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
Every ticking clock has left its mark in the universe with resonant strains, so too have our lives that reckon with place for a time. Every moment has the potential for solemnity that imparts greater understanding. An experience, profound or otherwise, identifies with its reality calling forth something from the soul that blesses us with … Continue reading “I Am I said” 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
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
The forms of separation we experience in life are many and manifest literally and figuratively. I’ve seen the power of divorce rip apart individuals and tear into families and wreak havoc on the psyche of a unit’s dimension leaving sadness in its wake. I’ve seen the terror of aloneness stifle people to the point where they … Continue reading Separation by William Klein
“What gives life?” My friend Jeff posed the question, “What is the most important thing in the room right now?” I thought about it for a minute and I said, “Us.” My answer was wrong. The correct answer was “air – oxygen.” Without air we’re not here. “No one ever gets that question right,” he demurred. … Continue reading Life on the Vine 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
Blog HOPE by William Klein I remember when I was teaching the theological virtues to my high school students how confused they were when I asked them to define the virtues. They had trouble identifying between faith and hope. They were lost in the abstraction and confused by hope. Isn’t being hopeful having wishful thinking? … Continue reading Hope 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
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