Only a few years ago, I would have blithely answered this question "No." Care for the natural world was not a priority of our governmental affairs work. Nor was it a priority in my personal and family life. What changed? I changed.

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Beyond all extensive philosophical and verbal discussions, let us believe that "need" and "question" would make human beings anxious and anguished.

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Pop Quiz. According to the Bible:

1. Did David slay Goliath?
2. Did Jesus stand for peace on earth?
3. Did God deliver the Israelites from slavery because He thought slavery was wrong?

There was a time when I would have answered “Yes” to all of the above.

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Strict observance of Lent was not a significant feature of my religious heritage. To be an Episcopalian in my Mississippi hometown a half-century ago was to be a member of a congregation of few members and low-church liturgy. Heavy thinking about religion was for Baptists and Catholics.

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Once more, let it be said:

Biblical scholars, historians, archaeologists all agree: Jewish religious
authorities did not execute Jesus.

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I am always asked if someone can be Jewish and Buddhist at the same time. And my answer is yes, but there are too many holidays.

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It does take a village to raise a child, but what if the village is in crisis?

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It was the summer of 1985. Stepping into my lakeside boat to start the engine as I had so many times before, a spark ignited gasoline fumes on the deck. In an instant, I was on fire.

With terrible burns over much of my body, life flickered like a candle in the wind. Very little mattered except the three things in my life that were really important—my family, my deeply held faith, and my ability to sustain those in my business who depended upon me.

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The silent, sinister effects of apathy invade our consciousness, growing in the shadows like corrosion gathering on a battery.

We fill out our lives, trying to remain as busy as possible, often in a futile attempt to avoid the emptiness of being stuck in a job, a role, a school, or even a relationship from which we want /need desperately to evolve. Many lack the courage to reposition themselves beyond where they are now. Choosing safety over satiety, we make so many concessions in life until we have anesthetized any hope of limitless thinking or living.

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This past July, Kevin Sullivan, the Washington Post London correspondent, went to Siberia, 2,000 miles from Moscow, to interview a man who claims to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. Sergei Torop, now called Vissarion, "he who gives new life", lives in a tiny new town built up around him which is named "Abode of Dawn" and is the spiritual leader of a new religion, Church of the Last Testament. He now has over 5,000 followers.

We thought it might be interesting to talk to this man. There were those who disagreed, arguing that it would be offensive to publicize someone who claims to be Jesus. How could he possibly be? Most Christians believe that Christ will return someday. How will we know if it is the real Christ? How do we know this man is not? We thought you might like to read Kevin's story, see Kevin's video, and then read Kevin's interview with Vissarion that follows.

--Sally Quinn

Q: Are you Jesus of Nazareth, and if so, is your presence here on earth proof of the second coming, which, in traditional understanding, is supposed to signal the end of times?
If not, that is, if you are not here to initiate the coming of the kingdom, then what are you here for?

A: My dear friends, you’ve touched upon a very complicated question to which, of course, I’m ready to answer. But every answer will inevitably arouse deeper and deeper questions. Because people’s traditional understanding has very little to do with the Truth and is very primitive and awkward. People could have such understanding in medieval times but now we must have a much more exact understanding. During such a significant period for all mankind it is important for many people to have a clear view on everything, which concerns the Truth of God.

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