In this post, I will continue to analyze the guidelines for civil discourse advanced by FAN. As in the previous post, I consider whether or not it is possible to adhere to these guidelines while engaging in political activism.
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Saint Francis of Assisi: Mediator or Political Activist? Part 3
June 10, 2010 by |
In the previous posts I argued Francis was more likely to act in the tradition of the Great Mediator, Christ, than he was to become a political activist. Francis’ activism, I concluded, would be limited to advocating for a gospel life, not for politics.
Saint Francis of Assisi: Mediator or Political Activist? Part 2
June 8, 2010 by |
In the previous post I asked the question: Francis: Mediator or Activist? In this continuation of the series I take a closer look at Francis in the role of mediator and in the role of advocate.
Saint Francis of Assisi: Mediator or Political Activist? Part 1
June 7, 2010 by |
In my quest to know St. Francis better I have encountered Franciscan views that cause me to question my assumptions, for example, opinions put forth by the Franciscan Action Network or FAN. In position papers and public announcements FAN paints a picture of Francis that is new to me. This discovery motivated me to explore the following questions:
The Humility and Poverty of St. Francis
June 2, 2010 by |
St. Francis, often called the Universal Brother, addressed challenges that commonly arose in other cultures as well. For example, problems Francis addressed through humility and poverty were addressed in the Buddhist tradition through the practice of “cessation of attachment.”
The Patience of Clare
May 24, 2010 by |
Have you ever noticed how a lesson you don’t learn the first time keeps coming back? and back? and back? One lesson I think Someone is trying to teach me is what I should do when other people don’t do what I want.
Faith-Based Diplomacy in Action
May 18, 2010 by |
The latest “monthly update” from the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy brings encouraging news regarding the use of the principles of faith-based diplomacy to bring greater understanding between Americans and Pakistani Muslims. “ICRD recently hosted a delegation of influential Wahhabi and Deobandi religious leaders and Master Trainers from Pakistan on a three-week visit to the United States.
Absence Makes the Heart Grow
May 13, 2010 by |
I recently headed to Seattle for a conference. It was an overnight trip so we decided that I would leave the kids at home and go it alone. As I first started driving away—with my mocha and my own music—it was great. I was free.
JustPeace
May 7, 2010 by |
In a recent blog post I spoke of ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. A few days later I discovered the Facebook page for JustPeace, the Center for Mediation and Conflict Transformation of the United Methodist Church.
Facilitating Engagement & Dialogue
In the presence of a mediator such as St. Francis, skilled at facilitating engagement and dialogue, this axiom rings true. However, human engagement and dialogue alone does not guarantee an opportunity to promote peace.