Immersed In Mystery: Devil's Tower or Place of Prayer?

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Devil's Tower or Place of Prayer?

Here is another picture featuring a unique geological formation with volcanic material appearing in hexagonal columns. This is the unfortunately named "Devil's Tower" located in north-eastern Wyoming. To the people of the Plains tribes this site was sacred, as evidenced by the many brightly colored pieces of cloth we found hanging in the trees around the base of the Tower: prayer cloths or prayer flags which are physical, symbolic representations of prayers put there by native people as part of their religious ceremonies. It seems that "Devil's Tower" was simply a bad translation of "Bear Lodge", but the white man's name stuck and now something sacred and awe-inspiring is known by a negative moniker.

Truth be told, I initially wanted to visit this site not for its beauty and wonder, but because it was featured in the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind". However after driving for more than three hours in the worst thunderstorm I have ever been caught in, then camping near the base of this looming rock formation, back-lit by lightning and announced by the distant rumbling of thunder as the storm moved on - I forgot the magic of Hollywood special effects and soaked in the fullness of nature's grandeur. I sensed great power, but not evil, that memorable evening. I tried taking pictures of the formation lit by lightning (at the request of my wife Beth who thought I was too stressed out from driving in the storm to be helpful in setting up camp), however the night pictures did not turn out. The next day my family and I walked around the base of this massive column of rock (which rises over 1200 feet above the near-by river) and that's when I noticed two things: the prayer flags and the huge hexagonal columns which make up the formation (actually the columns can be anywhere from 4 to 7 sided). The columns found on Staffa Island (see the previous post) are similar in nature, though much smaller.

Simply walking in this beautiful setting, exploring this geological wonder from all angles, and enjoying the closeness of my own family made this visit an encounter of a special kind, an encounter of spirit and fellowship. For me this was truly a time and place of prayer. (Photo taken by Dennis August 1, 2005)

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Books I've read recently

Font of Life: Ambrose, Augustine, & the Mystery of Baptism

by Garry Wills

Under the cathedral floor in Milan archeologists have uncovered the baptistry where Ambrose baptized the newly converted Augustine in the late 4th century. Having visited this site I was interested to read Garry Wills book which looks at the life, teachings and ecclesiastical careers of these two significant leaders of the early church. This book is filled with many insights into these two giants of faith, as well as how differences in theology and praxis has been around for a long time. Of particular interest was how Ambrose used portions of Hebrew scripture as metaphor or allegory relating to baptism and the gospel.

An Acceptable Time

by Madeleine L'Engle

The fifth and final book in the Time Quintet, this was a most enjoyable read, one that I had not read before - which turned into a problem when I couldn't put the book down as I got into the final chapters and stayed up far too late in order to finish the book (which had a satisfying and appropriate conclusion). I liked the inclusion of the Bishop Heron character, which allowed for specific theological reflection. I enjoyed how the grandparents do not believe the strange happenings with a time gate even though they themselves experienced strange events when they were younger - a nod to age and responsibility distracting us from mysteries that we don't like. I also was surprised to find 'ley lines' in the story and wondered if this is where Stephen R. Lawhead got the idea for his Bright Empires series.

Norwegian Wood: Chopping, Stacking, and Drying Wood the Scandinavian Way

by Lars Mytting

This book was a recommendation of a friend who shares a Norwegian heritage. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it, and how much I learned. Who knew there was so much to know about wood for heating homes?! Throughout the book I found myself longing for a home with a good wood stove in it (and access to forests) - maybe some day... until then I will have to content myself with the occasional wood felling and burning at the cabin.

Glory Season

by David Brin

An interesting premise for this sci-fi work, a world where women are in control and men are second rate citizens. The question in such a scenario is "would such a world be a better, more peaceful place?" Brin paints a highly detailed picture incorporating cloning, pastoralism and outside influence (in the form of a visitor from space). The conclusion seems to be that such a world would look more peaceful externally, but would still be fraught with inner tensions. It also makes a case for neither male nor female domination of the other, but of a partnership and valuing of each individual's strengths. Brin is the favourite author of a friend who recommended I give his books a try - I was glad to have read this one.

The Case for the Psalms: Why They Are Essential

by N.T. Wright

Though known as a New Testament scholar, N.T. Wright turns his considerable skills to look at the Book of Psalms resulting in some helpful insights and commentary. Wright uses the "mystery of space and place" as a set of lens to consider the importance of the Psalms - and I will need to re-read this book to more deeply understand these connections. What I found most enjoyable was the Afterword, a chapter called "My Life with the Psalms" where Wright gives poignant examples of how specific Psalms were meaningful to him in various circumstances of his life.

The Whistler

by John Grisham

A parishioner of mine thought I should read something other than religious books, that I needed to read something just for enjoyment, then she lent me this Grisham book. It certainly was an easy read (unlike the Kierkegaard book I'm trying to work my way through currently). The themes of greed, corruption and perseverance certainly resonated with truth from my perspective. The ending was almost too happy, the bad guys (and gals) got their due and the pursuers of justice got their rewards. I wish it worked out that way as nicely in real life.

To Heaven and Back: A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again

by Mary C. Neal, M.D.

This book contains far more than an account of this person's NDE, it also sets out the many ways in which Mary has experienced God's presence and guidance throughout her life. I found the story around her death, NDE and resuscitation while kayaking in Chile the most intriguing. Other parts were also interesting, though not as gripping. Many who experience NDEs say they believe they are still on earth because they have something they need to do or finish, Dr. Neal's reason was incredibly personal and painful. A faith story in more ways than one.

The Transmigration of Timothy Archer

by Philip K. Dick

Unlike any other PKD fiction I have read, not science fiction at all, instead it tells the story of an Episcopalian Bishop who was ultimately interested in finding the source material for the Gospels, which led to his untimely death in the desert of Israel. This novel is apparently a thinly veiled story about Bishop James Pike, whom Philip K. Dick considered a personal friend. This work explores many themes including faith, gate, destiny, sin – all set in California in the height of the cultural revolution that was the late sixties. It is hard to say whether PKD has any personal affinity for Christianity based on this book, but he certainly doesn't dismiss it outright either. It felt like an honest attempt to explain this man and the reason for the choices he made.

The Farthest Shore - Earthsea Cycle Volume 3

by Ursula K. Le Guin

Exploring the age old questions surrounding life, death and immortality, Le Guin weaves a fantastic tale with wizards, dragons, princes and incredible journeys. In a sense I understood this story to be a version of Genesis Chapter 3, with the fall of humanity being linked to our desire to be God, to achieve endless power and immortality on our own – and the devastation that such grasping reeks on the world and on human relations. What is interesting is that Le Guin tells such a tale of ultimate violence with little violence in the telling. In the end, much like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it is friendship and love that restores things to their rightful manner. An enjoyable read to be sure.

Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near-Death Experiences

by Jeffrey Long, M.D. with Paul Perry

Doctor Long has conducted the largest study of NDEs so far, and this book is a summary of his findings. Having read many other books about NDEs before there was not a lot of new information in this book for me, but having the information organized in a methodical manner was very helpful. Essentially what I learned from reading this book was that there is a high level of consistency between NDEs, in spite of the unique qualities of each one. This consistency spans age groups, cultures and religious beliefs (or lack thereof). This book would be a great introduction to someone wanting to learn about this fascinating subject.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Devil's Tower or Place of Prayer?

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