Christ Represented

Images, or representations, play a powerful roll in helping to educate.  There is the old saying that a picture is worth a 1,000 words.  The placement of cameras in public places, and on cell phones means that many things can be recorded.  Images also help us to recall past events, and that helps us form and remind us of memories.  A common image in Christian households this time of year may be a Nativity scene.  After all, while Christmas today is becoming more about Santa Claus, the day is reallly about the birth of Christ.  The word Christmas itself comes from Christ's Mass. As I noted in a post two weeks ago, Christmas was not set until after the Emperor Constantine had converted to Christianity; a few years later the Pope declared the date to be Decembert 25.  I recall, as a young child watching as my Mom setup the creche set, and later assisting her in the effort.  The Hummel pieces in the creche were not going to be left to the dropful hands of a young boy.  The creche figurines used in my house today was a wedding gift from my aunt and uncle.   I built the manger out of scaps of dimensional cedar lumber.

Creche set at my house.
Photo by author. 12/ 2015 

Christianity has no qualms about representation of Christ, the son of God, or the prophets or figures of the old or new testament.  Some religions, such as Islam, however, have a different view.  Images were used to help educate the populace.  The United Nations estimates that in the mid-19th century only about 20% of the world's adult population could read or write.  Today, the estimate is at 80%.  Think then, how few would be able to read and write in the early days of Christianity. Therefore, artwork, or images were developed to convey and teach.  Church artwork was to assist the populace in understanding religious events. That was the purpose of the stained glass windows in the Gothic Cathedrals of Europe.   Much of the highly thought of works of art from the Renaissance have a religious theme.  The Church of the Nativity, first constructed in 326 by St Helen, mother of the then Roman Emperor Constantine, was torn down and reconstructed in 530.  When the Ottomans took over control of Jerusalem in 614, it is said they did not destroy the church, as they did most others, because of paintings depicting the Three Wise Men.  Tradition holds that the Maji were from the east and depictions often show them in the dress of a Persian.  We don't know if Christ was born in a stable or a cave, although it was more likely the latter.  In the west, the depiction of a stable seems more common.

Interior of part of Church of the Nativity
Photo by author.  4/2013

The first record of a nativity scene has it being accomplished by Francis of Assissi in the Italian village of Grecio in 1223, nearly 800 years ago.  Having obtained the approval from Pope Honorious III, Francis set up a small scene with Mary, Joseph and the baby child in a cave in that Italian village.  He added an ox and a donkey.  While villagers gathered to gaze upon the depiction, Francis used the representation as a teaching moment, to talk about the story of the birth of Christ.  Over the next couple hundered years nativity scenes would become common--traditional--in European homes.  During that time frame,  shephards and the Maji were added to the representation.

Mosaic  tile floor below current floor in Church of the Nativity.
Mosaic floors were works of art and some often told a story.
Author photo, 4/2013

While the first nativity was not created until the 13th century, artwork or sculpture has been depicting the birth of Christ since before the rise of Constantine as Emperor, although such depictions were likely limited to the catacombs and the sarcophogi of Christians who had passed the bonds of earth.  The depiction of Christ's birth was, and is common, in Byzantine iconography.  Western artists would borrow some Byzantine techniques, but of course would do their own interpretations.  After all, art is meant not to just educate.  It is to inspire.  It is to provide reflection.  It is to challenge. Everyone can be an art critic.   Prior to the printing press, monks in medieval scriptoriums would copy works and duly decorate important writing with artwork, think the bible.

Column with artwork in Church of the Nativity
Author photo, 4/2013

The Saint John's Bible, the first handwritten bible in over 500 years to be commissoned by a Benedictine abbey, was completed a few years ago. The frontispiece for the Gospel of Luke contains a modern day interpretation of the birth of Christ. With the assistance of a work by Susan Sink, let us walk through the nativity scene frontispiece, which is shown below.

Nativity Frontispiece to Gospel of Luke, Saint John's Bible.
See source below.

The eye is first drawn to the gold shaft emanating from the manger.  This shaft of gold, at least to me, is a dissonance to the overall piece. It is abrupt, and it dominates the image.  While the Christ child is not visible, one knows simply of his presence by use of the gold, which is commonly used throughout that bible to represent the presence of the divine.  Gold angels to either side of the shaft form a cross of gold, hinting at the fate which awaits the child born to a mother and foster father.  What I find interesting is that the gold shaft looks like a person with their hands raised up, like the touchdown signal.  Notice the + symbol between the two "arms" which represents the star of Bethlehem.  To one side of the manger is Mary, who is the only person to be in colored garments, she gently leans to the manger and quietly gazes into the crib to see the face of God the son.  Behind Mary is one of the three Maji.  The opposite side the gaze into the make-shift crib is held by shepherds.  What is interesting in this piece is that the oldest shepherd is a women, not a man as most manger scenes depict.  It is thought that mainly women and children were the likely shepherds tending the flock.  Also of interest are the three animals guarding the entrance to the stable or cave.  The donkey and ram can easily be placed in a biblical context, as noted by Sink, yet the third large animal is an ox. Sink notes that the depiction of the ox is based on one of the Neolithic cave paintings at Lascaux, France.  (The cave paintings are estimated to be up to 20,000 years old.)  The movement of the ox, she says, reminds of the "Little Drummer Boy." where the ox and lamb kept time."  Yet, she also notes that the four evangelists are represented in many medieval manuscripts by a symbol--in the caes of Luke it is an ox.  To me, the ox also represents the first nativity scene created by St. Francis.  The manger, Sink notes, almost looks like a book, and she attributes that to its having been drawn in "reverse perspective" style, which is a common technique in Byzantine Icons. The use of some Byzantine style makes me think of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem which marks the site of birth of Christ.

Cover of Gospels and Acts of the St. John's Bible
From Google images.

What is powerful about the image is how it connects.  It connects to early humans by imaging an ox original to a Neolithic painting.  It connects to our  present day culture by the ox keeping time, as in the "Little Drummer Boy."  It connects to the Byzantine Church of the Nativity by marking the location of the birth of Christ.  Such is the power of the represenations of the Nativity.  This is the power of art.  Yet, there is more.  While the gold draws the eye, and at the same disrupts our view of this work of art, it also directs the eye to the large-sized letters done in gold at the bottom rendered over varied colors.  These words harken, as noted by Susan Sink, to Zechariah (the father of John the Baptist in presaging John's preaching) when he says, "By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in the darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:78-79).

