Tag Archives: oppression
Merton’s Call for Racial Justice
Thomas Merton: Contemplation and Action Merton’s Call for Racial Justice Friday, November 27, 2020 In the midst of the intense struggle for civil rights, Thomas Merton insisted that Christians had a moral duty to address racism—on a personal and systemic level. His words were prophetic at the time and continue to be relevant to this… Continue Reading Merton’s Call for Racial Justice
An Agreed-upon Delusion
What Do We Do with Evil? An Agreed-upon Delusion Tuesday, October 13, 2020 The world (or “system” as we use the word now) is a hiding place for unconsciousness or “deadness” in the words of Paul. Both Thomas Aquinas and C. S. Lewis taught that the triumph of evil depends entirely on disguise. [1] [2]… Continue Reading An Agreed-upon Delusion
A Healing Community
Wounded Healers A Healing Community Tuesday, September 15, 2020 While all Christians are called to follow Jesus, some communities have been brought deeper into the Paschal Mystery of death and resurrection through unjust and unrelenting collective suffering. Dr. Diana L. Hayes, an African American Catholic theologian and scholar, describes the “wounding” of the African American… Continue Reading A Healing Community
Am I Next?
Contemplation and Racism Am I Next? Sunday, June 7, 2020 During this time of social unrest, I invite you to sit with the powerful and uncomfortable emotions, such as anger or grief, that you may be carrying. Welcome them in the presence of God. As I often say, if we do not transform our pain,… Continue Reading Am I Next?
The Third and Fourth Conversions
Solidarity The Third and Fourth Conversions Wednesday, May 27, 2020 We continue our conversions to greater solidarity with the marginalized. The Third Conversion is when we idealize some of the virtues of the poor that we ourselves do not have. When the lens is cleared by our initial awakening to injustice, it is much easier… Continue Reading The Third and Fourth Conversions
Invitation to Solidarity
Solidarity Invitation to Solidarity Sunday, May 24, 2020 Throughout human history, countless people have been poor, vulnerable, or oppressed in some way. Those holding positions of authority within systems of power secure their own privilege, comfort, and wealth—almost always at the expense of those most on the margins. Much of history has been recorded to… Continue Reading Invitation to Solidarity
Reading the Signs of The Times
Disciples, Prophets, and Mystics Reading the Signs of The Times Tuesday, March 17 Author and Dominican priest Albert Nolan has written many prophetic works that bring attention to systems of oppression throughout the world. His writings were influential in ending apartheid in his own nation of South Africa. Today he explains the spirals of violence… Continue Reading Reading the Signs of The Times
Liberation
Ways of Knowing Liberation Thursday, February 13, 2020 James Cone (1938–2018) is one of the greatest American theologians of this past century, yet sadly many Christians have never heard of him. His work laid the foundation for a liberation theology that spoke directly to the injustice, oppression, and violence faced by the Black community in the United States. Jesus made it clear that he came to bring “good news… Continue Reading Liberation