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TxZen
9-6-15, 8:45pm
Don't know if anyone ever posted these videos. There are 3 in the series.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yocVGSGNrBc

lessisbest
9-7-15, 10:18am
:thankyou: for sharing this. I watched all 3 videos and was not only enlightened, buy encouraged. A must-see. I hope others will watch it and pass it on to others.

Stacy
9-7-15, 3:51pm
Thanks for sharing these. I just got done watching the first one and loved it. A big take-away from it was how important it was to build a supportive community, which obviously the vicar had been doing all his life. It was interesting to see how his relationships strengthened once he was able to let go of his ego and accept help when it was offered.
On to Part 2!

Williamsmith
9-8-15, 6:45am
Appreciate the link also. Viewed the three part series.

My impressions were part 1 was about forsaking the use of money and reliance on non monetary methods in a monetary society. An experiment in self sufficiency and reliance on others.

Part 2 took a turn toward the difference between self reliance or self sufficiency and total reliance on the generousity of others. A walk/hitchhike journey to visit a simplicity guru some 240 miles away without making any provisions for food or shelter. All framed by an influence of St Francis of Assisi and his understanding of the nature of poverty.

Part 3 the vicars attempt to assimilate back into the community with a new found understanding of how humbling and utterly vulnerable poverty is and how it can be helpful for both the giver and the receiver.

If if you are not afraid to expose yourself to some thinking that is contrary to what you feel you believe, I think there is room for growth here. It certainly took me back to a time in my life when cynicism, skepticism, distrust and fear were abated by faith, peace, and simplicity. It might very well have made me a better person today and edged me along on my quest back to a time when I had much more hope for community.

Ultralight
9-8-15, 7:42am
Cool video series! How have I not seen these before? I will be watching them over the next couple days. :)

Williamsmith
9-8-15, 6:20pm
Ultraliteangler,

If you have not read St Francis of Assisi, this might be an eye opener.

On on a completely unrelated topic....have you fished with a Japanese Tenkara Rod?

Ultralight
9-8-15, 10:00pm
Ultraliteangler,

If you have not read St Francis of Assisi, this might be an eye opener.

On on a completely unrelated topic....have you fished with a Japanese Tenkara Rod?

Williamsmith:

Francis was my patron saint when my mom coerced me into confirmation. ;) haha

So I am familiar.

Tenkara rod? No... but now I am intrigued!

Ultralight
9-12-15, 11:11pm
I watched parts one and two! I am so, so totally moved. Part one was great. But part two had a major impact on me. TxZen, thank you for suggesting these shows!

Gardnr
9-13-15, 7:30am
I sat on my butt and watched all 3 yesterday. Thought provoking. I think I am mindful in my life. This is a whole new level.

Reminds me of last weekend. We went to our football game. As I round the corner headed up the last deck of stairs, something caught my eye. It was a $50. bill. I put my foot on it and looked around to see if anyone appeared to be searching for dropped $. Neither i nor DH saw anyone so I picked it up and on up to our seats we went.

The next morning we went out to breakfast. 3 police officers came in. I went to their table, placed it in the center and stated that I would like to buy their breakfast and Thank You! They appeared stunned and were speechless.

I could not keep what was not mine and paying it forward gave me great joy. I am certain I would feed a stranger who told me they were following St Francis' way. I do not know if I would let them sleep in my home but if I had a camper or outbuilding that would be totally cool as I observed in the show. I might be somewhat fearful as were the people in the show.

TxZen
9-13-15, 11:25am
What I enjoyed is this is a realistic approach to simple and mindful living. I love the struggles he had and showed the truth of his frustration.

Gardnr
9-13-15, 11:30am
I was most touched by how vulnerable he felt and even as a vicar, he struggled with asking for help. I think the desire and personal goal to be independent would make that tough to do.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 3hours I spent watching his series.

catherine
9-13-15, 2:16pm
I watched the second episode today and loved it. Very inspiring. Reminded me of Peace Pilgrim, who of course, made it her life's work to do exactly what he did as an experiment.

