Labyrinths – intricate structures of interconnecting passages through which it is difficult to find one’s way – have become popular focal points in the spiritual quests of people from many religious and non-religious persuasions. Labyrinths made of hedges outdoors or painted or etched on floors of churches can be found in more than 80 different countries […]
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Images of Mary in Christian Apocryphal Art
In previous posts (Trinities; When Early Christians Revered a Female Deity; Trials and Tribulations of Translating Scripture 2; and The Feminine/Androgynous Jesus), we have dealt to some extent with Mary, the mother of Jesus (also known in Christian tradition as the Virgin Mary or the Mother of God). We have seen that, although there is […]
Water Justice: A Report on Trinity Institute 2017
Trinity Church Wall Street: not an institution one might automatically think of in terms of social justice. But for the past 40 plus years, this historic Episcopal parish in Lower Manhattan has hosted Trinity Institute, an annual conference open to all that “presents emerging and inclusive theological and social perspectives and engages participants in inquiry, […]
Truth and Trump per Time
Kudos to Nancy Gibbs, reporter Michael Scherer and Time magazine for their superb treatment of President Donald Trump’s disturbing relationship with the truth and what that means for our nation. Gibbs in her “From the Editor” piece was clear and forthright: “Trump says a great many things that are demonstrably false.” She reminds us that […]
Barnicle, Sanders, Insurance and Health Care
On March 29, 2017, on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders was being interviewed on a range of current topics. When it came to veteran columnist Mike Barnicle’s turn, his question earned Sanders’ praise. The Senator remarked that this was one of the first times this question had been raised on TV. The question? […]
“Dismantling,” Conservative Philosophy and the Common Good
Steve Bannon at the White House is promising (threatening) to “dismantle the administrative state,” primarily referring to our national system of taxation, trade agreements, and regulations. The budget outline that President Trump has submitted appears to support that mission in many ways and shows how the mission might actually go beyond these basics. I believe, in […]
MSNBC Bashing Health Care Myths
Finally, a mainstream news source that is reporting on how the US compares with other developed nations vis-à-vis health care! Ali Velshi, relatively new to NBC News, has begun bashing long-time American myths about health care, and he promises to continue doing so. This is vitally important: we Americans need to know not only the problems […]
Gender Balance Here and Abroad
The Women’s March on Washington. Women’s History Month. International Women’s Day. A Day Without a Woman. There is currently a great deal going on by women and our allies in the quest for gender equality, rights and fairness in leadership roles, education, home, and work. This then is a good time to take stock of […]
The Devil and Us: Lessons from the Paranormal Evidence
The devil, also referred to as Satan, is featured several times in the Great Litany of the Church, which is sometimes spoken or chanted during Lent. Are these references to Satan pertinent to us in our time? If so, in what way? Is the devil a real being with potential to do great harm or […]
Welcoming Lent
In the Western Christian tradition, we are about to enter the season of Lent. This year, Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, takes place on March 1. Traditionally, Lent is the period of 40 days (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter, when Christians fast, contemplate their sins, repent and ask for forgiveness. Lent (a […]