  Spiritual
This week: Hermeneutics Edited by: Shannon  
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Welcome to the Spiritual Newsletter. My name is Shannon and I'm your editor this week. |
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"Hermeneutics: the science of interpretation, especially of the Scriptures." ~ dictionary.com
While they didn't base their beliefs on science, I was raised in a home whose inhabitants interpreted the Bible literally. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Conquest, War, Famine, and Death), for instance, were believed to be actual beings, probably angels, who sit astride white, red, black, and pale horses to usher in Armageddon. In our house, there was no room (or tolerance) for figurative or metaphorical interpretations. Suggesting such a thing would have been considered blasphemous.
As Christ was a real person, the Devil is also considered a very real, living being--a fallen, disgraced angel who, as a result of his ego, was eighty-sixed from Heaven and embodies the antithesis of Christ: evil incarnate.
Recently, I started reading a fiction novel about man's literal search for the Devil. In the book, creatures emerge from cave depths around the world to wreak havoc on humanity. The creatures resemble us, yet they are gnarled, primitive, and have "bony protuberances" on their heads that look like horns. Demons, in other words. As armies across the globe delve deeper and deeper into the subterranean abyss in search of the creatures, they discover the tunnels go on for miles--thousands of fathoms below the earth's surface. They find evidence that missing persons were actually abducted by the hadals ("Scientists theorize they are Troglofauna-like hominids descended from Homo erectus; classified as Homo hadalis (as in Hades), they are commonly referred to as 'hadals,' or, pejoratively, 'Haddie'") 1 and kept as slaves, forced to work and dig tunnels beneath the ocean floors which ultimately connect continents and countries. A small group of powerful people believes the creatures are demons and hire some of the world's best scientists to go in search of Satan himself.
It's an interesting concept--interesting enough to compel me to start reading book number two in the series. A word of warning, however. These are not spiritual texts; they are Sci-Fi horror novels with religious undertones, and if you plan to read the books don't read the reviews first. I never read reviews before sampling a book myself as I prefer a fresh, unbiased opinion. While most of the reviews are favorable, we writers know (and have probably personally experienced) some people can't wait to rake an author over the coals (no pun intended). 
My point is every topic, even the Devil, demons, and hell itself can be written in a fresh new way. Try seeing something from someone's else's point of view. Interpret it from another's perspective.
Do you believe the Devil exists? Is Satan a living being hellbent (sorry, I couldn't resist) on ruining our lives and thumbing his nose at God or a bogeyman created in the minds of men intent on controlling the masses? Do you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God or simply a spiritual text designed to be metaphorically interpreted? Have you written a story about the Devil, hell, and/or the age-old struggle between good and evil? Share your thoughts and comments and I will include them in next month's newsletter.
Peace and blessings.
Notes:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Descent_(novel) |
I must confess, my selections this week are completely self-serving. It is dang near impossible to find spiritual items that aren't poetry to feature in the newsletter. I share the following contest links in hopes of inspiring spiritual prose.
Thank you, and have a great week!
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The following is in response to "A Grateful Heart" :
HWinB.C.  writes: I liked your topic today. I see more people unhappy and rattled by news they're watching. Hard to be grateful when inundated with negative aspects. I am grateful everyday there is an off button and I can ignore them. LOL Thanks for the newsletter. Yes, I agree with you. Five years ago I took pride in the fact I could intelligently discuss any and every current news topic of interest. Then one day I realized it was killing me spiritually as well as physically (stress, anxiety, etc.). I made a conscious decision to stop watching the news. They deal in fear, unrest, and half-truths. All of them. Does anyone walk away from the news feeling enriched and/or blessed? I still hear much of what's going on because my husband is a junkie and has it on when he's home, but I busy myself with other things (reading, writing, tending my chickens and yard). Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. 
Zeke  writes: You are so very right. All any of us have is now and the experiences of the past. Thank you, Zeke. 
Mary Ann MCPhedran  writes: Thank you for this we are all on Gods borrowed time, and at the moment I am in contact with two of my best friends who are very sick. One I phone every day in Scotland who is my cousin and if chemo doesn't work she wont be around at Christmas so the doctors say and the other is my sister who I visit each day in hospital, and I feel so helpless but I have faith and pray both of them will recover. Thank YOU, Mary Ann. I'll keep you and your friends in my thoughts and prayers.   
Prosperous Snow celebrating  writes: Every week I make a Thankful Thursday entry in one of my writing.com journals or my offsite blog. Reviewing the things I'm thankful for each week helps me realize how blessed I am. Yes! I love that idea. 
rixxie writes: I enjoyed reading the newsletter this month, it was inspiring and eyeopening. I honestly haven't read it in a few years, or any newsletter. I decided to change all that and live more in the moment with anticipation of a great future. I hadn't updated my blog in two months; I was all caught up in my heart disease, and the negative circumstances that currently surround my life. I had to remind myself of my firm spiritual belief, my faith in God's power, and my own spiritual resilience.
I'm sorry for the loss of your Dear friend. It reminds us all how fragile life really is. And I having gone through life-altering experiences, have pledged to be more present in life. I don't want to get in the mode, that some may find comfort in; living to nurse an illness. I was devastated at the discovery of a 2nd aneuryism in my heart. The first one nearly killed me, I feel that I have more work to do on this plain, writing and music always renews my soul. I have pledged to return to performing my poems to music, and even may do a moderate version of a dance performance. Thank you for this newsletter, it is very inspiring. I'm submitting a short piece: "Take Time"
Take time to quiet your spirit,
to listen to your inner voice.
Take time to recognize your own
place in the universe.
Take time to admire simple
things that make you smile.
Take time to acknowledge the
universe, and your magnificent
contribution to the whole scheme
of things.
Aw, thank you, Rixxie! I'm so glad you liked it, and thank you for sharing your thoughts and poem. Beautiful!  |
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Spiritual: July 05, 2017 Issue [#8369]
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