Looking forward to watching the 3rd episode.

kally
9-13-15, 3:06pm
I watched the first one, and it was super.

Ultralight
9-14-15, 7:09am
Even though I am an ardent atheist, I am so profoundly interested in the ways that some ancient religious figures (like St. Francis, Buddhas, maybe even Jesus) lived their lives. I try to live like that as best I can (though I am not giving up sex or loud music!).

I have noticed some resentment from some religious folks (Christians primarily) I am acquainted with about my lifestyle... They try to poke holes in it or find hypocrisy (both of which obviously exist, but they ignore the greater thrust of my lifestyle choices).

catherine
9-14-15, 7:34am
Even though I am an ardent atheist, I am so profoundly interested in the ways that some ancient religious figures (like St. Francis, Buddhas, maybe even Jesus) lived their lives. I try to live like that as best I can (though I am not giving up sex or loud music!).

I have noticed some resentment from some religious folks (Christians primarily) I am acquainted with about my lifestyle... They try to poke holes in it or find hypocrisy (both of which obviously exist, but they ignore the greater thrust of my lifestyle choices).

Yeah, I like Dave Ramsey's financial tools, but he definitely caters to the Bible Belt crowd, and it was funny following the comments and questions from his base a while back about his choice to build a ridiculously huge home in Nashville. Some questioned his choices, and of course he adeptly applied the "God wants us to prosper" line and then he would make fun of people who challenged the lifestyle.

Most Christians in this country prefer to believe in the prosperity gospel, defining prosperity as whatever fancy stuff you can buy. A former pastor of mine once actually took up time at the pulpit talking about how she prayed about getting an SUV, and then God told her to do it.

Then there are the Amish, Quakers and Mennonites who think, and live differently. So, don't let those other "Christians" bother you. They have had a lifetime of immersion in the consumer culture. Lip service to their tepid Christianity can't make a dent in the prevailing belief system of "more is better". And maybe some are jealous of your freedom.

Ultralight
9-14-15, 8:37am
Yeah, I like Dave Ramsey's financial tools, but he definitely caters to the Bible Belt crowd, and it was funny following the comments and questions from his base a while back about his choice to build a ridiculously huge home in Nashville. Some questioned his choices, and of course he adeptly applied the "God wants us to prosper" line and then he would make fun of people who challenged the lifestyle.

Most Christians in this country prefer to believe in the prosperity gospel, defining prosperity as whatever fancy stuff you can buy. A former pastor of mine once actually took up time at the pulpit talking about how she prayed about getting an SUV, and then God told her to do it.

Then there are the Amish, Quakers and Mennonites who think, and live differently. So, don't let those other "Christians" bother you. They have had a lifetime of immersion in the consumer culture. Lip service to their tepid Christianity can't make a dent in the prevailing belief system of "more is better". And maybe some are jealous of your freedom.

Funny how similar God and Dave Ramsey really are... according to Dave Ramsey! lol

Typical.

Okay. Okay. Okay. You're messing with me now. Your pastor and the SUV thing cannot be real.

I am an Amish sympathizer, though I have serious problems with parts of their lifestyle. I am not that familiar with Mennonites. But I do dig the Quakers. I was thinking of going to a Quaker meeting around here for an interesting cultural experience.

Tammy
9-14-15, 11:35am
I was raised Mennonite. It's a culture as much as a religion in northwest Ohio. Historically it's a simple living Mecca. But in the last few decades the Mennonites are increasingly living in McMansions like the rest of the USA.

Ultralight
9-14-15, 11:40am
I was raised Mennonite. It's a culture as much as a religion in northwest Ohio. Historically it's a simple living Mecca. But in the last few decades the Mennonites are increasingly living in McMansions like the rest of the USA.

Amish-lite?

awakenedsoul
9-14-15, 9:53pm
I just watched the first episode. I enjoyed it. Thanks for posting this. I have found a lot of community where I live. Most of us here live on less. His life without money seemed very difficult to me. All that work for very little in return. (Well, in my opinion.) I don't feel the need to go to the extreme that he did. I enjoy being able to buy food at the store and some of the other modern conveniences.

