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.”
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.
A Minor Friar
April 28, 2010 by |
In the “worth mentioning” category… are my recent visits to the blog titled “A Minor Friar” scripted by Franciscan Brother Charles.
Deceptive Appearances
April 27, 2010 by |
Deception can present a significant challenge in conflict resolution. By the time parties “get to the table” the truth has taken a brutal beating and their versions of the facts differ. The difference in their expression of what happened often arises out of deception.
A Franciscan Reports from the Holy Land
April 2, 2010 by |
An excellent article, “Easter in the Holy Land,” written by Franciscan Peter Vasko, OFM, appeared in today’s Wall Street Journal.
Bonaventure Provides Premise for Taming the Wolf
March 19, 2010 by |
In a presentation two weeks ago I shared the following quote from St. Bonaventure in order to explain a basic premise underlying the Taming the Wolf approach to conflict resolution.
Revisiting the Manhattan Declaration
February 2, 2010 by |
There are few innovations that compare with Facebook when it comes to no-waiting-required social feedback, particularly the type of feedback that identifies your considerable character flaws in graphic detail. Dare to suggest a popular plan of action might suffer from flaws…
It Is Hereby Declared
December 1, 2009 by |
This past week the “Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience” was released. As a mediator who advocates spiritually transformative conflict resolution I have mixed feelings regarding the declaration.
When People of Faith Gather
November 20, 2009 by |
Special thanks goes out to the Western Justice Center Foundation in Pasadena for hosting an Interfaith Dialogue I was privileged to attend this past week.
Do Not Give Peace a Chance
In a Wall Street Journal editorial this week (Peace Processes Never Work), Bret Stephens argues that many if not most high profile peace efforts fail. The facts cited in the article seem imply or even prove that peacemaking is a mostly futile endeavor.