spiritual insights on religion, social justice and comparative theology
Blaise Pascal said, “You should always keep something beautiful in your mind.” It’s hard to do. Our mind plays tricks on us when we’re forced to be alone with it. Illusions have a way of creeping in and unsettling us. Chaucer wrote, “An idle mind is the devil’s playground.” The virus is not a partisan … Continue reading Refreshing Words Of Hope by William Klein
I heard a great term from Jack Kornfield called “gracious uncertainty.” I love that term. It identifies with so much during this uncertain time. We need to learn to cope with fear of the unknown. I see these pro-Trump people who are protesting and expressing their fear. They are going out and stopping traffic, holding … Continue reading “Gracious Uncertainty” by William Klein
There’s an old saying, “The Devil’s workshop is an idyll mind.” We’ve stopped our daily routines. We’ve cleaned our homes and done our part to continue to keep busy at home. We’ve driven family members crazy with our internal combustion of angst and by-products of self- isolation. The gym, sports, theater and dining out have … Continue reading Quarantine by William Klein
When facing the enemy during the Battle for Lake Erie, Oliver Hazard Perry dispatched, “We have seen the enemy and it is us.” Perry understood in no uncertain terms that the human condition is wrought with frailties and in times of war those frailties will come to light. Great minds that have changed the world … Continue reading Fear In The Time Of Plague by William Klein
“I’ve never seen anything like it.” I have talked with my elder friends about the coronavirus that is overtaking the world and this is the common saying. We are hunkering down in our home bunkers, stocking up on canned goods, toilet paper, water and essential survivals like chocolate and wine. Many are practicing “social distancing” … Continue reading “Look For The Helpers” by William Klein
It’s Valentine’s Day weekend. As I consider the idea of love, I consider those who have loved and lost, and have let this holiday preoccupy themselves with what they are missing. It’s easy to do this. We go back to the beautiful times we spent when we were committed to someone and reflect on those … Continue reading A Valentine: Yearning And Learning From Love by William Klein
Reading Senator Sherrod Brown’s book about progressives inspires greater thoughts about our times. “Desk 88” is a powerful and potent historical document for our times. Implicit in the writing of this book is the idea that we assess the intentions of a lawmaker not by just what he says, but by what he does. Senator … Continue reading Desk 88: A Progressive History Lesson For Our Times by William Klein
We are all experiencing challenges in life. They may stem from the loss of a loved one or the loss of love or even the loss of innocence in a world that inundates us with cold, hard reality. Our struggle may be the result of a dark night of the soul and our quest for … Continue reading Exile by William Klein
The day of the historic impeachment of President Trump, congressman Barry Loudermilk of Georgia equated it with Jesus’ trial with Pontius Pilate. Loudermilk said the following for the Congressional Record: “Before you take this historic vote today, one week before Christmas, I want you to keep this in mind: When Jesus was falsely accused of … Continue reading The Idolatry Of Power by William Klein
“You are what you desire”. This is a great insight. It is a popular thought in Eastern thinking, particularly in Buddhist thought. This desire creates suffering and if it is not satisfied, the desire is even greater, which more often than not leads to greater discontent. I’m reminded of the old adage, “Chase the world … Continue reading A Daily Reminder For The New Year by William Klein
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