Blunt Political Rhetoric Entertains But Does it Help?

As our current political theater continues its descent into the realm of the absurd, questions naturally arise about the health and well-being of that dimension of our collective life. Key players in a process that is designed to identify those best capable to provide...

How Can We Address Our Epidemic of Fear?

Many voices have spoken with profound eloquence in response to our latest reminder of how the deranged anger of one person can erupt in unbelievable violence. These voices have helped me see and believe that such violence is not isolated misbehavior but an expression...

Broadening the Horizons of Our Faith Tradition

Richard Young, one of the pioneers of clinical pastoral education, offered a cryptic expression of the ethical perspective with which we seem to enter this world. “I want what I want when I want it,” he said 50 years ago in a seminary class. A young child...

Slavery and Today’s So-Called Job Creators

A writing project many years ago required a fairly thorough review of the arguments for and against slavery in the U.S. South during the 30 years that led up to the Civil War. The case put forth by the abolitionists was fairly predictable, reflecting the increasing...