romance (the embrace)

what i wrote about 'Romance after all' was, i think, an attempt to hint at something (or Something) that has more to do with the way of God than it does the way of a man with a woman (though God knows I believe the latter is a beautiful manifestation and echo of the former). and it was somewhat of a poetic attempt, probably unclear, probably for my own sake more than anything. still, if you haven't read it yet - do so, and if you have, perhaps do so again -- and then read the following selection from 'A Generous Orthodoxy' that, i feel, captures that which i was directing my hints toward:
'I am more and more convinced that Jesus didn't come merely to start another religion to compete in the marketplace of other religions. If anything, I believe he came to end standard competitive religion...by fulfilling it; I believe he came to open up something beyond religion - a new possibility, a realm, a domain, a territory of the spirit that welcomes everyone but requires everyone to think again and become like little children. It is not, like too many religions [even/especially Christianity often times], a place of fear and exclusion but a blace beyond fear and exlusion. It is a place where everyone can find a home in the embrace of God.'
That Something-beyond, that Embrace, that Possibility - that is Romance, as i understand it (and as i don't).



ps - today i finished 'A Generous Orthodoxy' by Brian McLaren (www.anewkindofchristian.com) - it's intense, it's superb, it's comforting, inspiring, challenging, encouraging --- started reading 'Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel' at the recommendation of my friend and a kindred spirit Paul Kind (www.paulkind.blogspot.com) and in preparation for the Trail ahead...