If I were a rich MAN

DEAR FAMILY,
Remember Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof? "If I were a rich man, I'd have time...To sit in the synagogue and pray, ... And I'd discuss the Holy Books with the learned men, several hours every day, THAT WOULD BE THE SWEETEST THING OF ALL!"

This blog (THE GOSPEL ACCORDING to THE PUNKAMAN) is my attempt to mimic Tevye's wishes, and I hope to briefly blog about my reading and profound thoughts along with a score of good references that I have come across in my studies, thinking and prayers. As Michael recently said when he visited us, commenting accurately about my health: "Good grief dad, about the only thing you still have that is still working is your mind." [this is a paraphrase].

As a premise let me say that I think LOVE is the most important thing in the world. I accept the notion found in the Epistles of John and elsewhere in the Scriptures and other worthwhile books that God The Father intimated love as he engaged and extended himself to the intelligences which were self-existence with him. His invitation to become part of his family---developing and evolving thru spiritual birth, childhood and eventually physical birth and mortality is the essence of love matched only by the Atonement.

The Atonement's primary roles of love are offered by Jehovah and Elohim; however, many had important roles to play on both sides of the veil. I believe spousal love, parenthood and sibling love being very significant.

On this foundation are the concepts highlighted by Sir Arthur Henry King, especially found in his book (ARM THE CHILDREN) in the chapter: "God's Healing Wholeness" page 331ff. The words, healing, whole and holy are etymologically akin. Furthermore, we need to understand the relationship of the old English "again bit of inwit" and forgiveness have an etymologically relationship to "Atonement." And so it is, we must "bit of inwit" which is understood has humility, repentance as we "bite ourselves" for doing wrong and we "forgive ourselves and others."

Finally, Dr. King says (on page 335), "Since we believe in soul, and since we believe that the fundamental and final task of the soul is to learn to love and learn to love more widely, deeply intensely. and highly, the word love must cover the whole gamut."" (Bold print is mine) So the Gospel according to the Punkaman is LEARN TO LOVE AND LOVE TO LEARN.

I hope this blog will help us all to do just that. I welcome your questions and your comments. All responses will be appreciated.. love forever, dad