Recently, our Faith Table listened to a Walter Brueggemann discussion of “What is a Prophet?” Brueggemann’s book, Prophetic Imagination, was written 40 years ago, but it is creating new discussions about how faith leaders can help their members navigate a cultural environment of conflict and false narratives. The concept of prophetic imagination can help us look beyond the discouraging […]
This week, Rolling Stone released an article about U.S. House Representative and Civil Rights trailblazer John Lewis. “I hate to say it, but I think we’re in deep trouble,” Lewis told Rolling Stone’s Jamil Smith. “You worry about our future, as a people and as a nation. Sometimes you’re afraid to go to sleep, to turn off […]
By taking care with our language and messaging concerning gender, race, class, age, physical abilities, nationality, theological beliefs, culture, lifestyle, and the other ways that we describe and categorize humans, we affirm and empower all people and we hold as truth that we are all magnificently created and beloved by God. I try to recognize […]
Prayer is not an activity that competes with other activities; it is the basis of every activity. Work is prayer. Writing is prayer. Gardening is prayer. Since the intention of prayer or meditation practice is to come face to face with Mystery, the unity of prayer and action is essential. Prayer purifies intentions. With prayer, no other […]
We are living in a time when the line between fact and falsehood, truth and lie is becoming increasingly blurred and confusing, especially when we cease to be intellectually vigilant and morally faithful. Every day, it seems, our integrity is being challenged, our sympathies are becoming numb, our commitment to justice is waning from the […]
When I was in my early 20s, a friend gave me the book, “Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah” by Richard Bach. I wasn’t much “into” religion and would have rejected anything dogmatic. This was the perfect book for me at the time and had a profound affect on my understanding of, and relationship […]
“Often it is only in our extreme need that we are willing to stop struggling with life and give God an opportunity. The Bible does not treat these truths in a lukewarm fashion, but is always dramatic in presenting them. Therefore we find that Abraham’s test of faith required a most radical reliance on God. […]
Almighty, Eternal and Merciful God, we thank you for being the Cornerstone of Peace, Justice, Equality and Equity. The tragedies, inequalities, disparities and injustice that we witness and experience makes us wonder, “Why, God, Why?” We are praying, for peace that seeks an end to oppression, that is historically rooted in racism. Hear our prayer, […]
I recently realized that I feel safer in cars that look like I can afford them. How I realized this was that I had to rent a car. I had a coupon that enabled me to get a compact for the same price as an economy and I jumped on it. But, when I got […]
You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress such a one, for you were sojourners in the Land of Egypt. Exodus 22:20 This verse is read in synagogues this week, as part of the annual re-reading of the Torah. It is part of a weekly portion called Mishpatim – “rules” or “laws” – and comes […]
