Quotes & Sayings


We, and creation itself, actualize the possibilities of the God who sustains the world, towards becoming in the world in a fuller, more deeper way. - R.E. Slater

There is urgency in coming to see the world as a web of interrelated processes of which we are integral parts, so that all of our choices and actions have [consequential effects upon] the world around us. - Process Metaphysician Alfred North Whitehead

Kurt Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem says (i) all closed systems are unprovable within themselves and, that (ii) all open systems are rightly understood as incomplete. - R.E. Slater

The most true thing about you is what God has said to you in Christ, "You are My Beloved." - Tripp Fuller

The God among us is the God who refuses to be God without us, so great is God's Love. - Tripp Fuller

According to some Christian outlooks we were made for another world. Perhaps, rather, we were made for this world to recreate, reclaim, redeem, and renew unto God's future aspiration by the power of His Spirit. - R.E. Slater

Our eschatological ethos is to love. To stand with those who are oppressed. To stand against those who are oppressing. It is that simple. Love is our only calling and Christian Hope. - R.E. Slater

Secularization theory has been massively falsified. We don't live in an age of secularity. We live in an age of explosive, pervasive religiosity... an age of religious pluralism. - Peter L. Berger

Exploring the edge of life and faith in a post-everything world. - Todd Littleton

I don't need another reason to believe, your love is all around for me to see. – Anon

Thou art our need; and in giving us more of thyself thou givest us all. - Khalil Gibran, Prayer XXIII

Be careful what you pretend to be. You become what you pretend to be. - Kurt Vonnegut

Religious beliefs, far from being primary, are often shaped and adjusted by our social goals. - Jim Forest

We become who we are by what we believe and can justify. - R.E. Slater

People, even more than things, need to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. – Anon

Certainly, God's love has made fools of us all. - R.E. Slater

An apocalyptic Christian faith doesn't wait for Jesus to come, but for Jesus to become in our midst. - R.E. Slater

Christian belief in God begins with the cross and resurrection of Jesus, not with rational apologetics. - Eberhard Jüngel, Jürgen Moltmann

Our knowledge of God is through the 'I-Thou' encounter, not in finding God at the end of a syllogism or argument. There is a grave danger in any Christian treatment of God as an object. The God of Jesus Christ and Scripture is irreducibly subject and never made as an object, a force, a power, or a principle that can be manipulated. - Emil Brunner

“Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” means "I will be that who I have yet to become." - God (Ex 3.14) or, conversely, “I AM who I AM Becoming.”

Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. - Thomas Merton

The church is God's world-changing social experiment of bringing unlikes and differents to the Eucharist/Communion table to share life with one another as a new kind of family. When this happens, we show to the world what love, justice, peace, reconciliation, and life together is designed by God to be. The church is God's show-and-tell for the world to see how God wants us to live as a blended, global, polypluralistic family united with one will, by one Lord, and baptized by one Spirit. – Anon

The cross that is planted at the heart of the history of the world cannot be uprooted. - Jacques Ellul

The Unity in whose loving presence the universe unfolds is inside each person as a call to welcome the stranger, protect animals and the earth, respect the dignity of each person, think new thoughts, and help bring about ecological civilizations. - John Cobb & Farhan A. Shah

If you board the wrong train it is of no use running along the corridors of the train in the other direction. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

God's justice is restorative rather than punitive; His discipline is merciful rather than punishing; His power is made perfect in weakness; and His grace is sufficient for all. – Anon

Our little [biblical] systems have their day; they have their day and cease to be. They are but broken lights of Thee, and Thou, O God art more than they. - Alfred Lord Tennyson

We can’t control God; God is uncontrollable. God can’t control us; God’s love is uncontrolling! - Thomas Jay Oord

Life in perspective but always in process... as we are relational beings in process to one another, so life events are in process in relation to each event... as God is to Self, is to world, is to us... like Father, like sons and daughters, like events... life in process yet always in perspective. - R.E. Slater

To promote societal transition to sustainable ways of living and a global society founded on a shared ethical framework which includes respect and care for the community of life, ecological integrity, universal human rights, respect for diversity, economic justice, democracy, and a culture of peace. - The Earth Charter Mission Statement

Christian humanism is the belief that human freedom, individual conscience, and unencumbered rational inquiry are compatible with the practice of Christianity or even intrinsic in its doctrine. It represents a philosophical union of Christian faith and classical humanist principles. - Scott Postma

It is never wise to have a self-appointed religious institution determine a nation's moral code. The opportunities for moral compromise and failure are high; the moral codes and creeds assuredly racist, discriminatory, or subjectively and religiously defined; and the pronouncement of inhumanitarian political objectives quite predictable. - R.E. Slater

God's love must both center and define the Christian faith and all religious or human faiths seeking human and ecological balance in worlds of subtraction, harm, tragedy, and evil. - R.E. Slater

