This title has something to piss off both the right and the left. To suggest that America is no longer exceptional will enrage right-wing nationalists. To suggest that America was ever exceptional will irritate the relativistic left. But America was exceptional in a very real sense, that is in her ideals. The United States was founded …
I saw recently come across my Facebook timeline that someone was interested in going to an event. This was an event put on as a fundraiser for a local high school affiliated group. They were hosting a fitness run of about 14 miles. What caught my attention was that it was titled the 1st Annual Bataan Death March. This …
Racial stereotypes, like all forms of prejudice, are learned. We don’t arrive in the world with pre-conceived notions of what other people are like and how they behave. As toddlers we don’t assume all Irish are drunks, blacks are lazy or Asians are good at math. These things are taught to us, whether at home or in …
This is dedicated to all those Pastors who have helped me open my mind and heart to those on the margins of society. This past weekend a congregation that I am familiar with celebrated joining what is known as the “Reconciling in Christ” movement. This is a sub group within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America …
The recent U.S. strike upon Syria is a distressing reminder that the warfare state grinds on in all its bloody ugliness. It is clear that all civilized people must reject this wanton use of violence. Even by the heathen just war criteria this action fails to pass muster. Under this standard any nation may use …
I saw posted on Facebook a video decrying “pocket inequality” between men and women. You can see it here. I never knew that pockets were an issue for women much less a political one. The video speaks in dark tones about some kind of conspiracy to keep women down via inadequate pockets. It seems, it’s all a matter of …
This coming Thursday marks another Maundy Thursday, which is the commemoration of the Last Supper and also the beginning of the sacrament of the Eucharist. It was literally the First Communion. The term Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum meaning mandate. It is, among other passages, part of the text in John 13:31-34 in …
Please excuse the emotional throat clearing that follows. Growing up Catholic I can tell you that no one loomed larger than the Nuns. They were the day to day interface with all things Catholic and they truly seared themselves onto the memory of Catholic youth everywhere. They are one of the chief reasons that the …
Within the week we will see another Saint Patrick’s Day come and go. How will you celebrate this event? Will you march with the local chapter of Hibernians? Wear a silly green hat? Drink green beer? Eat corned beef and cabbage and watch the Quiet Man? Or will you celebrate it at all? I …
