Month: May 2025

The New Testament

On By scottpetersenIn I Corinthians, I Corinthians 3, New TestamentLeave a comment

[A logical segue – from November 11, 2013]

In my last post, I talked about reading the Old Testament.  I referenced some favorite verses therein (especially a quote from my father of the bride speech at Lauren’s wedding).  I just finished reading the New Testament.  Again.  Quite a trip.  The Gospels are interesting and inspiring as they have been forever.  The essence of Christianity. The Resurrection. Salvation. But there are some verses which I just had to write down.  Because sometimes one needs “special” inspiration.   

I Timothy 5:23 gives sage counsel:  “Drink no longer water but a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.”    So who doesn’t feel obliged to have a nice pinot noir now and then? 

I Timothy 4:8 admonishes that “. . . bodily training is of some value.”  So I (sigh) feel the push to go to the local fitness center a few times a week.

Which leads to the whole reason for a personal trainer.  I mean it’s right there in Hebrews 12:12 “Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees. . . .” 

But seriously, there is one chapter I discovered on a gray day in 1969.  I Corinthians 3.  For me, much of my faith seems to distill in these 23 verses.  The words are old friends.  I find peace.  Calm.  And faith.  Do you have a favorite Bible verse?  

The Old Testament

On By scottpetersenIn Old Testament, TanakhLeave a comment

[A repeat from June 11, 2012] I just finished reading the Old Testament.  Took me about 15 months (between other books).  What a journey.   Powerful.  Occasionally inscrutable.  Sometime scary. But also encouraging.  I did not come upon any Old Testament comedians though the word “laugh” does appear 96 times in 93 verses. . . .

There was a lot to relish in this literary endeavor.  Here are a few favorite verses:

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might.”   Ecclesiastes 9:10.  I keep this on a 3″ x 5″ card.

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying ‘who shall I send?  Who will go for us?’ and I said ‘here am I.  Send me.’”  Isaiah 6:8.  This one too. . . .

Isaiah 9:5 and 6 provides the refrain from Handel’s “Messiah.”   And Isaiah 40:1 and 2 gives the opening lines of Handel’s masterpiece.   

Isaiah 40:4 and 5 offer famous lines from Martin Luther King’s “I have a Dream” speech.

There is Psalm 17:8 which I quoted in my Father of the Bride speech at my daughter’s wedding:  “She will always be the apple of my eye and in the shadow of my wings.” 

And of course there’s Proverbs 17:28 — “Even a fool when he holdeth his peace is counted wise.  And he that shutteth his lips is deemed a man of understanding.”   This passage tracks my father’s not-entirely-Biblical counsel when I was young “better to keep your mouth shut and have people think you’re a fool, than to open your mouth and have them know you’re a fool.”   

Anti-Semitism

On By scottpetersenIn Anti-Semitism, Deborah LipstadtLeave a comment

[An appropriate update of June 1, 2019] Donna and I went to a local synagogue to hear James Carroll speak about his book The Cloister. The presentation was on a Saturday following Shabbat services. As we approached the entrance, we were greeted by a heavily-armed security guard – wearing body armor. We looked okay so we entered the temple.  And I donned my kippah. . . .

Mr. Carroll, a former Catholic priest (who remains a devout Catholic), discussed his book — and the love story of Heloise and Abelard.  But then he began discussing the issue of anti-Semitism which has roots going back more than a thousand years. 1.8 billion Muslims.  2.18 billion Christians.  14 million Jews in the world.  And who today gets an uneven distribution of hatred?    Yep. . . . .

I just finished the book Anti-Semitism – Here and Now by Deborah Lipstadt.  Read it.  Please.  Most of us are aware of anti-Semites from alt-Right jerks.  But there is anti-Semitism from illiterate progressives and those on the left. We see bigotry and hatred of Israel and Jews in American colleges and universities. For the latter, it is pointless to ask why they do not protest the bloodshed and human rights abuses in China, Russia, Syria, Saudi Arabia, North Korea, Sudan, Zimbabwe. Oh no. It is Israel that is in the cross hairs of the left.  And because many Israelis are Jewish, it is their faith that take the heat. 

In Europe it can be dangerous for a man to wear a kippah in public.  Synagogues are guarded by police (as now in the U.S.).  And Jews feel concerns for safety from the moment they arise in the morning.   Anti-Semitism.  Making a comeback.  But did it ever leave?   

