spiritual insights on religion, social justice and comparative theology
At my former school, there was a social service science fair called “Kingdom Fair.” It was started at the school by Tom Cendejas, my predecessor. Students would go out into the community and seek out and serve at non-profits to fulfill their community service requirement. They would serve as ambassadors for the organization and present … Continue reading The Kin’dom Within by William Klein
Recently the US negotiated with the Nicaraguan government for the release of 202 political prisoners. One of the prisoners who was set to board a plane bound for the US was Bishop Rolando Alvarez. Alvarez has been speaking out against human rights violations in his country, and he has supported the poor and workers’ rights. … Continue reading Belonging by William Klein
“Do your duty!” It is a central command in the Bhagavad Gita. Arjuna goes to the center of the battlefield and is about to go to war with relatives. The rest of the book identifies what one’s duty is in this life and why it’s important to carry that out. For Buddhists there are the … Continue reading “Do Your Duty” by William Klein
There’s an old Saturday Night Live skit in the 70s titled “The Thing That Wouldn’t Leave.” It’s a trailer spoof on horror movie commercials where the narrator with the booming voice announces the title, “THE THING THAT WOULDN’T LEAVE!!!” John Belushi plays a visitor who doesn’t get the hint that a family who has invited him … Continue reading “The Thing That Wouldn’t Leave” by William Klein
One of the most powerful experiences as a teacher is the journey with students who have shared their painful testimonies and the courage of students to face their pain head on -- to work through these problems and understand them. This is why retreats are so important. My ministry friends and I have noted that … Continue reading Ministry of Presence by William Klein
People are desperate for winners. There is something about your team winning that sets everything right with the world – for a time. I say that because Super Bowl LVII (57) is upon us. Although both teams Kansas City and Philadelphia have won a Super Bowl within the last 10 years, invariably there will be … Continue reading Praying For A Winner by William Klein
We are all restless and that restlessness is evident in many forms. Some are restless at work and to succeed in attaining goals, some are restless in relationships and finding fulfillment in them, some are restless in spirituality and understanding their place in the world, and others are restless due to health circumstances and circumstances … Continue reading Restlessness: “The Double Realm” by William Klein
The greatest spiritual experiences in art come from the act of listening. This is a bold statement, but I stand by it. This is why the spiritual attunement of the artist is critical to offering something of substance to the world. Ernest Hemingway once said, “I like to listen. I have learned a great deal … Continue reading Listening For Feelings by William Klein
Football is the most popular sport in the US. I don’t know why this is the case, but I think it’s because it is a sport that it is the most analogous to the struggle of life. It is a kill or be killed gladiator sport that demonstrates how challenging it is to move the ball … Continue reading A Life Perspective From Sports by William Klein
Venturing into uncertainty in times of trouble can leave us with a burdened heart, but intentional love burns away burdens and inspires us to see more clearly and releases us from the fetters of fear. Faith, hope and love remain in the sacred heart. May we move forward in the coming year knowing that our … Continue reading Happy New Year by William Klein
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