Location of birth of Christ
Photo by author,  4/2013

The work by Donald Jackson in the Luke frontispiece of the Saint John's Bible, is one representation of Christ. In our mind many of us will have our own view of Christ. Our represenation is derived from our experiences, our culture and our prayer life. For some, the image is ever changing as one experiences new facets in life.  The irony of the Nativity is that its power is in the humble essence of that moment. Christ was not born among the powerful, rather he was born to ordinary persons from a small town, and born well south of his hometown.  He was not even born in a building, but a cave with animals around. He was even to be a refugee due to the slaughter of the innocents. One commentator abbreviated Pope Francis' remarks on the Nativity saying "Christ uses humility and love to save the world, not impressive force or a magic wand."   Christmas is not just about Christ coming to us, but we being brought closer to Christ.  In so doing, it should also bring us closer to each other. As we celebrate Christmas this year, perhaps this post will add to your mental picture of Christ. Artwork of the Nativity informs, and reminds us of the birth of Christ, but in the end its meaning is much more.

Merry Christmas!

Sources:  

Image of Nativity scene found at:  http://archive.artsmia.org/illuminating-the-word/selected-pages.cfm

Sink, Susan.  2013. The Art of the Saint John's Bible.   A Saint John's Bible Book. Liturgical Press, Order of Saint Benedict, Collegeville, MN.

The Order of Saint Benedict, Collegeville, MN.  2005 Gospels and Acts, The Saint John's Bible. Liturgical Press



  

Drums of War, Drums of Peace

 This morning’s newspaper, the “Wisconsin State Journal” listed television specials that would be available over the next week. In scanning the list, I took note of some that I have never seen, such as “Santa Run Over by a Reindeer” among those that are now customary.  One has been made note of this year as it is celebrating its 50th season which involves the hapless boy and his wondrous dog—“A Charlie Brown’s Christmas”. Some will be on for at least the second time within the month. It is not unusual for a television special to be adapted from a popular songs, such is the case with the former. Indicative of how times have changed, one such television special that was made out of a popular song is not now in the listing. As a child it was my mother’s favorite Christmas television special, one she would make a point of wanting to watch. “The Little Drummer Boy” was adapted from a song first written in 1941, and first recorded by the Trapp Family singers in the mid-1950’s. Originally known as Carole of the Drum, it was retitled and popularized by Harry Simeon in a group called the Harry Simeon Chorale, in 1958. The television special premiered in 1968. It was a different time from today. The older baby boomers, who are now retired, would be just graduating from high school, and the largest year of the baby boom cohort would not even have reached teenage years. The large child cohort likely added to the popularity in the creation of the childhood-based television specials.

From television special, Little Drummer Boy
Source:  Google Images

It is not like Little Drummer Boy is not still popular. While it has been parodied, it is nonetheless being sung by groups more popular to the current millennial and X generations—with names such as Pentatonix. Even Justin Bieber has sung this tune. Yet, the original television special has fallen out of date. It may be its marionette style characters within a cartoon background, or it could be that its scenes of the Three Kings and a nativity scene are not as in vogue as they were in a more religious time. One popular takeoff of the song was in a Bing Crosby Christmas special, in the year that he passed, where he sang The Little Drummer Boy while David Bowie sang a tune particularly written for the occasion Peace on Earth. The story goes that Bowie only appeared on the show because his mother liked Bing Crosby. However, because he despised The Little Drummer Boy, song writers developed the words to be sung in accompaniment. That arrangement is now known as “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy.”

Little Drummer Boy
Source:Google images

The two stories in that arrangement go well together. And the stories continue to have meaning in the world today. The Middle East is awash with strife. ISIS is ruling significant parts of Syria and Iraq, not to mention its attacks in the west. Christians are being forced to convert, be killed, or made to pay gold in accord with Islamic tradition. Muslims kill Muslims. In Israel, settlements continue on Palestinian land holdings, and more and more Christian Palestinians are forced out of a homeland they have known for over 2000 years and a land that gave birth to Christianity. But, the hate expands beyond the Middle East. Hindus are killing Christians in India, and in Africa Boko Harem, a group aligned with ISIS, continues to terrorize and kidnap Christians. Christians are being harassed by the Chinese government, well beyond church crosses being removed by the authorities. The drums of war, led by jihadists, are enveloping the world.

Israeli Settlement on land confiscated from Palestinians
Near  Bethlehem
Source: 2013 photo by author

In the television special of “The Little Drummer Boy,” a boy is orphaned when thieves kill his parents and torch his house. He escapes, but yet the event he experienced leads to his being misanthropic. Aaron become a refugee in the chaotic world of the Middle East during a time of a Roman census. What Aaron experienced in that Christmas special is similar to the actions taking place in the Middle East in current time. ISIS executes and enslaves not only Christians, but even Muslims.  There is one main difference, few children escape the capture of ISIS and instead are sold into slavery or made, against their will, to become soldiers in their jihad. ISIS is one of the main reasons for the Syrian refugee crisis. Aaron, with carnival troupe in which he hooked with in the desert, would come across the three Magi as they travel to Bethlehem to see the Christ child. While performing with the inept performers in Jerusalem, Aaron lets out a tirade of hate. He does not see kindness and caring, and if he did his hardened heart and soul would not fully recognize those actions. After the Paris attacks, and the thought-to-be lone wolf attack in San Bernardino, refugees from the Mid-East are facing a hardened heart of other nations concerned with the risk if not a terrorist entering, then the potential for radicalization once on their soil.

