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.
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.
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.
Saint Francis of Assisi: Mediator or Political Activist? Part 3
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.