The Click Heard Round the World

Worshipping with Quakers in Palo Alto : Red Means Ministry!

This morning I continued my "spiritual tourism" of the Bay Area, visiting the lovely Palo Alto Quaker Meeting. A number of Friends recommended this community to me, knowing of my plans to relocate to the Bay. While it's probably too far to be my main Quaker home here, I thought it was still worth a visit.

Palo Alto Friends worship in a lovely wooden meetinghouse, surrounded by trees on a quiet street in the town of Palo Alto.  They sit on padded folding chairs arranged in a circle instead of the wooden pews facing the front that are more common in traditional meetinghouses. The redwood, carpeting, bay windows and loft ceilings felt very homey and comfortable to me.

"Abraham's Children" Chronicles Lives of Muslim Youth in NYC (video)

My friend Nina sends out word that the premiere of her new documentary "Abraham's Children" last week was a big success.  "Abraham's Children" tells some of the stories of the thousands of young people in New York City, where every 10th child is Muslim.

I'm sad I missed the premiere, but hoping that I can see it soon.  Head to the website to find out about future screenings, support this indie film, and get more information.

“Next Fall”: a witty play about faith and relationships

My friend Josephine and I got to check out the wonderful new play “Next Fall” at the Helen Hayes Theater not long ago. Given how much the live theater scene in New York has suffered during the economic downturn, I’m impressed with any new production that doesn’t have puppets, showstopping musical numbers, or movie stars in it.  “Next Fall” is particularly audacious since it explores issues of Christianity, sexual orientation, and the afterlife.

That said, “Next Fall,” written by Geoffrey Nauffts, is surprisingly entertaining and witty, along with thought-provoking and deep.

Read on for more of my thoughts on the play...  

Visiting the Traditional Marriage Support Center in MetaPlace

Virtual worlds draw folks from all sorts of religious, cultural and political backgrounds. And the more broad-based they become, the more diverse they'll be. As an example, today I found the "Traditional Marriage Support Center" in Metaplace, created by user HoneyBeeRose. 

The info desk helpfully defines "traditional marriage" as "a marriage between one man and one woman, as defined by God in scripture."  A slideshow displays various various Bible verses about marriage, and a picture helpfully shows a man and a woman kissing to help illustrate what traditional marriage looks like.

I was actually not aware that traditional marriage needed any particular support, since this is the only kind that is officially sanctioned by most governments of the world. I also have to wonder how HoneyBeeRose plans on supporting traditional marriage in her world.  Will their be regular support groups there?  Will there be debates between proponents of different kinds of marriage?  Perhaps there will be links to resources for people thinking about living in sin or fighting against gay marriage legislation.  We'll have to see.

Since anyone in Metaplace can create their own world, I suppose that doesn't prevent someone from creating a "Nontraditional Marriage Support Center" or a "Polygamy Support Center." Note that there is also the "MetaEquality Center" in Metaplace for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered folk to feel welcome.

Vigil for the people of Iran tomorrow in Second Life at 2pm and 7pm PST

Tomorrow, Thursday June 25, in Second Life there will be a candelight vigil on behalf of the people of Iran at 2PM PST and 7PM PST.  The location is the Roissy sim (click here to teleport directly.)

The demonstration today at the beautiful Al Andalus sim was very moving, with 30-some avatars holding candles, sharing their stories and feelings of solidarity with the Iranian people.  While the numbers can't compare to the levels of Twitter or YouTube activism, people's expressions of grief and anger and peace were more personal and collective than over these other media.