We all need to condemn what is happening - but we need to do it with discretion, balance, and awareness that we are speaking to a mixed audience; children & young people; Dems Republicans; men & women; young adults, both black and white, as well as the senior population; parents, grandparents who try to support a drug-addicted young adult; or maybe there is a child with disabilities in the family, or we’re supporting elderly parents. For every different family there are several different situations, and each must be addressed with care and compassion. Odds are, everyone is scared of the atmosphere in our country…and in the world. However and whenever we address them, it has to be with faith and compassion.
Thank you very much. Truth is the stage upon which grace dances. If we never build the stage of truth, or simply allow truth to be that stage, we will never experience the lovely dance of grace.
One of the most dangerous things that can happen to faith or society is when what should deeply alarm us slowly starts feeling normal. Collapse rarely happens all at once. It happens when conscience is worn down in increments. You are right. The Church has a unique position in this time. Will we live up to its challenge is the question.
I am off balance in my response to this attempted shooting. I am against violence. All it does is bring more violence. But this administration encourages violence and then seems shocked that it can be turned against them. But after reading parts of the alleged shooter's reasoning, I find myself aware that he is rational and cognizant. I also have to ask myself how I would react if I were targeted by this administration and their cruel actions. Would I find it as easy to choose nonviolence if I were losing all my safety and rights? I hope so, but I have never faced the violence many people all over the world have faced daily.
Thank you for this excellent essay and for reminding me that we should always choose love over violence. But, what can the church do to more strongly defend those who are so vulnerable?
We, as a people, are becoming more accustomed to living in our own imagined realities. Comedians and prophets (some are one and same) point out our emperors’ lack of apparel. Prophets likely have more to offer in terms of ways forward, but they challenge us to analyze and utilize our own agency. That’s hard work for each of us as well as for the prophet. Wishing you strength & peace
Wonderfully inspired writing! I can't even understand the question "was it staged"? That 31 year old adult educated male made a choice to try and wipe out an administration that he despised, in trade for a life in prison. I understand his anger and difficulty with the administration, but it's hard for me to understand what flipped the switch to murder. I can't imagine agreeing to a plan for that just so people could say it was staged.
We all need to condemn what is happening - but we need to do it with discretion, balance, and awareness that we are speaking to a mixed audience; children & young people; Dems Republicans; men & women; young adults, both black and white, as well as the senior population; parents, grandparents who try to support a drug-addicted young adult; or maybe there is a child with disabilities in the family, or we’re supporting elderly parents. For every different family there are several different situations, and each must be addressed with care and compassion. Odds are, everyone is scared of the atmosphere in our country…and in the world. However and whenever we address them, it has to be with faith and compassion.
Thank you very much. Truth is the stage upon which grace dances. If we never build the stage of truth, or simply allow truth to be that stage, we will never experience the lovely dance of grace.
One of the most dangerous things that can happen to faith or society is when what should deeply alarm us slowly starts feeling normal. Collapse rarely happens all at once. It happens when conscience is worn down in increments. You are right. The Church has a unique position in this time. Will we live up to its challenge is the question.
I am off balance in my response to this attempted shooting. I am against violence. All it does is bring more violence. But this administration encourages violence and then seems shocked that it can be turned against them. But after reading parts of the alleged shooter's reasoning, I find myself aware that he is rational and cognizant. I also have to ask myself how I would react if I were targeted by this administration and their cruel actions. Would I find it as easy to choose nonviolence if I were losing all my safety and rights? I hope so, but I have never faced the violence many people all over the world have faced daily.
Thank you for this excellent essay and for reminding me that we should always choose love over violence. But, what can the church do to more strongly defend those who are so vulnerable?
“Violence doesn’t become righteous just because it’s aimed at people we despise…”
True statement, but is this not exactly what governments do and call it war?
I condemn this madness!
We, as a people, are becoming more accustomed to living in our own imagined realities. Comedians and prophets (some are one and same) point out our emperors’ lack of apparel. Prophets likely have more to offer in terms of ways forward, but they challenge us to analyze and utilize our own agency. That’s hard work for each of us as well as for the prophet. Wishing you strength & peace
Amen, Brother.
Wonderfully inspired writing! I can't even understand the question "was it staged"? That 31 year old adult educated male made a choice to try and wipe out an administration that he despised, in trade for a life in prison. I understand his anger and difficulty with the administration, but it's hard for me to understand what flipped the switch to murder. I can't imagine agreeing to a plan for that just so people could say it was staged.
Thank you Beau for bringing clarity to a crazy America.
To be, or not to be prophetic? And so the church wavers...
Anthony - I don’t think the church wavers…Pope Leo has made himself very clear and he speaks for the church.
True. Not so true in my church.