Steeple of the Church of the Nativity
Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine
Source:  2013 photo by author

Aaron’s pet sheep is run over by a Roman charioteer as they attempt to reunite with a camel sold against Aaron’s wishes to the Magi. Knowing of their intellect and power Aaron assumes the kings can heal his pet sheep. But, the kind king bends down and tells Aaron only one other can heal his pet and points to the babe lying in a manger. Aaron possessed little. He had no gold, frankincense or myrrh. But, he did have a talent of playing his drum.  So that is what he does. The light of Christ shines on Aaron and Babaa. His heart and soul softens upon seeing that baby boy lying in a manger. Christ brought peace to Aaron’s heart. Near the end of their Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy rendition both Crosby and Bowie together sing:

Every child must be made aware
Every child must be made to care
Care enough for his fellow man
To give all the love that he can

Manger Square with Church of the Nativity
Bethlehem
Source: 2013 photo by author

The story of The Little Drummer Boy is about an orphaned refugee  of Middle-Eastern descent trying to find his place in what he views as a cruel and sinister world, but in the end it is about the gift of his kindness in sharing his talent by playing his drum.  But, more importantly, it is about the gift the light of Christ which leads to Aaron’s redemption. The mercy of God, in this Holy Year of Mercy. The world could still learn from the parable of The Little Drummer Boy. My mom would be disappointed that the show no longer plays. She would be disheartened about the strife in the world.  But, she would also have hope for days of glory brought on by the drums of peace.

O Christmas Tree

I have some fond memories are of putting up and decorating our Christmas tree.  I still recall, even over 35 years after her death, my mom being the one to put up the last ornament on the tree.  It was her favorite ornament--a peach.  I also recall some overly large blue spruce trees.  One was over eight feet high in a room with a ceiling just over seven feet.  That tree made innumberable pricks in my hands from putting on the lights.  Some memories are not so fond; we all have our own struggles over Christmas tree lights.  The Christmas tree is one recognized symbol of the Christmas season, and it is becoming one of the more controversial symbols as well. Its origns, however, predate the rise of Christianity.   Some have taken to calling them Holiday trees. Two years ago I wrote a post about Christmas cookies, and today turn attention to Christmas Trees.

Hovel Family Christmas Tree, about 1960
 A true traditional Hovel tree, as wide as it is tall

While the controversy over what is more "green" a real tree or an artificial (fake) tree still goes on, the new controversy is whether or not such trees should continued to be allowed in the public square.  An alderperson in a New Jersey community resigned after that community's Christmas tree lighting ceremony.  The mayor of the community noted that what ever one calls it, it is still a Christmas tree.  Our increasing secular culture desires to remove aspects or symbols with religious undertones, even resorting to euphemism.  Yet, a tree continues to be installed in Capitol buildings, in city halls and other public buildings.  There is even one on the lawn of the White House.  Is a Christmas tree a recognition of a religion?  Many different persons will have a different interpretation of that aspect.  As the nation becomes less and less religious will we find this symbol of Christmas fading away?Or, will remain and be repurposed.  Some non-Christians put of a tree at this tiime of year.  Some nones have made a sitcom-created idea part of their holiday celebration.  Christmas is big money in the nation, but it represents a gathering of family and friends for those who practice Christianity, for those who are agnostic, or those who are among the inceasing "Nones."  December 25, is becoming less about the day in which the birth of Christ is celebrated and more about celebration.  What is being celebrated?  That is left to the individual.

Hovel family tree, about 1983

The continuing controversy over Christmas, and its symbols, including the Christmas tree is part of an overall cultural revolution.  Christmas is celebrated on December 25, not because it is known as the actual day of the birth of Christ, but because the Roman Emporer Constantine celebrated it in about 336 AD.  This point in the year was also the Roman festival of Saturnalia.  A few years later Pope Julius I proclaimed that date as the celebratory date of Christ's birth.  This time of the year was chosen to coincide, not unlike All Saints day, with a pagan festival celebrations.  At about this same time of year, Dec 21 or 22, the winter solstice occurs and this feast was celebrated by pagan and druids as recognizing the death of the sun and their prayer for the sun to return.  The celestrial body we know as the sun, that medium sized star, plays an important role in our life on earth, and hence it was an important aspect of pagan celebrations.  One can think of the Eygptian sun god, Ra.  It is possible that Constantine and Julius had their own reasons for setting the date.  After all, Jesus was refugee of Jewish heritage born in Bethlehem, and December is the month of the Jewish Hanukkah celebration.

Our tree for 2015, after being set in the stand

Christians took to celebrating their religious holidays in relation to pagan feast days.  Christmas was no different.  In the same manner the Christmas tree has its roots in pre-Christian times.  Evergreen branches were brought into German homes during the solstice and were decorated with apples.  Winter in the latitude of Germany, and points north, means very short days, and one has to think that evergreen branches gave some semblance of life and hope for the future.  The Germans continued this custom as they embraced Christianity.  It became only a short leap for them to start bringing in a tree to further define and enhance this custom.  However, one report has the first Christmas Tree having been put up in Riga, Latvia 505 years ago.  Whereever the first tree appeared today we still recognize it more as an import from Germany.  Christmas trees took on a more widespread custom thanks to the Queen of England who had her husband, who was of German heritage, decorate a tree for their children to recognize the custom of his homeland.  Just as we have Anglophiles in this nation who follow Kate, followed Diana, and their children, so too this act spurred a whole industry of Christmas trees.  Well to do would try to out do the other with their decoration on the Christmas trees.  At first candles were used, and than an associate of Thomas Edison would devleop the first lights for the Christmas tree in 1882.  It did not take long for well decorated glass ornaments to make their way from Germany to other countries.

A Christmas Swag I handcraft every year with all natural materials
Branches cut from the tree, dried home-grown flowers and pine cones

A new industry has spawned, and it was more than just electic lights.  Christmas tree farms started to be established at the end of the 19th century.  It would only take a few decades for the first fake tree to come about.  I have a certain disdain for fake trees and my hope is that I can continue to put up a real tree for many years to come.  I have often referred to fake trees as oversized toilet brushes.  Much to my amazement, in doing reserach for this post, I found that the first fake Christmas tree was made by the Addis Brush Company, a company known for their toilet brushes.  So, yes, fake trees evolved from an oversized green colored toilet brush.  In some locations real trees are discouraged by insurance companies as fire risk.  Just as they limit wall, door and ceiling decorations in schools, so to fake trees.  After many years of having placed a real tree in its Great Hall, one university this year succumb to continued constant pressure from its insurance provider to use a fake tree.  To get to the size of the real tree, it has to be one massive toilet brush.

