Sunday, January 28th 5:00 PM
“Creating a World of Trust Before it is Too Late; a Spiritual and Humanistic Perspective,”
with Gordon Freeman
Gordon is an old friend, colleague and retired rabbi from Congregation B’nai Shalom, here in Walnut Creek. He presented an earlier program at Pathways several years ago, and we’re delighted to have him return to share his latest project. It’s a collaborative effort of his recent poetry; accompanied by illustrative renderings by a local artist.
“The focus of this creative art project can be stated very simply: we human beings must learn to rely upon and cooperate with each other if we are to survive. … Creating a world of trust is the essential ingredient to avoid this eventuality, especially during our current worldwide changes and stressors … The capacity to trust and create a sense of awe can be nurtured by religious teachings as well s exposure tot the arts and to nature … Meditation, mindfulness, and gratitude, and the continued quest for knowledge are each helpful pursuits toward achieving the degree of trust that will be necessary for our species survival.”
Our last few gatherings have centered on the notion of “hope” in a world of seeming hopelessness. From the Greek, the word for ‘faith’ (‘pistis’ πίστις) can also be translated as ‘trust.’ Faith (trust), hope and charity are the bedrock of our shared religious traditions.
RSVP if you’d like to participate: jb@pathwaysfaithcommunity.org
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The Gospel According to Ai
The gospels are different interpretations and extrapolations of a certain set of facts that are assumed or asserted to have occurred. Consequently, we have had handed down to us the “Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,”
according to Mark …, or
Matthew, … or
Luke … or
John.” Not to mention the mention numerous other
non-canonical gospels like Thomas, Mary; and even the additional common source material used by Luke and Matthew that’s never been found, so biblical scholars just call it ‘Q.’Now, with the creation of AI (artificial intelligence) and application of readily available software (like Chat-GPT) to collect, decipher, assess, and interpret information more efficiently than any single human mind alone can process, how might Ai possibly further interpret our understanding of the “good news?” And, beyond the facts, can it possibly enlighten or even inspire us with the truth of the matter?
You can read this latest commentary from Words & Ways Here.
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John Bennison
For nearly five decades, John Bennison has summarily been a pastor, preacher, teacher, trainer, carpenter, coffin builder, counselor, spiritual advisor, ethicist, writer and lyricist, musician and entertainer, assembly-line union worker, small business entrepreneur, residential real estate specialist, corporate cog and executive director of several non-profit organizations.
He’s authored eight publications on faith and values, and as an ordained minister served as a parish pastor over 25 years. He earned his Doctorate from the Claremont School of Theology, as well as his BA degree in philosophy and religion from Lake Forest College.
John contributes his leadership experience as Executive Director and Lead Teacher at Pathways, as he writes the Words & Ways commentaries; engaging others everywhere in meaningful dialogue. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Mountain Shadow Film Society.
Meanwhile, as a licensed realtor, John also continues to provide professional client services to buyers and sellers of residential real estate in the Bay Area area market (www.imaginecominghome.com).
Having raised two daughters, he resides with his spouse and golden retriever in Walnut Creek, California.
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