every situation,
you are protecting your shareholders, most people, just like the six-year-old
African foreman lost a hand. Our de- disingenuously characterized as wid- me, just don’t want to hurt anyone. If
cision was whether to airlift him to Ge- ows and orphans, by maximizing prof- personal gain is the only, or even the
neva where he could have the hand re- it, and therefore, their dividends. strongest motivator, how can we ex-
attached. It was our second day in B In economic theory, other factors plain the multitudes working as teach-
school. We were told that there was no keep the profit motive in check: reg- ers, musicians, nurses, and social work-
right or wrong answer; of course, that ulation, and the Free Market. As we ers? Why is it that so many people do-
was a lie. None of us dared to advo- have seen over the past few decades nate money without a tax benefit, and
cate for the airlift, but looking around in the real world, corporations work help their neighbors shovel snow? In a
my study group, many of us felt a little effectively to rid themselves of these system that overtly and disproportion-
sick about it. We all knew that human- controls. ately rewards certain other activities,
itarian values had no place in our cho- many toil passionately in helping and
sen career path. I remember a lacklus- If personal gain is the creative professions. Nearly all of them
ter discussion and a pit in my stomach. only, or even the strongest are motivated by something other than
As in most case studies, the facts were motivator, how can we personal enrichment.
real. I do not remember the actual out- explain the multitudes In love, you do the right thing, and
come. I’m pretty sure he did not get his working as teachers, if there is a material benefit, that only
hand re-attached. musicians, nurses, and social enhances your real reward. In business,
As Swedenborgians, in fact as Chris- workers? the benefit to self is the only reward. I
tians, we have rampant support in our cringe when I hear people in our
values and doctrine for an economic I have often heard the argument, church giving verbal support to capi-
system that is closer to socialism than even in our church community, that talism. My spiritual life in recent years
to capitalism. Remember that the basic human nature requires the motiva- has drawn me farther and farther from
values of capitalism include doing any- tion of gain in order to spur achieve- an area where I feel gifted, but not
thing you can get away with, and max- ment. I would even say that this view okay—capitalism. I hope that we can
imizing profit to yourself, with no lim- is widely accepted. I disagree. To say draw a distinction in our approach to
its to that profit. If others are hurt, it’s that material gain is the most essential, church business between effective, ef-
their own fault for being vulnerable. even necessary motivator is to say that ficient management, and the values
Capitalism is based on an alternative evil impulses are stronger than good. and priorities that capitalism espouses.
morality that consciously supplants Most people—and I have been fortu-
spiritual values with the profit motive. nate to encounter mainly good people Terrie Crenshaw is a
In business, there is the concept that member of the Hillside
in my life—have a basic tendency to
Swedenborgian Church
fiduciary responsibility is the apex of helpfulness, to kindness, to generosi- in El Cerrito, California,
altruism. Should you, in the process ty. Humans inherently want to work and a member of
of maximizing your bottom line, de- with and for each other. Despite so- the board of trustees
stroy the environment, exploit workers, cial conditioning that labels us suckers of the Center for
Swedenborgian Studies
Gary Lachman Keynote Speaker for Convention 2021!
A former rock star with the band Blondie, when he went by the name Gary Valen-
tine, Gary Lachman has transformed over the past two decades as one of England’s best-
known writers on religion and spirituality, specializing in the deep waters of figures such
as Jung and Swedenborg. His recent biography, Swedenborg: An Introduction to His Life
and Ideas, has been very well received by many Swedenborgians worldwide. At the con-
vention he will give a talk live on Zoom on the language of correspondence followed by
question and answer. His most recent Swedenborgian book (March 2021) is Introducing
Swedenborg: Correspondences. Look for more information in the May Messenger.46 the Messenger April 2021
Social Media Strategy same social media strategy has the po- I will never come to think that my
Continued from page 41 tential to direct more people back to liberty requires military hobbyists to
your physical building tomorrow. have unfettered access to high-powered
inspirational things. Well, it might Ben Phinney is weaponry. If civilian gun ownership is
share funny posts from other church- a professional supposed to be a protection against
es on Facebook. Heck, it might share librarian the power of an overmighty state, it’s
pictures of interesting things found ly- contracted to at best symbolic. If it’s for protection
ing around the building on Instagram. help churches
against other citizens, it doesn’t seem
with technology
Depending on your church, it might concerns during to be working. Sentimental fidelity to
do something completely different. the COVID-19 eighteenth-century civic norms doesn’t
Make it casual and fun. While there pandemic. He is a seem like a good trade-off for Sandy
are often serious things to talk about, member of both Hook.