In Whitehead’s process ontology, we can think of the experiential ground of reality as an eternal pulse whereby what is objectively public in one moment becomes subjectively prehended in the next, and whereby the subject that emerges from its feelings then perishes into public expression as an object (or “superject”) aiming for novelty. There is a rhythm of Being between object and subject, not an ontological division. This rhythm powers the creative growth of the universe from one occasion of experience to the next. This is the Whiteheadian mantra: “The many become one and are increased by one.” - Matthew Segall

Without Love there is no Truth. And True Truth is always Loving. There is no dichotomy between these terms but only seamless integration. This is the premier centering focus of a Processual Theology of Love. - R.E. Slater

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Note: Generally I do not respond to commentary. I may read the comments but wish to reserve my time to write (or write from the comments I read). Instead, I'd like to see our community help one another and in the helping encourage and exhort each of us towards Christian love in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. - re slater

Saturday, October 22, 2022

A Complete Video History of Middle-earth - by Men of the West


Sometimes it's just easier to read Tolkien's books than to muck around through readings in Wikipedia, article reviews, story analyses, and videos long or short. However, we live in a sight-and-sound era which wants live-action rather than our own mental meta-imaginations and speculations. In my older age I'm becoming comfortable with both. First in using the readings, then the movies or Cable/Internet TV series, then whatever's left on the Internet to help me more fully reflect and consider all the elements on a subject I may not have thought about.

From the great tomes of the epics such as found in Greek and Roman literature; or from the ancient stories of the Bible with it's resultant theologies producing so many varieties of teachings and beliefs; or from the many expansive native American lores and tribal traditions; or even the many histories and religions found around the cultures of the world; we ofttimes need help in perceiving what we've read or watched.

Here, through a series of Tolkien posts, I have tried to assist both novice and learned by way of the Index linked below wherein are nested all of the collected posts I've created here at Relevancy22 towards understanding Tolkien's mythology. I have found it great fun even as I had when reading and exploring the books and games of the Worlds of Myst; or Colleen McCullough's masterful 7-part novel series on Rome's early Caesars.

Here is yet another series of helpful videos delving into Tolkien mythology by "Men of the West" - although this time I have made no effort to organize them as I did with "Nerd of the Rings'" series of videos. 

Enjoy!

R.E. Slater
October 22, 2022





A Complete Video History of Middle-earth
by Men of the West


The Order below is random. The last video in this listing
is actually the most recent along with a few middle listings.
Use "full listing" to concentrate on select areas of interest.



1NOW PLAYING




































Building Sustainable Futures Across Urban & Rural Geographies




Building Sustainable Futures
Across Urban & Rural Geographies

"We work together lest we work not at all."
- re slater

If I were to become active in political community projects again I would start off building upon the ideas related to me in the resources below. Since I live in West Michigan I have included several titles on the value and worth of water.

Overall, for those of you wishing to re-integrate a balance to human living-in-place -with-the-earth into what habitats are remaining I would suggest the cross-section of titles below for there wisdom and their holistic approaches. First, in terms of process thinking, next in city and urban governance, and then across all things green and blue (habit and water).

Blessings upon all who give voice in the spheres of influence. Do not give up.

R.E. Slater
October 22, 2022



Amazon link

What Is Ecological Civilization?: Crisis, Hope, and the Future of the Planet 
by Philip Clayton (Author), Wm. Andrew Schwartz (Author)


Amazon link

For The Common Good: Redirecting the Economy toward Community,
the Environment, and a Sustainable Future
by Herman E. Daly (Author), John B. Cobb Jr. (Author)


Amazon link

The Art of City Making, 1st Edition
by Charles Landry (Author)


Amazon link

Loving Water Across Religions: Contributions to
an Integral Water Ethic (Ecology and Justice)
by Elizabeth McAnally (Author)


Amazon link

Rivers Run Through Us: A Natural and Human History
of Great Rivers of North America
by Eric B. Taylor (Author), Mark Angelo (Foreword)


Amazon link

The Death and Life of the Great Lakes Kindle Edition
by Dan Egan (Author)


Amazon link

Limnology: Inland Water Ecosystems
by Jacob Kalff (Author), John Downing (Author)




Picturing the Great Lakes and Its Fragile Ecosystems


Great Lakes Fishing


A Look Out Over Lake Michigan


A Nor'easter on Lake Superior, April 8, 2007 : Iron Ore Ship the USS Herbert C. Jackson


Severe weather along the Straits of Mackinaw, June 11, 2017


Severe lightening along the Great Lakes


Massive ice balls along Lake Michigan


Five Magnificent Things About the Great Lakes | Canada Geese on Lake Ontario, Toronto


Niagara Falls near Toronto


The Winter Majesty of the Great Lakes



Amazon link

The Great Lakes―Erie, Huron, Michigan, Ontario, and Superior―hold 20 percent of the world’s supply of surface fresh water and provide sustenance, work, and recreation for tens of millions of Americans. But they are under threat as never before, and their problems are spreading across the continent. The Death and Life of the Great Lakes is prize-winning reporter Dan Egan’s compulsively readable portrait of an ecological catastrophe happening right before our eyes, blending the epic story of the lakes with an examination of the perils they face and the ways we can restore and preserve them for generations to come.

