Tag Archives: African Americans
Dominating Power
Good and Bad Power Dominating Power Tuesday, August 10, 2021 Contemplative teacher Beatrice Bruteau (1930‒2014) understood domination, what I’ve referred to as “power over” others, as the cause of much of the world’s suffering. Jesus by contrast models a loving, self-giving alternative to domination power. Here is Bruteau’s description of domination: The theme that I… Continue Reading Dominating Power
Trauma and Silence
Trauma and Healing Trauma and Silence Thursday, May 6, 2021 Today I share a contemplative poem from CAC friend and writer Felicia Murrell. Felicia’s words combine a deep awareness of God’s presence while clearly naming the collective trauma of police brutality and lynchings. It is worth remembering, as Black liberation theologian James Cone (1938–2018) points… Continue Reading Trauma and Silence
Breaking the Cycle of Violence
Scapegoating and the Cross Breaking the Cycle of Violence Wednesday, March 31, 2021 I doubt very much that I need to point out the many ways we practice scapegoating in our society today. We do it on both the political left and right, in our churches and community groups, by finger-pointing and punishing. We are… Continue Reading Breaking the Cycle of Violence
African American Spirituality and Song: Weekly Summary
African American Spirituality and Song Saturday, February 13, 2021 Week Six Summary and Practice Sunday, February 7—Friday, February 12, 2021 Sunday The legacy of the spirituals is worth our continued attention now, not only as “museum music” . . . but also as a broad-ranging cultural tradition that remains relevant to pressing present-day social realities.… Continue Reading African American Spirituality and Song: Weekly Summary
A Balm in Gilead
African American Spirituality and Song A Balm in Gilead Thursday, February 11, 2021 The Hebrew prophets deeply loved their tradition and profoundly criticized it at the same time. Such truthful love is a very rare art form and a hallmark of prophetic identity. The prophet Jeremiah lived in a time of deep grief and loss.… Continue Reading A Balm in Gilead
I’m On My Way
African American Spirituality and Song I’m On My Way Wednesday, February 10, 2021 In prayer we trust / By hope we live / On truth we stand / From our heart we give / Love. —Sweet Honey in the Rock Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon founded the iconic African American a cappella group, Sweet Honey in… Continue Reading I’m On My Way
Black Song Is Sacred Song
African American Spirituality and Song Black Song Is Sacred Song Monday, February 8, 2021 Thea Bowman (1937–1990), a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, was a powerful communicator, deeply passionate about Jesus, the Catholic Church, and her African American heritage. I begin today with her words on the history and significance of what she celebrates as… Continue Reading Black Song Is Sacred Song
Christ Prays in Us and through Us
African American Spirituality and Song Christ Prays in Us and through Us Sunday, February 7, 2021 Although most Sunday church services don’t foster it, the essential religious experience is that we are being “known through” more than knowing anything by ourselves. An authentic encounter with God will feel like true knowing, not just in our… Continue Reading Christ Prays in Us and through Us