2015 Decorated Christmas Tree

One Christmas tree association, affiliated I am almost sure with the fake tree side, say their studies show that 79% of households in the US will put up a Christmas tree, and of that number 80% will be fake trees.  At work this week I did my own, nonscientific poll.  Survey says...of the 51 persons asked if they put up a tree in their home will it be real or fake, 25 said real, 22 said fake and 4 will not put up a tree.  Perhaps my place of work tends to be more associated with homeowners, and able bodied workers who have the capability to put up a real tree.  Showing a continued evolution in the industry, of those who put up a real tree, 12 have or will put up a frasier fir, with the next highest being Balsam at three.  Four did not know what type of tree they put up.  One new tree entering popularity is the Canaan, which combines the smell of the balsam and the less needle drop of the frasier.

Upclose Photo of the Tree

The Germanic tradition of Christmas trees endures.  Some call it a Christmas tree, others a holiday tree, and while it seems to have become yet another controversial symbol, it is nontheless part of our common culture. It is a custom handed down from its original pagan roots of evergreen boughs, rebadged with a tree for Christmas.  I know not what the future holds for the Christmas tree.  Yet, through all the years since the first pagans placed boughs in their dwelling one aspect, whether literal or figurative, comes through from the pagan celebrations, Jewish Hanukkah, to Christianity--light.  the early pagans saw the sun as having died and celebrated its new birth.  Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights.  In a similar way we Christians celebrate the birth of the savior during the dark days of winter in the northern hemisphere.  He turns darkness to light.  The candles we light,the lights we put up to decorate our home and tree all are to show that light can overcome darkness. Symbols are important to our cultural celebrations, and in the formation of our memories. The Christmas tree is a symbol of light over darkness, and a symbol of hope.  Traditions, symbols and the memories formed, become part of our culture.  These traditions remind us of our past and help form our future. In any event, without a Christmas tree where would Santa put the toys for good little girls and boys?

Images from author, and family archives

High Sea

 Two of the most famous shipwrecks most easily recalled by most in the US are the Titanic and the Edmund Fitzgerald. Both occurred under different circumstances, and in different bodies of water-- one in the Atlantic, and the other in Lake Superior. Many bodies of water are homes to lives and ships lost due to actions of other persons, or acts of nature. Even with all of our modern weather technology ships still sink. The sinking this past fall of the El Faro, which was lost during a hurricane in the Atlantic is proof of that point. Ships may face other fates, such as mutiny, but by and large sinking today is usually due to weather. Yet, there is a lesser known ship that saw a different fate, and what occurred is still being debated today. The ship did not sink, but its crew and passengers were nowhere to be found.

Photo of the Mary Celeste

It was on or about this date in 1872 that Dei Gratia, a ship sailing under the British flag, found an American brig erratically moving about the Atlantic, about 400 miles east of the Azores. (I say “on or about this date” since some reports has it being Dec 4, and others Dec 5.) The Dei Gratia noticed that the ship was the Mary Celeste. The Captain of the Dei Gratia, David Morehouse, found it odd since the Celeste had departed New York City on November 7, or eight days before his departure and should have reached its port in Genoa, Italy. Morehouse made preparations to alter course and move to the Celeste in order to offer assistance. The boarding party would come across an eerie scene. The lifeboat was missing, but all provisions were intact—a six month supply. The pumps for the ship were disassembled, but there was about three to four feet of water at the bottom of the ship. The sails were slightly damaged. The cargo of the ship was over 1700 barrels of industrial alcohol, but the cargo was found relatively undisturbed. An odd sight, but the ship was still able to sail.

Captain Briggs

What was not present were people. The boat had been occupied by the Captain, Benjamin Briggs, his wife and their two year old daughter with a crew of seven. The ships last log entry occurred at 5 am on November 25 with the ship placed about 500 miles west of where it was located by the Dei Gratia. The ship was taken to Gibralter, and a British admiralty court hearing was convened to determine disposition of the cargo. A three month investigation, however, delayed the cargo disposition since thoughts of mutiny or bad crew actors had led to the fate of the ship and its crew. Lack of hard facts led to a wide variety of theories—mutiny, pirates, and even sea monsters, were all within the minds of those who heard about the fate of the crew. It may have been more understandable if the ship had sunk, but the ship was found in generally sound condition with no crew. The winds of fate had pushed it east roughly following its intended course to Genoa. However, not unlike the Edmund Fitzgerald or the Titanic, the Mary Celeste would obtain some level of fame. Titanic has a movie, the Fitzgerald a song. Yet, the Mary Celeste had a documentary film (partly funded by Smithsonian).  However, the real conjecture over the story started with the publication in Britain of an article titled “J Habakuk Jephson’s Statement” in Cornhill Magazine, written by one of the great detective writers—Arthur Conan Doyle. This piece led to a 1935 film with the famous actor Bela Lugosi The magazine story even led the Attorney General, who had competed the original investigation, to reopen the case, proving, not unlike Dan Brown novels, that fiction produces fact in the minds of some.

Poster of the 1935 Movie

A few months after its location east of the Azores, a Boston Post article indicated that Pirates had killed those aboard the ship and then abandoned the ship. The article points to a splatter of blood on the sword of Captain Briggs. This seemed counter to the original investigation and is hard to square with the fact that the provisions were left untouched, and the bulk of the cargo intact. The documentary film threw ice water upon the portrayal of a maniac sailor as portrayed by Lugosi.  The Lugosi character is thought to be based on two brothers who arrived on teh ship with few personal belongings, but the reason they had few provisions was not due to their idea of taking over the ship, but because they had lost their gear in a previous voyage. Yes, a few barrels of the alcohol were disturbed, but those had been contained in red oak, not white oak, and red oak is thought to have a higher leakage rate. The pumps may have been torn apart in order to get them to function. A previous voyage hauled coal, and the thought is coal dust affected the pumps ability to function—meaning they had to be cleaned to function correctly. In the end, the thought is that in rough seas they could not tell how high the water was in the cargo deck and with their last known position it is thought land, the Azore island of Santa Maria, was in sight, the group abandoned ship. Why they did not take more provisions or some of the charts and navigation equipment is not known. They likely thought the conditions on board were worse than they actually were. The ship is thought to have been off course by about 120 miles, probably due to broken equipment. The Captain knew he should have spotted land three days earlier than he had. In the end, the Captain and his family, and the crew were never located. Maybe, they found some small uninhabited island, not unlike the Minnow with the Skipper, Gilligan, Mary Ann Ginger the Professor, and the Howell’s. More likely, the life boat went down in rough seas.

