Anger: an emotion that often drives people to walk into a school, movie theater, place of business or nightclub, pull a trigger and kill innocents. Anger: an emotion linked negatively in Bible verses with sin, unrighteousness, the devil, slander and malice. Anger: an emotion to be avoided, tamed, tamped down. What about our own anger, […]
Present
Blog posts relating to the present such as social justice issues
SPLC on BLM: Important Distinctions When it comes to Hate Groups
Let’s look from another important angle at Black Lives Matter (BLM), their message and goals, and the recent murders of police officers in our nation. As I have done in the past, I turn for wisdom to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), whose work I have followed and supported for decades. Recently supporters received […]
“All Shall be Well”
It was over 600 years ago that Julian of Norwich had this amazing revelation – “All Shall be Well.” When we look around us, we can easily question the audaciousness of her vision’s hopefulness and serenity: how could all things possibly “be well” when we’re are surrounded by violence, savage acts of terrorism, mass murder, […]
Trinities: Historical Alternatives to “Father, Son and Holy Ghost”
The concept of God as Father resonates well with many religious Jews and Christians. The all-male Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit – is so ingrained for Christians that our faith without it seems somehow heretical or false. In recent years, however, the idea of God as Father, for many people whose human […]
Prayers for a Hurting World
I invite you to pray! Whether you believe in a supreme being or not, whether or not you are part of a religious group or congregation, you may feel the need to do something in these trying times. I’m prejudiced, but I believe that my Episcopal tradition offers a rich array of prayers for almost […]
News Stories that Don’t Go Far Enough
They stop short: journalists reporting stories about serious problems in the US, in even the most respected outlets, who often stop at the problem rather than explore possible solutions. Significantly, many possible solutions can be found in Europe and other advanced nations. While I greatly appreciate the depth and professionalism in which the journalists cover […]
World Happiness Reports: Reflections on an AARP Interview
Who are among the happiest people in the world? Is that important? How happy are we Americans? I have mentioned the World Happiness Reports in past posts on good government, socialisms, and the American workplace (#4), arguing in part that many other nations rank higher than the US on happiness. I’m raising the issue again […]
It’s Well Past Time: The Imperative Need to Address Gun Violence
Orlando, June 12, 2016… As I was preparing this blog post, we experienced the deadliest mass shooting in US history. Once again, we mourn, try to make sense of the senseless, debate and, hopefully, come together in solidarity. But we must face facts: violence in the US, especially violence involving firearms, is a serious problem, […]
The Place of the Religious Life in the 21st Century
Nuns and monks – perhaps not the first people who come to mind when you think of our modern culture. But quietly and steadfastly, many of these folks daily contribute to society from a standpoint of faith, spirituality and commitment. Here I want to highlight the lives of “my” sisters, the Episcopal order of the Society […]
A Break
I’m taking a break this week – which gives you, dear reader, a chance to catch up on the blogs you may have missed! 🙂 Ponder beauty, love and peace in the meantime! (Pictured here is a mosaic from the floor of the Octagon Basilica at Philippi, Greece.)