Update

Yes, I'm still planning to attend the Graduate Theological Union at Berkeley. No, it's not going to be Fall of '09. The economy is rough for many right now, and I seem to be among them. I have no doubt, though, that this too will pass and things will change. I have a vocation and a strong will.

I'm deferring enrollment for a year, to give us more time to gather our rosebuds while we may, before moving on to a larger garden. This is merely a delay.

Meantime, I'm looking for extra work as a freelance writer. Know of work? Please send it my way, and thanks!

If you care to follow my progress in a more relaxed, personal vein, pop on over to Musings of a Mystic Mess where you can follow (and rate!) me as this amazing journey continues. I'm also on Facebook, if you can handle both academics and web 2.0 technology.

Blessings,
Deborah

The letters are in; it's official

I've been accepted to the GTU at Berkeley for my MDiv. I've accepted. Hurray! It's an exciting and interesting time for me, and not a little scary. I've lived in the same area for 20 years, and moving seems like a real earth-shaker. The whole process has been fascinating. The Move is slated for June/July. It's going to be one hell of a summer. That's just fine; getting here was an adventure in itself. As the line form the movie Gandhi says, "It is just a trip. I have been on many trips." I know, beyond knowing, that I will be just as held and supported in this endeavor as I have been in other endeavors associated with my call.

Care to help? Any amount is wonderful, and you'll be generating some good karma (or maybe working through some old karma). It all goes towards tuition. Ever thought about donating to a cause that would help to get another voice for peace and justice in the world? Now's your chance! You get my deep gratitude and you get to rest in the knowledge that you've done one more small thing to make the world a better place.

Thank you!

Religious Literacy in Virtual Worlds

Compared to more conventional, traditional approaches to the study of religion and the establishment of viable, cohesive spiritual paths, I see myself as fringe. It may be true that the sweetest fruits are often those farthest out on the limb, but it can feel isolating being out there, with no other tenants on the branch.

Then I run into things like the video I've posted below and suddenly I feel much more accompanied on my wild ride. It's easy to see how religious literacy and virtual worlds are entwined in something like this. Becoming literate about a faith tradition is the very thing that may allow one to reclaim faith and establish a faith practice that includes all of what the individual deems significant.

Virtual realities can enhance religious literacy: here's an example.