Chart of the Route of the Mary Celeste

The curious case of the Mary Celeste shows the dangers of life on the high seas. This ship did not meet a watery grave.  Nor was there clear evidence of piracy or mutiny.  The answers to the fate of the those aboard likely rests at the bottom of Atlantic.  And, the ghost ship sailed the high seas.

Images from Google Images

Priorities

Americans have become a populace driven by sound bites, desire for instant gratification, and an impatience only increased by the connected age in which we now live.  Thanksgiving a unique United States holiday.  It recognizes a meal between pilgrim settlers and Native Americans. Yet, this American holiday is undergoing a fundamental change in the way it is celebrated. Its changing status says a slew about our common national priorities. The day is becoming more and more about the start of the Christmas shopping season than about spending time with family and friends.  Although, people at work say you can have it both ways, the males stay home and watch football, and the females go out shopping.  Have these attributes become so commonplace ther are now inherent in our DNA?

Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate with family and friends and to give thanks for what we have been given. Yet it should be more than our thanks for the material goods, or our financial well-being. Having sufficient resources to purchase required goods is important. After all, few make the clothes they wear, the food they eat or the shelter in which they live. Specialization is a product of civilization. Yet, this special American holiday is being transformed.  Our common culture continually changes, and Thanksgiving presents just one case.

The day after Thanksgiving became known as Black Friday, because that is said to be the day of the year in which stores begin to actually make a profit. The Friday after Thanksgiving is, or was, the champion shopping day for the year. The term Black Friday, however, is thought to have begun as a derisive term from the 1950’s or early 1960’s and was used by police in Philadelphia in dealing with large amount of shoppers. At that time, many workers called in sick in order to get Friday off work, and that likely led to the four day long holiday for many corporations and businesses—at least non-retail. The kids were off school, and the parents wanted to be home.  The day before Thanksgiving is also the peak travel time of the year. It beats out Christmas, likely because Christmas travel is spread over more days. Time off of work led to more shoppers, which led to retail success in one day, this led to competition to start even earlier than a normal retail time of 9 or 10 am. It did not take a genius to figure out the next move—stores opening on Thanksgiving.  At some point in the past generation it seems this has become a reality. Some stores such as drug, gas stations, and grocery stores have long been open on Thanksgiving, but clothing, electronic retailers and the like were closed. In the past several years the stores began opening on Thanksgiving in the mid to late evening, but now that has turned to afternoon. Gordmann's advertises a 2 pm opening.  Perhaps next year it will be noon. Retailers would not be open, however, if there was not such a demand.  At some point, if trends continue, perhaps stores will be open all day on Thanksgiving. And, if it ultimately replaces Black Friday as the choice shopping day of the year, it would be with a certain irony, as Black Thursday in American history is associated with the large stock market drop in 1928 which is what helped precipitate the Great Depression.

Consumer culture has helped drive American growth. In a past blog, I wrote about how this affects both our built and social environments.  Our purchase of plastic toys from China, or clothes from Malaysia help drive the economy.  Although, not as much as when we bought toys or clothes made in the United States. The economic principle of the multiplier effect would grant more money to the US economy when the added value of goods occurs in the United States. In that sense, the nation help support itself. The Wisconsin farmer who bought overalls made in the mills of South Carolina helped the factory and cotton workers in the US, and the merchants in all those local communities. Likewise, a car made by GM in Janesville, helped not only the GM worker, but the local suppliers that provided parts to GM, and others who would benefit by their spending. Spending is important to the economy, but so too is strong support. Workers are often the strength of a business and a happy worker is likely a more productive worker. When a business decides to require their workers to work a shift on Thanksgiving in the hopes of increased sales they may negatively affect their personnel who may actually prefer time with their family than being forced to work on a national holiday. The large retailers may have an upper hand over the local merchant who chooses to stay home with his or her family.

Times in our nation have changed as we have moved from downtowns with many local merchants to power centers and big boxes dominated by national chains. The nation is often considered to have been settled by persons with a strong individualistic streak. The thinking goes that the democratic-capitalist system best supports those who support themselves. Yet, Alexis de Tocqueville commented in his seminal work Democracy in America about the importance of social groups to the development of the United States.  These societies or groups offered support to members. Local grange and farm groups would offer support to local farmers.  Church groups would offer support in non-rural areas. Sewing and quilting circles have been rebadged as scrapbook and stamping groups.  While the sense of individualism runs strong in the nation, the paradox is that in a good many cases the ability to draw on support from family, local clubs and societies helped to make the individual successful. Community and family support was essential to success for many persons.

The Pilgrims are often thought to be the first to set the theme of individualism for the nation. However, these early settlers were dependent upon their group, and ulitmately the sharing from the Indians during that first Thanksgiving celebration. While Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for what we have, it is also about thanking those who have supported us. Support is manifested in a variety of ways. It is accomplished when one offers prayers for another. It is accomplished when a person is there to listen. It is there when encouragement or advice is provided. It is also there in promoting success for a family member or friend. It is also present when giving monetarily to a cause in which you believe. A few examples can be used to indicate the importance of support. Some persons create non-profit charities to help gain a tax advantage, while some are created out of pure genorisity to assist others. The Triumph Fund, created to assist with advancing cancer treatment and cures at the Medical College of Wisconsin, is an example of the latter. Family members who passed away in the past few years due to cancer benefitted by prayers—their cancer may not have been healed, but they both enjoyed a level of travel even with a debilitating disease.  Also important is the way their struggles helped benefit the healthy. Yet, support does not always have to be about such heavy matters.  It is in a level of commitment to encourage success for an individual. This was shown by family support to one young member who came up with a recommendation for a beer.  That beer would have to earn first among many submitted types to be commercially produced. His idea was so supported by family members, and friends that his beer was not only successful in becoming the top beer, but it had one of the largest differentials between first and second place beer for the MobCraft Brewery. Support and care is what Thanksgiving is all about.

