spiritual insights on religion, social justice and comparative theology
Why are so many people abandoning religion? On one hand, religion is not serving their purposes and needs. They see judgment and doctrines that have undermined Christian values that are hypocritical in presentation. They see a lack of kindness on the part of clergy or harsh judgments from congregants and say who wants to belong … Continue reading Advantages of a Meta-Narrative
It was the event of the year at our school -- Staffulty vs. Students Basketball game. Staffulty is what we call the faculty/staff at our school. I told my friend Ryan if I score two more points, I’ll be the “all-time scoring leader in the history of Faculty/Student games.” The former record holder was Shmeagol … Continue reading Victory in Defeat by William Klein
It’s that time of year where things are getting testy. Students see the end of the year. Seniors are checking out due to the dastardly symptoms of “senioritis” and faculty continues to swim upstream as we try to plan engaging lessons and look for glimpses of life that genuine learning is happening in the classroom. No … Continue reading Moments of Joy by William Klein
The great Albert Einstein once said, “There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other as though everything is a miracle.” Sometimes the world beats us up, and we don’t know if we’re coming or going. I think of the life of St. Paul. There he was, a mercenary … Continue reading A Miracle in a Day by William Klein
We never really realize the power of community until we step outside our busy lives and retreat with others. Surrendering our technology, blocking out time, digging deep into listening to the stories of others and hardships they’ve endured, and the sweet expressions of joy as a result of working through them, can be a healing … Continue reading The Poetry of Community by William Klein
Henri Nouwen talked about the difficult task of “Finding Our Sacred Center.” He noted that this was achieved through three disciplines that can be found in scripture; solitude, community and care. He refers to a passage in scripture where Jesus goes to the mountain to pray. He comes down from the mountain and commissions twelve disciples to … Continue reading Nouwen’s “Finding Our Sacred Center” by William Klein
Sometimes it takes reminding that every humble life lived impacts the world in ways unknown. There’s that old line in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Clarence the angel teaches George Bailey, “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” I see master … Continue reading Chance Encounters by William Klein
Enlightened self-interest is a priceless reward for an individual and society; in serving others we serve ourselves. Win-win. The act of giving of yourself to another in the name of service reaps innumerable benefits that can empower an individual and reap benefits that can change the world. Seemingly obvious, every now and then we need … Continue reading Gotta Serve Somebody by William Klein
I don’t want to sound too morose, but death is a likely place to start in examining what life is all about. How we respond to death is how we respond to life. This is not understood when we’re young. We think we will live forever and don’t consider how the single act of leaving … Continue reading There is Something More by William Klein
Well, the Zodiac Illuminati has done it again. It has changed the dates for the signs and added a new one. Those people who were formerly one sign are now another. My friend who was formerly a Libra is now a Virgo. His once Libra personality where he demonstrated a “mysterious drama and biting criticism” … Continue reading Zodiak Chaos by William Klein
spirit beat 