This show made me appreciate what I already have. After my surgery, I was amazed at how much help I received from friends, family, neighbors...even my pets! My dad came and stayed with me, neighbors stopped at the store for me and brought over ice when mine had melted, many people called and sent cards, etc. My brothers called and emailed, and I had lots of kind messages on line from people I've met on forums.

I'm going to watch the other two episodes. The scenery was beautiful. I did wonder about his wife and children, though. He mentioned something about a trust...

kally
9-14-15, 10:07pm
I just watched #2 and I loved it. That would be so difficult to do, ask for things and you can see how humbling it was for him. Thanks to whoever posted this.

freshstart
9-14-15, 10:26pm
All framed by an influence of St Francis of Assisi and his understanding of the nature of poverty.

Part 3 the vicars attempt to assimilate back into the community with a new found understanding of how humbling and utterly vulnerable poverty is and how it can be helpful for both the giver and the receiver.

If if you are not afraid to expose yourself to some thinking that is contrary to what you feel you believe, I think there is room for growth here. It certainly took me back to a time in my life when cynicism, skepticism, distrust and fear were abated by faith, peace, and simplicity. It might very well have made me a better person today and edged me along on my quest back to a time when I had much more hope for community.

Very well written, makes me want to watch and I had forgotten about this so glad it got bumped. St Francis is my go to Saint, looking forward to it

as an aside, when typing St Francis is my go to Saint, autocorrect changed it to "St Francis is my midget"! Good thing I caught that one!

ApatheticNoMore
9-14-15, 10:29pm
Then there are the Amish, Quakers and Mennonites who think, and live differently.

yea but so did a lot of really mainstream denominations like Methodists (just Wikipedia and see what I mean - very much about serving the poor and not prosperity even if not *extremely* ascetic). The prosperity gospel thing was really developed at a certain time when those denominations were weakening and things like evangelicalism on the rise in the U.S. I think. I had a grandfather with a theology degree I believe, when I heard the description of the church, I was like "oh my, a church run almost on anarchist governing principles", and a self identified socialist (truthfully probably more a Bernie Sanders "socialist", not necessarily going to run afoul of the committee of un-American activities). So I'll never believe Christianity is as described, all about prosperity gospel and stuff, not having been around such strict (too strict, way too strict) moralists, it was all self-sacrifice, all the time (too much so, too much).

Ultralight
9-15-15, 8:21am
Episode 2 resonated with me in so many ways.

The way I think about food was revolutionized. That scene where the vicar was chowing down on those Papadum (savory Indian rice/lentil wafers). He was hunched over just chomping and chomping. He kept saying: "I just need fuel. I haven't eaten much lately. I just need fuel!"

Powerful scene.

But there were other ones, like when Peter asked that stranger to buy him some food at McD's (set aside health issues related to McD's for the moment).
When Peter saw those french fries his eyes just lit up because of their fatty-salty-caloric content during his genuine hunger.

Now this is going to get a bit philosophical, but I noticed that Peter, when begging, did not take advantage of people's kindness. He got a few bananas, some rye bread, and cheddar at the store. And he was all set for the moment. Then he got his fries and soda another time. He picked up an apple on the way (but did not hoard a bunch even though it was a barrel of free ones).

The lesson I got from that was this: When you count on the charity of others, don't take advantage; don't overeat; don't be gluttonous.

So when one thinks of the generosity of nature, or farmworkers (who are ALL underpaid), or anything the earth provides us we should take only as much as we really, truly need.

As an American carrying around about 20 lbs. extra, I was deeply impacted by this reminder to "take only what is necessary," as Peter said in the video.