We should be thankful for what we have been given, but also for the support and care provided to us. Yet, I think it also then demands us to be use our talents and gifts to support others. There is always someone in need of support. In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus is noted as saying that whenever you do to the least of my brothers you have done unto me. Thanksgiving is not about the kickoff to the Packer-Bear game, or the kickoff to the Christmas shopping season, or Black Friday, or even Cyber Monday.  It is a day in which we should reflect on what we have done to help and care for others, and to thank those who have supported and cared for us.  Fr. Eric Hollis, OSB concluded a recent blog post by saying: “God creates us all to be gifts to one another.”  What a wonderful definition of humanity.  That is what being human is all about.  Thanksgiving is a reminder that as much as our action may be due to our individual talents, there were others who provided support, care and encouragement. But, also remember to enrich yourself by providing care and support to others in need.  As the consumer culture starts to take over yet another holiday, let us recall what is of importance, and that it is practiced on a regular basis. And if you do go shopping on Thanksgiving, please remember the workers who are there serving you and perhaps would rather be watching the Packers at Lambeau Field, if not having pumpkin pie with their family.

Images found through Google Images

Of Men and Martyrdom

This past Friday Islamic extremists showered bullets into cafés and nightclubs, and let off suicide bombs. The attacks occurred in six different locations in Paris. Friday the 13th is recognized by some as being a day of the devil and/or horror; think of the horror movie of the same name. Horror and the work of the devil were certainly at play in Paris that Friday evening. If the suicide bombers obtained martyrdom, hopefully it is not in the place they desired to reach. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), or its amended name, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have been destroying people of long-standing history in the region simply because they are not Muslim. One can think of the Aramaic Christians that have been killed, raped, forced to convert, or from which gold, yes it has to be gold, has been extorted. There is also the Yazidi’s and the Kurds. The day before the attacks in Paris, suicide bombers struck Beirut, Lebanon killing of over 40 persons, and over 200 injured. On October 31 a Russian airliner dropped from the sky—chard piece by chard piece -- due a bomb planted by ISIS. From January to June of this year there were eleven different attacks, each on a different day in which at least 100 persons were killed in each attack. From 2013 to 2014 deaths from terrorism increased by over 80% (18,111 to 32658). Over 51% of the deaths are attributable to ISIS and its recent affiliate in Nigeria—Boko Harem. Few probably recall the kidnapping of a couple hundred Nigerian Christian school girls at the hands of Boko Harem. Islamic terrorists are not an advent of the 21st century, but 21st century technology and communications allow a global reach. Eleven Americans, since January, have been arrested on charges of attempting aid and abet ISIS.

Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

The acts in Paris were caused by Muslims from France, Belgium and at least one recent immigrant. The Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP) believes that 25,000 to 35,000 foreign fighters from over 100 countries have been involved in ISIS brutality in Syria. This includes some of those who undertook the Paris attacks. Some were on nationwide watch lists, but technology allowed their chatter to go undetected. Iraq was said to have issued a warning to governments of both France and the United States. The IEP notes that “the significant increase in terrorist activity has meant that its ramifications are being felt more widely throughout the world.” Westerners may not have liked what occurred at Charlie Hebdo, but there was a certain logic of retaliation for an “observed” wrong. The recent attacks to “soft” targets show that ISIS not only wants retaliation, but to spread havoc and murder. If they thought the attacks would lead to appeasement and the pull out of French involvement in Syria, they were wrong. The day following the Paris bombings the US government noted that such attacks were not likely to occur on US soil due to the fewer numbers of US citizens or residents who have been involved with ISIS. This is the same government where the President on the day of the Paris attacks had said that ISIS was contained. Some writers have argued that he meant geographically contained, but bombs and bullets in Paris show extension beyond Syria and Iraq—not exactly geographic containment. Time will tell if ISIS makes good on its pledge to attack the United States.

Paris attacks

This post could go on to quote a myriad of statistics about the increase in terrorism, related deaths and its costs. But, that would be to little avail. A conflict by regional groups to unseat the dictator Assad in Syria led to a power vacuum eagerly seized by ISIS. Regionally affiliated moderates desiring to defeat Assad have been overshadowed or joined with ISIS. US supplies to assist the Assad insurgents are now assisting ISIS.  The Islamic extremists are waging jihad on a variety of fronts. Of interest are comments by Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na’im, a Muslim and a Sharia law scholar. He wrote, on Nov. 16, that “the historical truth is that ISIS leaders and supporters can and do draw on a wealth of scriptural and historical sources to justify their actions.” He goes on to say that “traditional interpretations of Sharia, or Islamic law, approved aggressive jihad to propagate Islam. They permitted the killing of captive enemy men. They allowed jihadis to enslave women and children, as ISIS did with the Yazidi women in Syria.” According to An-Na’im Islam not only has a historical basis, it also has no one leading authority to alter or amend Sharia doctrine. While this grants a certain level of local and individual control to the religion, the downside, as he notes is that “any Muslim can make any claim about Sharia if he or she can persuade a critical mass of Muslims to accept it.” Therefore, Islam is ripe for radical interpretation of Sharia law. A new interpretation of Sharia principles may be necessary, as well as those who look to the more peaceful aspects of Islam to make their voices known. This local nature also allows the horrors to be perpetrated to a greater extent as ISIS continues to add to past precedents by providing a level of brutality once thought to have been issued to the dustbin of history hundreds of years ago. Or course, ISIS has taken brutality to a whole new level.  What is right to one group or person is not necessarily right for another group or person. In his comments on the Paris attacks, Pope Francis called such actions taken in the name of God blasphemy. Blasphemy--a word that would at one time struck fear into a person’s heart, but in our secular world is rather disregarded. The Pope also referred to earlier attacks in the name of God as sacrilege.

