spiritual insights on religion, social justice and comparative theology
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
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 “Desk 88” is a powerful and potent historical document for our times.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
Injustice stands in the way of justice in nasty ways. I was to take students to their service site to serve a few weeks ago, and the trip was canceled due to a lockdown. There was a police chase outside our high school doors that ended with the alleged criminal, who was driving in a … Continue reading “Roots Of Injustice” by William Klein
Banksy is not only a unique artist, but he has strong ideas on how to help a community in need. I’ll address this in a minute, but first a little background on the artist. Banksy is the phenomenal graffiti artist, political activist and film auteur who steals away in the dark of night and creates … Continue reading The Art of Social Justice by William Klein
“Hesburgh” is a new film documenting the life of a giant who was one of the most important figures of social justice in the twentieth century, Father Theodore Hesburgh, CSC. “Father Ted” was instrumental in shaping some of the most important social policies of our time and served as president of Notre Dame from 1952-1987. … Continue reading Hesburgh by William Klein
The primacy of conscience is central to all moral teaching. The development of a conscience is critical in the building of a just society and in societal discernment of right and wrong. From a religious perspective, a conscience is the glue that holds doctrine together. From a personal perspective a conscience is the very fiber … Continue reading “Politics and the Primacy of Conscience” by William Klein
Jean Cocteau wrote a beautiful essay “On Memory”. He details the illusive nature of memory; brilliantly and poetically articulating how it can guide us, protect us and serve as a cornerstone for our understanding of truth, but it can also engender falsity and unintentional delusional understanding. Cocteau quotes a famous philosopher who wrote, “We are … Continue reading “Never Forget: The Architecture of Memory” by William Klein
spirit beat 