spiritual insights on religion, social justice and comparative theology
Dominican priest, Father Gustavo Gutierrez, the father of Liberation Theology, passed away on October 22, 2024. Gutierrez’s ideas have shaped modern theology including that of Pope Francis. He believes that every modern theology points to the gospels and their relevance to our lives. Gutierrez grew up in Lima, Peru, where imperialism reared its head in … Continue reading Gustavo Gutierrez In Memoriam by William Klein
The people have spoken. In 2016 Trump lost the popular vote, but this year he won it. It didn’t matter that he was convicted of crimes. It didn’t matter that he inspired the worst among us by inciting racism, bigotry, sexism and creating a mood of indecency at his rallies. It didn’t matter that he made indecent … Continue reading What Do We Stand For? by William Klein
“Jesus wept” is the shortest phrase found in the New Testament. There are three times in the New Testament where we see Jesus upset and in tears. One is the Garden of Gethsemane when he’s praying for his Father to “take the cup” (of his obligation) away from him. Jesus is so distraught he sweats … Continue reading “Jesus Wept” by William Klein
The recognition of “Faith” and “Grace” can go a long way in helping us through the most difficult of times. Let’s not kid ourselves, these are tough times for some people. Consumers are being hit hard with prices that have not come down though inflation is receding and getting under control. Companies are price gouging … Continue reading “Faith” and “Grace” by William Klein
Vincent Harding, the former speechwriter for MLK, talks about “human signposts.” A human signpost is those people in our lives who direct us to where we need to go on our journeys. They are the light that show us the way. Harding was on to something significant. I thought about this concept and thought about … Continue reading Human Signposts by William Klein
It always amazes me how art imitates life. There’s a great story by Flannery O’Connor, “Good Country People.” The story is about an atheist, Joy, who has a phd in philosophy, falls for a bible salesman, Manly Pointer. Manly seduces Joy, and while he’s making moves on her in a loft of a barn, he asks … Continue reading Art Imitates Life by William Klein
The Psychology of Resurrection I once heard a Buddhist priest remark, “There’s nothing unusual about resurrection. It happens every day. I was resurrected this morning. I was asleep, I woke up and saw the world as it was given to me.” He went on to use a familiar allusion when discussing resurrection, “A seed is … Continue reading The Psychology of Resurrection by William Klein
Every now and then I hear a message from two different people that tells me to pay attention to it. It’s the funniest thing. This is what people call “the universe talking to you.” How many times have you done something you didn’t want to do only to do it and discover it was the … Continue reading Show Up for the Dance by William Klein
Those of us who grew up Christian had “Nativity Scenes.” I remember the little manger and plaster parasol figurines in our house. The manger was a small wooden dwelling with a thatched roof and proscenium arch open to the elements of nature, but was replete with hay, watering troughs for animals and a small makeshift … Continue reading The Nativity Scene and a Christmas Message by William Klein
Anyone who has lived paycheck to paycheck knows what it’s like to fear losing a job. One missed paycheck and things snowball and fall apart. It’s like starting a machine to get the business going. If the machine fails, the rest of the business falls apart and a client looks elsewhere. I remember when I lived paycheck to … Continue reading Paycheck To Paycheck by William Klein
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