Kayaking the Inland Lakes of the Great Lakes


The Worth Of Water: A Great Lakes Story
2020 (Full Film) | Premiered Oct 16, 2020

The Worth of Water: A Great Lakes Story is a feature length documentary that follows the co-creators of Walk to Sustain Our Great Lakes, Julia Robson & Alyssa Armbruster, as they embark on their 343 mile walk from the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, WI to Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The two women interview political leaders, educators, activists and professionals to help bring a greater understanding of the issues these Great Lakes face, as well as highlighting the progress that has been made in restoring the lakes since the establishment of the Clean Water Act in 1972.

What’s so great about the Great Lakes?
Cheri Dobbs and Jennifer Gabrys
Jan 10, 2017 

View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/what-s-so-g... The North American Great Lakes — Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior — are so big that they border 8 states and contain 23 quadrillion liters of water. They span forest, grassland, and wetland habitats, supporting a region that’s home to 3,500 species. But how did such a vast and unique geological feature come to be? Cheri Dobbs and Jennifer Gabrys takes us all the way back to the Ice Age to find out.


Frankfort Lighthouse on Lake Michigan in Frankfort, Michigan


The Mystery of the Inland Waterway of Northern Michigan
Old Transportation Route
Nov 12, 2020

The inland waterway is a transportation route that spans almost from Lake Michigan to Huron, the 3000-year old history dates back when it was used by natives in order for them not have their journey cut short due how far away Macleay River would be.
➡️ Today you can take this scenic path and witness beautiful scenery such as forests on both sides while being surrounded by the vastness of nature.

This is the story of two adventure seekers: my son Noah and I.
➡️ We attempt to take the inland waterway from its western terminus in Conway Michigan to the lake here on our leaking Zodiac Killer boat.
It is a lonely time of year as the crisp air foreshadows winter when strong winds blow hard to pull a few days of rain into the region.
➡️ We wager that we can beat the downpour by cruising the 30 mile route to the safety of our warm Jeep parked at the mouth of the Sheboygan River and Lake Huron.
Join us as we practice our accents, joke about the sights, black the LAX and spend some father son time on another Great Lakes adventure.
📕 Book: The Inland Water Route [Paid Link]-https://amzn.to/3eVxDz7


Lake Michigan


Creation of the Great Lakes
How the Earth Was Made (S1, E7) | Full Episode | History
Jan 23, 2021

Join us as we highlight the trends that have defined us from the 1920s to now in History by the Decade - https://histv.co/ByTheDecade

The Great Lakes of North America are the largest expanse of fresh water on the planet. Searching for clues of their formation, our geologists delve deep into an underground salt mine, in Season 1, Episode 7, "Great Lakes." #HowtheEarthWasMade
Subscribe for more from How the Earth Was Made and other great HISTORY shows:

Watch more How the Earth Was Made on YouTube in this playlist:


Winter Ice Shards, Lake Michigan




No bodies of water compare to the Great Lakes. Superior is the largest lake on earth, and together all five contain a fifth of the world’s supply of standing fresh water. Their ten thousand miles of shoreline border eight states and a Canadian province and are longer than the entire Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States. Their surface area of 95,000 square miles is greater than New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island combined. People who have never visited them―who have never seen a squall roar across Superior or the horizon stretch unbroken across Michigan or Huron―have no idea how big they are. They are so vast that they dominate much of the geography, climate, and history of North America, affecting the lives of tens of millions of people.

The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas is the definitive book about the history, nature, and science of these remarkable lakes at the heart of North America. From the geological forces that formed them and the industrial atrocities that nearly destroyed them, to the greatest environmental success stories of our time, Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario are portrayed in all their complexity.

A Michigan native, Jerry Dennis also shares his memories of a lifetime on or near the lakes, including a six-week voyage as a crewmember on a tallmasted schooner. On his travels, he collected more stories of the lakes through the eyes of biologists, fishermen, sailors, and others he befriended while hiking the area’s beaches and islands.

Through storms and fog, on remote shores and city waterfronts, Dennis explores the five Great Lakes in all seasons and moods and discovers that they and their connecting waters―including the Erie Canal, the Hudson River, and the East Coast from New York to Maine―offer a surprising and bountiful view of America. The result is a meditation on nature and our place in the world, a discussion and cautionary tale about the future of water resources, and a celebration of a place that is both fragile and robust, diverse, rich in history and wildlife, often misunderstood, and worthy of our attention.


Most dangerous Great Lake: 23 people drowned in Lake Michigan so far in 2022. Swimming alert issued for Lake Michigan: 5-7 foot waves, dangerous currents.



Watch as big wind storm on Lake Michigan
develops over 24 hours
 Nov 12, 2015

The video begins with calm Lake Michigan at the Muskegon breakwater at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015.  Transitioned by a time-lapse of the clouds rolling inland, followed by heavy rain and wind at 1:00 a.m. Thursday morning.  At 7:45 a.m.


High waves up to 18 feet slam Lake Michigan shoreline
Sep 23, 2021


 Dangerous weather is forecast in Chicago along
Lake Michigan with high waves of up to 18 feet expected.