We're very grateful to all of the wise ones who have graciously shared their answers here. Note that these theologians and transformational leaders are not affiliated with JesusSangha.com, and their participation here does not represent an endorsement of any of the other views expressed on this site, which may differ from their own. More Q&A will be posted from time to time...

QUESTION - FINDING TIME TO MEDITATE

QUESTION:I hardly have time to tackle it all, how can I ask myself to add one more thing, even if it's supposed to be good for me?
ANSWER:If you were driving along and noticed that your windshield is so covered with dirt you can hardly see through it, would you consider pulling over for a moment to clear it off? Would you think that might be a good idea? Well, meditation is a little like taking time out to clear off your windshield. Jesus teaches us to love our neighbor as ourselves. How to love ourselves? Well, when you love someone, you pay attention to them, and meditation is a way of paying gentle attention to ourselves, of checking in with how we are doing. When we practice meditation, the rest of our journey goes more smoothly, because our perspective shifs... little things no longer bother us as much as before. Not everyone is affected in the same way, but experiments have demonstrated positive results, and now researchers can state with confidence that meditation produces the following benefits: deep relaxation; reduced stress and anxiety; improved task focus; improved immune function; greater self confidence. People who practice this sort of prayerful meditation can learn the habit of going deep within themselves, where they will encounter a reflection of the image of God. May meditation be a pleasant, life enhancing experience for you. God bless.
—Brother Camillus Chavez, PhD, FSC, Saint Mary's College of California

QUESTION - WHY BOTHER TRYING

QUESTION:Why bother trying, after all I’m a mess and I’ve done so much damage…why would God love or care about me after all I’ve done, anyway God never listens to anyone’s prayers, there’s no such thing as miracles, that’s make believe.
ANSWER: I’d like you to meet people who have experienced problems like yours and are now enjoying a better life, so you can see what sort of everyday miracles happen all the time and could happen for you, you’re ready and willing. For example, we follow a mentorship model, pairing mentors who were where you may be—sick or suffering or damaged—so now you can see that hope is possible for you, too, to become successful with a happier lifestyle. At www.pyhit.com we follow an “each one teach one” philosophy, offering respect and helping you build your confidence that you, too can be a winner. Our winners are called “wounded healers” because they are able to lead by example. —Father Peter Young, Peter Young Housing Industries & Training pyhit.com

QUESTION - CAN WE REALLY LOVE A HATED ENEMY?

QUESTION:I know Jesus says love our enemies but I just can't go there. Isn't it impossible?
ANSWER:Homies always say to me when they begin to work with 'enemies:' "I will work with him, but I'm not gonna talk to him." This stance can't sustain itself--because you cannot demonize someone you know. Impossible. Jesus says, "Love your enemies" not because it's the harder thing (the harder thing is, after all, just the harder thing). He told us to love our enemies because this is a stance most resembling the spacious heart of God. So if we love and know that "love never fails," nothing can touch us. Ever. —Gregory Boyle, SJ, Homeboy Industries

QUESTION - SITE PURPOSE

QUESTION:What is the purpose of this site? What is the intention? Are you attempting to convert people or just teach a bit of the history of Christ? The whole thing is suspect. I don't believe a word of it. I hardly believe in Christ anyway. I know he was "huge" historically but in no way do I believe he was divine. To me, that concept is absurd. Nothing in/on your site has done anything to convince me to believe in God. For simple minded people it might work but do you really believe in the divine? I hate the concept of getting on the Christ Bandwagon. Honestly, your site does nothing to make me feel more "spiritual" and you make a lot of assumptions. Maybe the site is not for atheists. I guess I just see religion as something that dictators, despots, kings, queens, sultans, presidents and princes have used to justify the killing of others. I think religion has killed far more people than it has ever saved."
ANSWER:Boy, there are a lot of questions and issues in this one! You ask 'What is the purpose of this site - its intention - are you trying to convert people?' But I wonder if you would ask this question if the website were about Beethoven. I think you would just assume that the webmasters see value and beauty in Beethoven and want to share that with others. I think you would assume that the owners of the site thought Beethoven's music would enhance and ennoble our lives. I suppose a person could say that a Beethoven website was trying to 'convert' people to his music, but mostly they would just trust that the site owners see intrinsic value in Beethoven's music. But sadly, so much bad religion has formed around the name 'Jesus' that this person immediately jumps to thinking about proselytizing, overly-literal forms of Christianity. Also, your question betrays a basic confusion of many Americans make, they think of religion as a set of beliefs rather than a way of life. And so you immediately think this website is about 'convincing people to believe in God.' Actually Christianity has very little to do with 'believing in God,' but everything to do with seeking a truly authentic and peaceful existence for all beings. Or as Terry Eagleton puts it: 'Christian faith, as I understand it, is not primarily a matter of signing on for the proposition that there exists a Supreme Being, but the kind of commitment made manifest by a human being at the end of his tether, foundering in darkness, pain and bewilderment, who nevertheless remains faithful to the promise of a transformative love.' —Rev. Dr. James Keck, First Plymouth Congregational Church, Lincoln

Ask, and it shall be answered