Years ago, and well into my seventh month of pregnancy in New York City, it occurred to me one day that, as I would be unable to run from a fast predator, I was lucky not to run into an urban panther. These weekly blogs will consider women's lives from the perspective of one who is now older.
Quite a number of years ago, I had a realization about a new testament text. I’ve made it clear, I think, that I have serious problems with the bible. Just one is that I wonder why people who say they are Christians still obsess about the old part when Jesus superseded it. That’s what saying he was the “new covenant” means to me — that people could move on.
If we wade through the mass of ignorance and violence that have been the trademarks of the “big three” male, monotheistic religions, we find that the words of Jesus Christ — even through centuries of translation — resonate as balanced, yin with the yang, female energy present with male. It seems to me that his sermon on the mount can be read as particularly woman-oriented. His beatitudes replace the “commandments” of the old book:
Blessed are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn; they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek; they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice; they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful; they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart; they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers; they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those persecuted for justice’s sake; theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
This could be a prophecy for women worldwide, no?
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