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:
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.
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.
Ask for Peace, Do Not Feel Insignificant
April 29, 2010 by |
The work of conflict resolution sometimes places us in situations that call upon us to invite and implore and beg those with overwhelming power to engage with us, on behalf of our clients, in the peacemaking process.
Engaging Interfaith Dialogue
April 29, 2010 by |
Religion can be a powerful force for peace; it can also motivate division and hostility. St. Francis, frequently called the Universal Brother, was particularly successful in interfaith dialogue, as documented in the story of his meeting with the Sultan Malik al-Kamil.
Do Not Give Peace a Chance
April 28, 2010 by |
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.
The Fruits of Kindness
April 13, 2010 by |
Few of us encounter such dramatic conversions. However, most of us face situations in which a kind gesture makes a real difference to someone, even someone who has fallen into harming others.
Civility in Discourse
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.