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One conference won't change the world, but it can spread hope
The long line snaked past the shoe cubbies and head-covering bins. It terminated well outside the exhibit hall as hundreds of people ate—or waited to eat—lunch. Arriving a bit earlier or a bit later would have made no difference. Everyone wanted to be part of this spiritual practice, and we were no exception. Friendly young adults, dressed in white, moved down the line and cheerfully explained the history of the event. Soon enough, we were seated in a row on the floor. Another row of people sat facing us. One by one, servers brought trays: rice, curried vegetables, water, salad, a cup, utensils, mango lassi. Second and third helpings ensured that no one left hungry.
The Sikh community offered langar, which means “common kitchen,” to all 9,000-plus registrants at last week's Parliament of the World’s Religions.
Really big hope
Sunday is All Saints' Day, and, many churches will read the Roll of Remembrance, which includes the names of the faithful who have died in the past year. Yes, I know there's a separate occasion for that on November 2, when the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed is observed. Yes, I understand that confusing those who have died in the past year with all the saints who have gone before undermines our ability to focus and properly celebrate either. Yes, I know the Episcopal Church has an underdeveloped theology of sainthood. But, sweeping all of that aside for a moment, when I read John 11:32–22, I find myself wondering just how big of a hope we are celebrating.
Room to grow up
Are today's young adults more immature than their age mates in previous generations? Yes, says Julie Lythcott-Haims, but it's not their fault.
Study of psychedelics use by clergy participants aims to induce mystical experiences
c. 2015 Religion News Service...
Jewish and Arab neighbors torn apart by violence in East Jerusalem
Just one narrow street divides the Arab village of Jabel Mukaber from the Jewish neighborhood of Armon Hanatziv in East Jerusalem....
Liberal messiah: If Sanders became president, what would change?
The state of U.S. politics makes it tempting to throw energy behind a messianic bid for the presidency. It also makes this a dubious strategy.
Episode 7: Christian Wiman
Matt talks to the writer and Yale Divinity School faculty member about poetry in preaching, whether scripture has unique revelatory power, naming the despair of churchgoers, and the centrality of Christ.
I am terrible at grieving, or an armored heart
I am terrible at grieving. I grew up in a family and an environment in which crying generally and grieving specifically were not only discouraged but practically anathema....
Why This Jubilee? by James C. Howell
How easy it is for Christians to sing hymns without pondering the meaning of the texts. Howell encourages us to slow down and take notice....
The face of Everyhuman
As a child, I liked to survey strangers about what it means to be human. Brandon Stanton has created a fully realized version of what I was doing.
Paperwork
I hate paperwork at the best of times. I hate filling out forms, grinding through the interminable bureaucratic labyrinths that seem to be part and parcel of modern life. Sign this waiver. Check that box. File this form. Send that release. Print it for your records. On and on it goes. Paperwork is slow death.
I hate paperwork even more today. I spent an hour and a half with a young Syrian woman in our city who is trying to get her family out of Lebanon and over to safety here in Lethbridge.
What does Job see?
After enduring Job's calamities, his howling laments, the speeches of his "friends," a hymn to wisdom as an entr'acte, Job's plea of innocence, an awkward interruption by Elihu, and then four chapters of the LORD speaking from the whirlwind, we finally arrive at the 42nd and last chapter of Job.
We discover that no one much agrees what it means.
Other people saying things
"The moment Hillary Clinton seemed to realize that her testimony Thursday before the House Select...
Who's that bright Anglican outsider at Vatican bishops' synod?
c. 2015 Religion News Service...
Study: Many Conservative rabbis open to officiating at interreligious wedding
c. 2015 Religion News Service...
Buoyed by election, Canadians roll out welcome to Syrian refugees
(The Christian Science Monitor) Bayan Khatib’s earliest memories of Canada are mostly fragments of her daily struggles as a seven-year...
South Africa's 'Great Big Challah Bakes' kick off global Shabbos Project
c. 2015 Religion News Service...
South Africa's 'Great Big Challah Bakes' kick off global Shabbos Project
c. 2015 Religion News Service...
Do science and religion conflict? It's all in how you see it
c. 2015 Religion News Service
(RNS) Most Americans see a conflict between the findings of science and the teachings of religion....