"To see clearly is poetry, prophecy, and religion – all in one.

Tuesday, October 24, 2000

"To see clearly is poetry, prophecy, and religion – all in one." – John Ruskin

Years ago, Johnny Nash’s "I Can See Clearly Now" was played each Sunday morning before the Unitarian Church service began in Riverside, Calif.

Coming from a Lutheran Scandinavian Midwest background, attending the Unitarian Church was different – at first. Phil Smith’s talks always made one think and the lack of Scripture was in some ways a relief.

In a religious class I took at the university, I asked what the Unitarians believed in. The teacher replied with a smile: "They don’t know what they believe in."

Phil shared poetry or called on Gibran or shared stories of the Sufis that led to his talk.

After leaving Riverside, friends continued to send occasional tapes of Phil’s talks. I still find myself listening to them from time to time.

It was back then that I began to think in earnest and I guess I felt I was seeing more clearly or at least "clearer" then.

I visited the church this summer when we visited California.

The church was installing a new minister. He wasn’t Phil. He also wore the cloak of a minister, something I hadn’t seen on Phil.

No one was there from the old days and there were children in the audience. Phil used to say that the children should be outside playing instead of sitting containing that energy.

I bring this up because I’m back here in Austin looking for the stimulation I felt there. It’s here, just a bit more subtle.

Kris Wee, a pastor at St. Olaf, is doing quite a good job of restoring it, at least in my eyes.

She leads a morning book club that certainly lends itself to stimulating discussion and she brings more than Scripture to her sermons, she brings life.

She also brings together speakers for the adult forums.

A few weeks back she had Dr. Charles Bruning, a retired professor from the University of Minnesota, who talked about how we invite friendship and what has happened in our culture to take it away.

He pointed out the wisdom and obligation of "gray hairs" to be responsible for passing this on to younger folks, whether they be in their 50s or their teens. Of course, Carol Bly would say that the younger populations are quite capable.

With the youth, he says it’s the elder’s responsibility to "meet them" in their world. As an example, he talked about becoming acquainted with the music of the Smashing Pumpkins, then being able to discuss the lyrics with them.

He also shared a book called "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz, a Toltec wisdom book. The four agreements in terms of relating to others: be impeccable with your word; don’t take anything personal; don’t make assumptions; and always do your best. Bruning emphasized the third – an easy one to fault.

And speaking of making assumptions, I then listened to Karl Dalager, another stimulating soul, deliver a sermon on diversity in the community. Karl is bilingual and works closely with the Mexican community. He also ministers to the Mexican immigrants in the community and holds a church service for them at the Methodist Church each Sunday. I think its ironic that Karl is legally blind, yet he seems to see more clearly then many of us.

Concluding his talk, he challenged members of the congregation to join him on the stairs "out front" after church – to join him for the Hispanic service down the street at the Methodist Church.

A few made it.

First Karl gave a children’s sermon to the children before they went off to a class of their own.

Kris Rinaldi, an evangelist at the Methodist Church, gave the sermon while Heidy Morey led the singing.

The best I could muster was an occasional "buenos dias." Smiles were plentiful.

The same musicians Karl had invited to the 9:15 a.m. service at St. Olaf were there playing guitars and a drum in the background.

Following the sermon, Karl offered communion where he spontaneously volunteered members in the process, making the experience come alive, at least for me.

Following communion at Karl’s urging, we all joined hands in prayer bringing unity.

When the service was over, like other church services, some went off and others made their way to the kitchen for cookies, coffee and fellowship.

The Methodist members from the kitchen assisting were so nice and courteous.

Maybe next time they can sing "I Can See Clearly Now" en Español.

I urge anyone interested in visiting these services to do so and they are always looking for help in the kitchen and with child care.

Give them a call.

Bob Vilt’s column appears Tuesdays