Above all, even as an ardent atheist I can say that I want to hang out with Peter Owen Jones! He seems like my kind of folks!

catherine
9-15-15, 8:41am
yea but so did a lot of really mainstream denominations like Methodists (just Wikipedia and see what I mean - very much about serving the poor and not prosperity even if not *extremely* ascetic). The prosperity gospel thing was really developed at a certain time when those denominations were weakening and things like evangelicalism on the rise in the U.S. I think. I had a grandfather with a theology degree I believe, when I heard the description of the church, I was like "oh my, a church run almost on anarchist governing principles", and a self identified socialist (truthfully probably more a Bernie Sanders "socialist", not necessarily going to run afoul of the committee of un-American activities). So I'll never believe Christianity is as described, all about prosperity gospel and stuff, not having been around such strict (too strict, way too strict) moralists, it was all self-sacrifice, all the time (too much so, too much).

I agree, really. Maybe I made a generalization here, but my observation is that if you polled run-of-the-mill Christians, the vast majority would NOT be thinking about discernment between what they truly need and what they want--and be willing to pull back the reins on what they want. Whatever you want is up for grabs: that's the essence of the American Dream, after all.

Now, there are many exemplary religious who "walk the walk" in any denomination. I think of Dorothy Day as a modern day saint. Her life and her readings are truly inspirational, and gave me an interest in Christian Anarchy.


So when one thinks of the generosity of nature, or farmworkers (who are ALL underpaid), or anything the earth provides us we should take only as much as we really, truly need.

Truly profound Aha. To act every day in faith.. what freedom is in that!! And to believe in the "kindness of strangers"..

UltraAngler/Jake: your post and your thoughts about people responding to opportunities to give made me think of a video that you might really like, because it ties in these ideas, but in a pretty non-secular way (from what I can remember). In other words, the video presents science backing evidence that we are NOT born to be competitive, but co-operative.

It was created by Tom Shadyac, the famous film director (Liar Liar, Ace Ventura, etc.). He had a "conversion" moment while recovering from a motorcycle accident. He sold all of his Hollywood stuff and now lives in a mobile home in Malibu (I'm sure it's a NICE mobile home, but still). He put all of his new passions about Life in this film called I AM. It's awesome. Check it out!

(He does have a Catholic background, but he seems to be humanist/secular now--even though his background probably influenced his current beliefs.)

http://www.iamthedoc.com/toms-profile/

Here's the trailer: you may have to pay for the film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vdk6mGevOqI

Ultralight
9-15-15, 8:50am
I agree, really. Maybe I made a generalization here, but my observation is that if you polled run-of-the-mill Christians, the vast majority would NOT be thinking about discernment between what they truly need and what they want--and be willing to pull back the reins on what they want. Whatever you want is up for grabs: that's the essence of the American Dream, after all.

Now, there are many exemplary religious who "walk the walk" in any denomination. I think of Dorothy Day as a modern day saint. Her life and her readings are truly inspirational, and gave me an interest in Christian Anarchy.



Truly profound Aha. To act every day in faith.. what freedom is in that!! And to believe in the "kindness of strangers"..

UltraAngler/Jake: your post and your thoughts about people responding to opportunities to give made me think of a video that you might really like, because it ties in these ideas, but in a pretty non-secular way (from what I can remember). In other words, the video presents science backing evidence that we are NOT born to be competitive, but co-operative.

It was created by Tom Shadyac, the famous film director (Liar Liar, Ace Ventura, etc.). He had a "conversion" moment while recovering from a motorcycle accident. He sold all of his Hollywood stuff and now lives in a mobile home in Malibu (I'm sure it's a NICE mobile home, but still). He put all of his new passions about Life in this film called I AM. It's awesome. Check it out!

(He does have a Catholic background, but he seems to be humanist/secular now--even though his background probably influenced his current beliefs.)

http://www.iamthedoc.com/toms-profile/

Here's the trailer: you may have to pay for the film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vdk6mGevOqI

I have seen I AM! It was pretty darned good overall. :)

catherine
9-15-15, 8:54am
I have seen I AM! It was pretty darned good overall. :)

I should have known!

Tiam
9-15-15, 11:18am
Don't know if anyone ever posted these videos. There are 3 in the series.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yocVGSGNrBc


Last night I watched episode one and loved it and am looking forward to the next episode.