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Randy Woodley's avatar

Well said Andy. The whole is what we are all working on together. This week was my attempt to define the problem. next week I'll be posting action steps everyone can do.

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Teresa Norman's avatar

Thank you for sharing this…showing a better path

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Janine DeLaunay's avatar

So well said. I’m sharing this with several of my church friends to discuss and think about. Thank you for your wisdom.

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Andy Smith's avatar

Wonderful thinking Randy. Your comments affirm what I would consider something often built into many approaches to spirituality, the mine is the only way or the better way of thinking. An alternative is the understanding that there are many paths to the top of the mountain, diverse in form yet ultimately leading to an enhanced larger relationship with other humans, other creatures, the earth and indeed the entire universe. The whole is much larger than any one of us. If we consider the whole a sacred creation then our relationships within that sacred whole are defined in a different way.

Andy Smith

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Randy Woodley's avatar

Well said Andy. The whole is what we are all working on together. This week was my attempt to define the problem. next week I'll be posting action steps everyone can do.

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Randy Woodley's avatar

Thanks for sharing this...

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Gustavo Ferelli's avatar

Every time I read and study this subject, I feel that I need to read and study it even more. This dynamic of 'saving others' assumes that one side has already 'done its job,' that God is operating only within specific groups or specific places, and that they serve as role models for the 'unsaved', when in reality, we forget that God is already at work absolutely everywhere, regardless of us. But the temptation, as a missionary, is precisely this: to place myself in the position of the one who knows everything, the savior, the 'emissary of truth and salvation,' when in fact the missionary process cannot function without an exchange. Both the missionary and the missionized have something to teach each other, and in most cases, the missionary has much more to learn than the missionized. Eager for part 2! Blessings!

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Randy Woodley's avatar

Thanks, Gustavo, we all have a lot to learn. I wrote a book about Missions called "Mission and the Cultural Other: A Closer Look," which may be helpful.

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Andrea Joy, Wiccan Clergy's avatar

One of the things that bothered me during the pipeline protest was people treating it like Woodstock. I read with great sadness about people leaving behind trash.

We need to do better. Part of that is to ask the indigenous people how can we help? What is appropriate for us?

As always it is great to read your wise words.

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Randy Woodley's avatar

Thanks, we are all learning, right? We keep moving forward...

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Andrea Joy, Wiccan Clergy's avatar

Absolutely. None of us can be perfect. Learn more, do better.

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