 

The Monastery

There are, unfortunately, times of when doing of good were silenced due to the actions of terrorists. One particular example is extremely telling. In 1948 the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, otherwise known as Trappists, established a monastery in the hills outside Tibhirine, Algeria. For years these monks tended to the needs of the Muslim population. They prayed with them, they traded with them, they tended to their medical needs and their material welfare as best they could. They were an integral part of the community. As one commentator has noted—“the monks do not have a mission to evangelize, only that of offering a witness of love and prayer.” As one would expect, they lived a simple life with manual labor to grow food and trade for other essentials, study, and of course pray. However, in the 1990’s Algeria was in the midst of conflict, not unlike the internal civil in the Mideast today. In 1996 nine monks were present at the Monastery of Notre Dame of Atlas in Tibhirine, Algeria.  All of French nationality. In the early morning hours of March 27 over 20 militants stormed the monastery and captured all but two monks.  Terrorists, going by the name the Armed Islamic Group, took responsibility for the capture of the monks. The monks knew they should probably not stay.  After all, they knew of actions perpetrated against other Christians in the region. In fact, Christians were asked to leave the country. Yet, the relationship, and service, they had with the village outweighed their own safety. In the end, the seven were murdered, likely in a most horrifying manner. In staying the seven found martyrdom. On May 31, 1996 their heads were found. The other portions of their human remains are known but to the perpetrators and God. No other body parts have ever been located. Their story is told in the highly regarded movie “Of Gods and Men,” and in the book, The Monks of Tibhirine.

 

The Monks of Notre Dame of Atlas Monastery in Tibhirine, Algeria

The monks lived in harmony, and friendship, with the Muslim villagers of the small village of Tibhirine. There was an appreciation of the faith the other observed. The attacks in Paris once again show the dark side of humanity. While the seven monks at the Monastery of Notre Dame of Atlasa became martyrs, their love and service to others was the most telling aspect of their desire to stay in a country in turmoil. In 2010 Cardinal Angelo Scola wrote of the authentic witness he saw in the Tibhirine monks who provided more than a good example.  Scola wrote that he saw a “primary value standing above any other form of knowledge and communication.“ Martyrdom, he writes is a “grace that God concedes to the helpless and that no one can demand, it is an insuperable act of unity and mercy.   It is the defeat of any eclipse of God, it is His return in fullness through His children’s offer of their lives. This self-surrender defeats evil, even the so-called “unjustifiable” evil, because it restores unity even with its perpetrator."  Forgiveness and mercy due to the grace of God

Grave marker of the prior at the monastery
Dom Christian de Chergé

The terrorists who carried out such horrific acts in France may think of themselves as having achieved martyrdom, but if the definition of martyrdom is that as noted by Cardinal Scola, the terrorists were not martyrs but plain and simple evil beings who committed murder. The memories of the seven monks are a tribute to what good can do in the world.  The souls of the seven serve as a tribute to service, work. love and prayer.  Yet, the demise of the seven is a reminder of evil perpetrated in the world. The activities of a few in Paris are also a reminder to us. The challenge in our world today is to allow the good to blossom and thrive, and evil to subside. To be open to the former, hearts have to change.  

 

Pipe or Tank

Last year in August my spouse and I took a trip along the Mississippi River from La Crosse north to Prescott, WI. As we stopped or passed through the varied small Wisconsin river towns we became indirectly acquainted with the fracking movement in North Dakota, and the tar sands production of petroleum in western Canada. Our acquaintance was through the number of trains, with multiple engines pulling long lines of tanker cars. Movement by rail is one option for moving the crude oil of the north to the refineries in other locations. The other alternate is the use of pipelines. The proposed Keystone XL pipeline, proposed by TransCanada Corp., which recently was denied approval by President Obama, was planned to haul Canadian crude of the tar sands south into the United States to Nebraska and points south. Pipeline companies have faced issues with faults in their lines, leading to environmental damage, but transport of petroleum products by rail also poses significant risk. The former was a concern of the Dane County Board of Adjustment in desiring insurance to cover costs for a proposed Enbridge pipeline through northeast Dane County, while the latter was shown in two separate derailment incidents in the span of two days in Wisconsin.

Engine of a tanker train, north of Alma, WI
Aug 2014 photo by author

We all use energy, and for the developed world, the top source is fossil fuels.  Oil, coal and natural gas heat our homes, fuel our cars, and produces our electricity.  The price of gas at the pump is relatively low compared to the past several years.  There are different explanations as to why there is a seemingly surplus of oil on the market that has caused the reduction in prices.  One reason for the increase in supply is due to oil production in both the United States and Canada.  While much of the U.S. was in the economic doldrums, North Dakota was booming, mainly due to fracking and directional boring which has the capability of retrieving oil from deep widely dispersed deposits. North Dakota is home to the Bakken formation, which stretches into Canada.  National Geographic, in 2013, reported that "when the frenzy ends, perhaps 20 years from now, as many as 14 billion barrels of high-quality crude may have been removed." To the north, Canada also benefits from the Bakken formation, but the province of Alberta also contains tar sands--from which petroleum products are derived.  Crude from the Bakken formation is dangerous--it contains a higher level of gas than usual and as a result has a lower flash point.  It is an explosion waiting to happen.  Another problem is that only recently has the federal government started to require an upgrade to rail tankers which have thin walls as many were built for the purpose of not hauling crude, but hauling corn syrup.

Keystone XL Pipeline phases

To transport large amounts of oil, from both Bakken formation and the tar sands, a large Canadian company had proposed a 36" pipe which would haul 860,000 barrels of crude a day from Alberta to Montana, into South Dakota and then to Steele City, NE.  The Keystone route would be a second pipeline running diagonally from Hardisty, Alberta to Steele City.  A current pipeline runs east from Hardisty then turns south near Winnepeg and then along the eastern parts of the Dakotas and into Nebraska to Steele City.  Ultimately, the pipeline ends in eastern Texas, home of many a refinery.  President Obama's denial of federal approval for the Keystone pipeline was, at least in sound bytes, based on climate change and that the route would simply continue reliance on fossil fuels.  While, I too am concerned about the use of fossil fuels and climate change, it is rather naive to think that denial of one pipeline will put an end to our fossil fuel based economy.  In fact, other alternatives have been in progress and are being planned to the controversial Keystone route.