remember that a good sense of humor the Bridgewater
My point? If we are to take seri-
New Church and
goes a long way online. Social media the Fryeburg New ously our commitment to reducing
is weird in that it gives you diminish- Church Assembly. He lives with his wife and the scourge of gun violence, we must
ing returns if you appear to be trying cats in the greater Portland, Maine area and is achieve a more mature and balanced
too hard. an avid foodie, hobby musician, and lover of understanding of the Second Amend-
How often should I post? The eas- all things sci-fi.
ment: “A well regulated Militia, being
iest answer is simply, regularly: not necessary to the security of a free State,
too many times a day and not too few Guest Editorial the right of the people to keep and bear
times a week. If you think about how Continued from page 34 arms, shall not be infringed.” A good
people use personal social media ac- deal of the empty rhetoric surrounding
counts, there are no quotas they are of corruption and excessive use of this issue stems from a selective read-
trying to meet. So, if you want your force, but one notable difference is ing of that amendment. Gun advocates
church’s social media to appear au- lethality. It’s hard to compare inter- seize upon the second clause (“the right
thentic, I wouldn’t recommend strict national statistics about deaths in
of the people to keep and bear arms,
custody, partly because there’s no
quotas either. You probably serendip- shall not be infringed”), and neglect
consistent reporting and partly be-
itously come across social media fod- cause the definition of custody is the first clause (“A well regulated Mi-
der already on a regular basis and aren’t slippery, but one clear point of com- litia, being necessary to the security of
realizing it. Keep your eyes open and parison is in shooting deaths. The a free State.”) Those advocating gun
when it happens, just casually post it. British police, who rarely carry fire- control often do the reverse.
Now that being together in person arms, shoot only one or two people a These extreme reactions are not
has become a challenge, social media year, often in the context of antiter- helpful. It is unreasonable to think that
presents an opportunity to find more rorism operations. They have killed we could ever ban any and all guns,
ways to communicate with your con- a total of seventy-five people since whether for hunting, sport, or self-de-
gregation and community members 1990. In the United States, there
fense. Equally unreasonable, though,
were 1,099 fatal “officer-involved
as we get through the pandemic. It is is to think that we can continue to
shootings”—to use the evasive offi-
an opportunity to think differently on cial jargon—in 2019 alone. amass and use a wide variety of weap-
how to deliver your church’s message. ons without some sort control or reg-
It is an opportunity to connect with The difference between the Unit- ulation. Even a cursory glance at the
more people in new and different ways. ed States and its peers is not culture, long-standing prevalence of White na-
Many are searching for ways to keep let alone some metaphysical quantum tionalistic “militias” is enough to make
the positive aspects of running their of freedom that leads Americans to be it clear that virtually none are regulat-
church service virtually once the pan- more violent. It’s the presence of guns. ed, let alone “well regulated.”
demic is over and we’ve reached the Sooner or later all foreigners remark
on the perverse outcomes of the Sec- I pray we can be courageous
“new normal.” This will be a moving
ond Amendment, or rather of the over- enough to engage this hot-potato is-
target as the future reveals itself, but I
broad interpretation of it that seems to sue, and wise enough to address it in
do believe social media is one piece to
render pragmatic gun control impos- a balanced and holistic way.
that puzzle. An effective social media
presence directs your audience toward sible. I will not break with that tradi- —Rev. Robert McCluskey
your virtual services online today. The tion, because however long I live here Chair, Social Justice CommitteeYou can also read