Randy Rosenthal’s Chicago Tribune review comments and quotes Lipstadt’s work “And so if we think ourselves to be liberal, or progressive, or simply decent, ‘we must insist that anti-Semitism be treated with the same seriousness as racism, sexism, homophobia and Islamophobia.'”  Let me hear an “Amen.”

Donna’s favorite meal

On By scottpetersenIn Donna's favorite mealLeave a comment

Some years ago, Donna mentioned that her favorite meal as a little girl was meat loaf, fresh beets and mashed potatoes.  Soooo I made a mental note (I use 3″ x 5″ cards and a pen).   A few weeks later on a Sunday afternoon, I snuck off to Fresh Market and secured the ingredients for the “favorite meal.”  I drove home, donned my red “Mister Excitement” apron and put on the eye of the tiger.  Iron Chef Petersen. Grrrrrr. . . . . .  

Fresh beets are pretty straightforward – clip the long stems, wash and boil for 25 to 50 minutes depending on size.  Remove, peel and slice (yes, they will be HOT!). 

Then a small bag of organic yellow (or red) potatoes.  Boil for 30 minutes, drain and mash into 1/4 stick of butter, a half cup of milk and about 5 ounces of chopped garlic cheddar cheese.  Salt, garlic powder and pepper.  

Meat loaf has always been tricky.  Finely chop a Vidalia onion and saute the pieces in olive oil.  Roll that into 2 pounds of lean ground round [I am aware that some recipes include ground pork and/or ground chuck].  Add an egg or two, 3/4 cup of Italian bread crumbs, I like to add 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Donna now suggests I add a squidge of onion soup which I have done. Then shape and bake the mix for an hour at 375.  A rack is probably better than a meat loaf pan to drain juice.

While the meat loaf seems to be a work in progress, I score major points with this meal every time I make it (which over time is more often).  Love those points. . . .    

The Gutenberg Bible

On By scottpetersenIn Boca Grande, Gutenberg BibleLeave a comment

[A repeat from October 26, 2017] No book has received the attention or acclaim as the Gutenberg Bible.  The first example of mass-produced printing using “movable type,” the Gutenberg Bible is surely the rarest and most unique example of the printing art.  The Gutenberg Bible was first produced by Johannes Gutenberg in the 1450’s with the financial backing of Johann Fust.  The Bible was completed in an “edition” of approximately 180 two volume sets (Old Testament/New Testament) with perhaps 100 on vellum (no one is quite sure).  The great curiosity is that today only 48 are known.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gutenberg_Bible

When I acquired the rare book room of the Boca Grande Library in 1984, the one rarity they would not sell was a page from an original 42 line Gutenberg Bible (grrrrr).  While it is speculated that the remainder of Gutenberg’s Bibles have been destroyed over the centuries, I have my own theory.  I believe that somewhere – out there waiting – is a copy or two of the Gutenberg Bible.  Lying undiscovered, layered with dust, laced with cobwebs and swarming with dust mites.  My daughter has long suggested that I take a sabbatical to hunt for this treasure.  I may still do this. . . . 

The last Gutenberg Bible (Old Testament volume only) sold in 1987  for $5.5 million.  Today, one might fetch $30 million.  Individual leaves sell well into five figures.  If and when I find a Gutenberg Bible, I may then go on a quest – to seek out the yet undiscovered ships’ logs from that 1492 voyage of the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria . . . . .

Sermons

On By scottpetersenIn Benedict Groeschel, Erwin Lutzer, Rabbi Peter Rubinstein1 Comment

[A repeat from October 20, 2021] In my post of January 19, 2012, I mentioned “favorite radio stations” including WBBM (news); WFMT (classical music); and WMBI (religious). At the local gym, I listen to TED Talks, language lessons, speeches or sermons. On the “sermon” end of things, here are five ecumenical examples that I have enjoyed.

Dr. Erwin Lutzer is the former senior pastor of the Moody Bible Church in Chicago. His sermons are meaty and meaningful. See for example – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luSsQ_KgpAg&list=RDLVluSsQ_KgpAg&start_radio=1&rv=luSsQ_KgpAg&t=64 

EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) is the global Catholic radio and television network. Years ago, on Sunday evenings, I would frequently watch Fr. Benedict Groeschel (1933-2014) – a Franciscan friar who devoted his life to working with the poor. His program “Sunday Night Prime” was not exactly a sermon but involved interviews and commentary. See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV8U2j1hVEM

On September 16, 2013, Rabbi Peter Rubinstein delivered a Rosh Hashanah sermon (titled “Choosing your Legacy”) that knocks it out of the park. There is nothing he said that one cannot agree with. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DaSqibU0aU Your life is a work of art. . . .