Alma, WI derailment, November 2015

While the Keystone route has been in the permitting stage since Obama took office, other methods exist or are being planned in lieu of the Keystone pipeline.  Are railways used to haul petro products from the tar sands?  Representative Frank Hornstein of Minneapolis has said of this possibility "that has been a talking point for pipeline advocates.  It is not based on reality."  Contrary to what Representative Hornstein has said, the facts show otherwise.  A report from Canada says that Canadian Pacific (CP) and other railways in North America "have seen a sharp rise in demand for crude oil shipments amid an increase in oil production and persistent lack of pipeline capacity."  The news report goes on to say that hauling of oil rose 29% in 2014--$500 million--or 7% of total sales.  CP expected to haul 140,000 tank cars of crude in 2014.  CP is a common carrier and has to carry what it asked to carry.  In 2014 the CP Board of Directors questioned the hauling of hazardous products.  A derailment of crude is certainly bad publicity for the rail line.  Yet, with lack of pipeline capacity it is hauling crude oil.

Crude Oil Tankers

Just this weekend, within a two day span there were two train derailments in Wisconsin, one of ethanol a couple miles north of the small Wisconsin river town Alma in which 32 cars tipped over some spilling into the Mississippi River; the other, of 13 cars which occurred in Watertown, WI, carried Bakken crude oil.  It ultimately spilled some 1,000 gallons of heavy crude. At least it did not blow up.  The same trains pass through Minneapolis and St. Paul--a potential catastrophe. So, yes, railways are used to haul crude oil. Trains are getting longer too.  The Wisconsin Railroad Commissioner has noted that it used to be that a one mile train was long, today a two mile train is considered long.  Could you keep your patience while waiting for a two mile long train to pass? Some argue that it is more cost effective for crude to be transported through pipeline, but energy economist, Julie Carey, has noted that rail has some upsides that bring it closer to pipeline transportation costs.  Rail is quicker to market, has more end points in the distribution system, it does not need to be diluted, and railways haul two ways--one can haul dilution material north, and haul the crude product back south.

Watertown, WI  Crude Oil Train Derailment
November 2015

Beyond the railway options there are other pipelines looking to take up the slack of the Keystone route.  Let me touch on two.  The first is a route that currently contains four pipelines and runs from Superior south to Delavan, and further south into Illinois.  The crude will get to Superior from a pipeline in northern Minnesota.  One of these lines hauls a diluting agent north to the tar sand area from Chicago (the dilution agent is added to thin the tar sand crude so it can travel in the pipeline).  One handles a heavy crude, a third a lighter crude, and a fourth carries a heavy tar sand crude.  This last route is being upgraded with larger pumps to increase its pumping capacity, and will carry 1.2 million barrels a day.  The Keystone XL line disapproved by the President, would carry 860,000 barrels a day.  The owner of this route is currently doing survey work in a desire to construct a fifth heavy tar sand line that will handle 800,000 barrels a day.

Keystone Alternatives
The green route goes through the Great Bear Rain forest

Canada's desire for converting the tar sands to a heavy crude is shared by both conservative and liberal parties.  Newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau expressed disappointment with President Obama's decision.  Canada's desire leads to the second tar sand route under discussion, and partly approved.  This route, known as the Northern Gateway, runs through the Great Bear Rain Forest, a highly ecologically sensitive area which runs near the Canadian west coast.  The route being planned through this location would take the tar sand crude though the mountains, through the Great Bear Rain Forest to a port in British Columbia where it would then be able to be shipped to China.  As in the US, China too has an oil fix.  The route through the Great Bear Rain Forest has been termed a "Pipeline through Paradise" by National Geographic.  Canada's tar sands are second only to Saudi Arabia in known oil reserves.  Canada knows it has black gold--and it is doing what it can to get it to the major economies that are oil hogs. Not only is the area ecologically sensitive, but it is home to many native tribes, First Nation's.  Some have opposed the pipeline, some have signed on. Yet showing the power of oil, some tribes have suggested funding their own pipeline route to benefit the tribe.  Perhaps better than a casino cash, but is it not selling their soul?

Detail of the route through the Great Bear Rain Forest

It is rather naive to think that one of the largest deposits of oil on earth will go unused. Yes, tar sand oil is so dense it sinks in water.  Yes, it is more costly to extract.  However, even as the price of crude on the market has dropped, tar sand crude oil has increased shipments!  The companies involved in the Bakken and tar sands are playing a game with Arab conglomerates of the Mid-East to see who can underwrite what to keep their oil flowing.  Good for the consumer, bad for the earth.  For some reason people think that they have a right to use all of the earths natural resources, and future generations be damned.  Technology has saved us before, the thinking goes, it will save us again.  We transport the crude by rail, which threatens our cities, and waterways.  There have been three derailments this year in the Mississippi flyway which is a significant tundra and trumpeter swan migration route.  The most recent, an ethanol derailment, occurred during the peak fall migration season.  What is interesting about ethanol is that it cannot be piped below grade as it would suck the water out of the soil.  As a people we need to make choices.  But they need to be made in terms of facts and the good of the globe.  Keystone may have been a good decision, but it only puts further pressure on railway use, alternative pipeline routes (as Enbridge, another Canadian company, is exploring in Minnesota and Wisconsin), and the establishment of the route through paradise.  In any event, our thirst for oil has consequences. We want our oil, but complain when a pipeline bursts, or a tanker derails. Apparently we find the risks acceptable--at least until a major event occurs.

Tar Sand Location Relative Keystone and Northern Gateway Routes

It will take more than a lost pipeline to affect a national appetite for fossil fuels.  A reduction in our crude oil dependence  will require a change in our methods of approach, the form of our built environment, ways of travel, some of the commonly accepted measures of success, and our national values.  Individual choices, however, can make a dent in overall consumption.  This is best shown in that miles traveled by auto have tended to hold steady, or perhaps slightly increase, since the recession started several years ago.  However, I am sure when my spouse and I take our next trip along the Mississippi the long runs of trains tugging tanker cars of oil will once again be a common sight.  I just would not want to have to wait at a crossing for a two mile train.