Unfortunately, the postal cancellation is on both sides, obscuring the church dome and year on front. The post date is readable on back: Oct. 16, 1948.
My mother was raised in the Christian Science religion, but left it behind as soon as she was out on her own. My grandmother remained devout all her life. In her box full of old postcards there are numerous ones related to various church sites. I selected this one of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, or "The Mother Church" -- similar in stature to the Vatican for the Catholic Church -- to feature this week because I enjoyed the following article at the online version of the Christian Science Monitor last week. I have no affiliation with the church, and my opinion of it could best be described as neutral, but I do have respect for the journalistic quality of the newspaper.
A 2004 profile of the Christian Science Monitor also includes a short history of the Church of Christ, Scientist (official name of the Christian Science church).
The Christian Science Monitor allows bloggers to publish a few paragraphs of articles and asks that we link to the full feature:
Dare I believe Obama can win?
His idealism brings out the best in me – and in others. So what happens if he loses?
By Courtney E. Martinfrom the October 3, 2008 edition
Brooklyn, N.Y. - Like so many Americans, I feel as though I am holding my breath.Could the quiet seed of joy that was planted in my heart the day I heard Barack Obama speak for the first time take root and grow without fear of the brutal storms of disappointment?
Could a leader that evokes awe in me actually win a presidential election? Could the beauty – and logic – of his words win over the majority of this country's voters? Could they see past the lies and distractions to the center of a human being who sincerely wants to invoke citizens' higher selves?
Could a system that seems so broken, so moneyed, so corrupt actually serve to help the American people elect an authentic, complex thinker? Could it be that – despite all that is wrong with the electoral process – there is enough right to allow a thoughtful candidate to get through the muck and emerge earnest and excited to lead? .......
You can read the full article here.
9 comments:
the dome makes it look a little like St Paul's in England. My mum always went to a methodist church (still does) simply because it was the closest to her.
I tend to describe myself as a "card carrying Godless Heathen", think the basic concepts of treating everyone nicely and having respect for the world are a good idea but remain unconvinced on the two questions of is there a god and more importantly if God exists is God someone you really want to worship? A debate for another time, perhaps?
oooohhhh, that is exactly how I feel about this election. Afraid to hope, but it feels soooooo good when a little bit bubbles up to the surface.
Finaly I got you! Now I have you on my favorites list.
Great postcard. I'm a sucker for old post cards, photos and books. I go to used book stores just to smell that old book smell. It makes me feel safe and loved.- I know I'm an odd block!
Obama has won!- Oh well about 4-5 years ago. You see; I believe presidents are made not elected
that is how I feel too. And I do not want to feel disillusioned, as I no doubt will, if he does not win. I was telling my sister the other night that I feel horrible - I have a tiny sliver of happiness at the economic issues because, without them, I would feel much less optimistic about the outcome.
DFTP,
I'm going to look for Google images of St. Paul's now that you mention the dome.
Interesting concept that one of worship. I never thought of it in quite that way before, but I think I love God rather than worship God. Another question: would God rather be loved or worshipped?...
Distracted,
Yup, I felt the article too. Last night I ordered some Obama-Biden buttons and a t-shirt online (the ones I've ordered directly from the campaign are backordered or something). The t-shirt has a huge HOPE on it (I've been afraid to hope, also).
Buddha,
Thanks so much for placing me in your favorites, and I'm glad you liked the postcard (I feature them on Wednesdays). I loved your expression of Obama as having won; very Zen of you!
Elizabeth,
Looks like that article struck a chord with a lot of us. If he doesn't win I honestly don't know how I'm going to handle it. Cry, yoga, meds, counseling, chocolate: some or all of the above! I think what you expressed to your sister, if I really think about it, is something I've considered too. I think that's also because we trust that Obama would pull us out of this...
First of all, the postcard acquires a nicer mood thanks to the stamps, otherwise it would be just a photograph, so I like it. As to the religious and political topic: Well, I can't talk about your domestic policy and the religious orientation of a given candidate. But one thing I know, in your shoes (which nowadays are mine too!)I would elect Obama, no offense here to McCain voters. Haven't you had enough McCains in your history. Considering is a republican like Bush, haven't you had enough. I wouldn't say Bush alone led the US into this chaos, but definitely he hasn't done anything to prevent it from happening. Obama represents, at least so far, a very different ideology that I reckon may scare many "anti-everything". A mixture of JFK and MLK, who in this day and age is able to give hope to Americans (quite a hard thing to do lately). I'd say you have nothing to lose with Obama, in spite of what happens next. In a way this man apparently is on the side of the needed and that hasn't happened in a long time. He would be a modern Abel. Who wants a McCain anyway. The world is full of McCains, they are not hard to find and see how things are going!
Carlos,
Thank you for your so very eloquent comments. It shames me to say that you have a better understanding of the nature of this important election than many Americans. It is going to be an especially angry three weeks ahead and it sure would be nice if your phrase, "No offense here to...." would be used by both sides before expressing their views. (Unless, of course, offense is the main objective.....)
before i forget - i loved your pictures of your blog Lydia.
I was thinking of you yesterday. I watched Michael Moore's free film on the internet last night - about trying to get voters in the 2004 election to vote ("Slacker Uprising"). And, in one part, they have Joan Boez singing the Finlandish National Anthem, which is about blue skies for *ALL* nations, not just one nation. And, I thought "Lydia would like this song". I can't imagine what it must be like now for Americans, it inspires me to want to inspire others here in my province to try for change too.
By the way, it must be close to an important anniversary date for you (as cited in one of your previous postings) that changed your life forever. And anniversaries must be acknowledged and celebrated :) So my thoughts are with you!
Honour,
You are so dear to remember my special anniversary. I blogged about it last week (Oct. 13-15). Your wishes mean so much to me.
I will definitely try to find the video of Joan Baez singing the Finland National Anthem. That tune has been put to different words by many, including a service group I belonged to in college (no longer in existence) called SPURS. Nice memories.
You are definitely an inspiration to Canadians who read your blog, I am sure of that.
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