Shadowgraphs is a column written from a progressive Christian perspective, based on a concept for an essay from Kierkegaard's work Either/Or.

Spring is come, schedules are tightening, and there is a certain something in the air.

Let's pause a moment, and think of God as the foundation for the rest of our passions and see how much everything is enhanced. Every moment can be enhanced through the continual remembrance of God, including the psychotically marvelous sensation of falling in love. Find a Bible (the older the translation, the better) and read the Song of Songs; it only takes a few minutes... Love is not a vice; it is a beautiful thing in the eyes of the Divine. I don't care what many of my Christian brothers say. Fornication and homosexuality are like so many old covenant laws and misinterpretations (things such as labor on the Sabbath and slavery). We must do what is right in our hearts. The gospel of Christ is a gospel of freedom. Let's never forget that.

My biggest concern with becoming a Christian was the apparent forfeiture of freedom involved. I've now discovered that this is not true. I am so much more free now that I made the commitment (it is a commitment, not salvation my friends). I am not free from the fires of 'Hell' any more than I am free from confinement in Heaven or the Garden of Eden. I am simply free (perhaps I should have chosen a topic I could more easily convey, am I right?)

Nonbelievers, find a Bible, read the Song of Songs, go out and love passionately! Do not concern yourselves with the laws and rules of the Pharisees and their modern-day counterparts the Phundamentalists!

Jesus lived a life of freedom even when nailed to the cross on Calvary. He was free to choose His suffering. On Calvary He suffered through choice and was relieved from suffering through choice. He did not agree with the laws of science, ergo, he walked on water and replenished bodies. He chose to go against the harsh edicts of the physical universe. He demonstrated that the way would be opened to the rest of us, forever and ever.

In everything, think God and be ecstatic, stretch your passions beyond your bodies and out into the dimmest reaches of outer space, if you must sin (if you even credit the word) sin passionately!

For if you are faithful, you will see that the experiences concerning your physical body (what is that anyway?) will cease to become physical experiences and become spiritual with physical undertones. One can experience the high of any drug through proper meditation and prayer, one can reach unheard of heights of joy and, and, and...

Again, I have overreached, I am afraid that what I mean cannot really be said--that is the nature of the Shadowgraph--my words mean nothing but the projection beyond them does.

But to attempt a summation: love, love, love, include God in that love, and in every minute expression of love, do not feel shame or anxiety--give yourself to it totally and you will find that everyone else will want in on it.

And if you still can't resolve a liberal interpretation of the scriptures with the blaring voice of conservative thumpers more interested in matter than substance, I challenge you to adopt the liberal view.