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the Mormon Church) has a number of interesting offerings. There is a wonderful series on Biblical teaching. One powerful example is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTO7-Jarl-E

Eboo Patel – a Muslim (and founder of Interfaith America) offers a TED Talk on the value of building bridges among faith communities (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYLesUKHPGc ).

Wherever you are on your religious journey, the presentations above — can be educational and inspiring. We are all here for a reason. Presentations like these can help us to understand why . . . .

Little Feet

On By scottpetersenIn Little FeetLeave a comment

[A valuable spring repeat from November 26, 2017]  When I was about 10 years old, I pestered my father to let me drive the family car.  Sooooo. . . . one Sunday, my dad let me drive home from Church.  Not all the way – but the last mile or so — on a road that was pretty vacant and ran in part along a corn field. I’d sit there peering over the steering wheel – my father with one hand on the wheel, one hand on the ignition and one hand on the gear shift.  From then on, I was the “Chuber” driver (“CHurch UBER“) on Sundays.  

Sometimes, my dad would take me to an empty parking lot and let me drive.  Round and round.  So I “learned” to drive at a pretty early age. When Lauren was about 12, I let her “drive” on occasional Saturday afternoons in our Church parking lot.  

My father had a lot of wisdom to impart to me in my formative years (which – Donna comments – are still in progress).  My dad always told me when driving to keep my “eyes moving.”  Watching.  Left.  Right.  Check the mirrors.  And he told me to always watch for “little feet.”  As I drive along a narrow street, I was told to glance forward — under the cars parked along the street.  Why?  Because you can see if there are little feet — on the other side — below the car.  And you can slow down.  It’s easy to see an adult standing by a car.  But there’s no way to see a child unless you see the “little feet” under the car you are approaching. 

I’m always watching for “little feet.”  Try it next time you’re driving.  Keep an eye out for little feet. . . . .

Five Feet from Glory. . . . .

On By scottpetersenIn Hole in OneLeave a comment

I enjoy golf.   I practice.  I play.  I’m not great – but I’m not bad either. I occasionally watch pro events on TV though I miss seeing Tiger in the hunt.  When I do play, I welcome the par 3’s because I know that there is a chance. . . . .

In my post of August 13, 2011, I spoke of a brush with glory.  A 205 yard par 3.  Wind against.  And I popped my Pro V1 less than a foot from the pin.   Twelve inches.   304.8 millimeters. 

So on those par 3’s, I take a bit more time.  Added thought about club selection.  And special care on the implementation of all 49 of my swing thoughts.  Or is it 50?   Sometimes my ball ends up right, left or short – though usually it’s on or near the green.  Once in a while, it’s a few feet away from glory.    

I have friends who have had a hole-in-one.  But so far I remain a virgin.  Just like my father – who never had an ace in nearly seven decades playing golf. Maybe one day.   With my luck, it will be on a Saturday when there is a special event.  And the Club is jammed with people.  Of course I will have to buy drinks for everyone.  Just ducky. But if that’s the only option, I’ll take it. . . . .     

Louis L’Amour

On By scottpetersenIn Louis L'Amour, ShalakoLeave a comment

[An oldie from June 21, 2012] In 1981, there was a center column article in the Wall Street Journal about an author who wrote about the Old West — Louis L’Amour.  Having spent some formative time out West when I was young, I read the article with considerable interest.  A few weeks later, while walking near my house with my 5 year old daughter,  we happened on a garage sale and went in.  In rummaging through the books, I found a battered paperback copy of Shalako by Louis L’Amour.  Hmmmm . . . . . Louis L’Amour.   For one thin dime, I bought the book.  And read it.   And was hooked. 

In the ensuing years, I read all 105 or so of his novels.  I think I still have them all – in a box – in the attic.  Some I’ve read twice.   What drew me to Louis L’Amour (1908-1988) was more than the tales of the Old West.  It was his inimitable style.  The good guys were good.  Good men.  Tough yet compassionate.  The women were always good.  Nurturing.  And sweet.  But mess with them and they’d carve you up one side and down the other. . . .  And the bad guys were very very bad.  And I relished when the bad guys got their just reward.  Which they usually did.   Whiskey for my men and beer for my horses. . . .

Some of L’Amour’s books have become movies.  Ironically, Shalako – my first read – had been a 1968 movie starring Sean Connery, Brigitte Bardot and Honor Blackman.  I’ve never seen the movie.  It’s still on my list.  If you’re looking for a light – meaningful – read, give Louis a try.  You won’t be disappointed.