Category: Life Notes

Nonviolence and Love, Part 2 Then Jesus said to him (Peter), “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”[1]  How is it that so many Christians – professed followers of Jesus the Christ – have become such staunch gun-toting, Second Amendment, Stand-Your-Ground-law advocates? Either there … Continue reading Nonviolence and Love, Part 2

Nonviolence and Love You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also…[1]  The message of Jesus is inherently and undisputedly nonviolent. There is … Continue reading Nonviolence and Love

Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 10 Active nonviolence calls us to slow down, to be patient, planting the seeds of love and forgiveness in our own hearts and in the hearts of those around us. Slowly we will grow in love, compassion and the capacity to forgive.”[1]  Here are the ten tenants of A Spirituality of Nonviolence,[2] … Continue reading Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 10

Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 9 Active nonviolence calls us to be capable of celebration, of joy, when the presence of God has been accepted, and when it has not been to help discover and recognize this fact.”[1]  Here are the ten tenants of A Spirituality of Nonviolence,[2] based on The Decalogue for a Spirituality of Nonviolence.1 … Continue reading Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 9

Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 8 Active nonviolence call us to be ready to suffer, perhaps even with joy, if we believe this will help liberate the Divine in others. This includes the acceptance of our place and moment in history with its trauma, with its ambiguities.”[1]  Here are the ten tenants of A Spirituality of Nonviolence,[2] … Continue reading Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 8

Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 6 To understand and accept that the New Creation, the building up of the Beloved Community is always carried forward with others. It is never a “solo act.”[1]  Here are the ten tenants of A Spirituality of Nonviolence,[2] based on The Decalogue for a Spirituality of Nonviolence.1 I recognize the sacred in … Continue reading Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 6

Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 5 Active nonviolence calls (me) to face fear and to deal with it not mainly with courage but with love.[1]  Here are the ten tenants of A Spirituality of Nonviolence,[2] based on The Decalogue for a Spirituality of Nonviolence.1 I recognize the sacred in all people. I accept myself deeply. I recognize … Continue reading Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 5

Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 4 Active nonviolence calls (me) to renounce dualism, the “we-they” mentality. This divides us into “good people/bad people and allows us to demonize the adversary. It is the root of authoritarianism and exclusivist behavior. It generates racism and makes possible conflicts and wars.[1]  Here are the ten tenants of A Spirituality of … Continue reading Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 4

Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 3 Active nonviolence calls (me) to recognize that what I resent, and perhaps even detest, in another, comes from my difficulty in admitting that this same reality lives also in me.[1]  Here are the ten tenants of A Spirituality of Nonviolence,[2] based on The Decalogue for a Spirituality of Nonviolence.1 I recognize … Continue reading Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 3

Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 2 Active nonviolence call us to accept (ourselves) deeply, “who I am” with all my gifts and richness, with all my limitations, errors, failings and weaknesses, and to realize that I am accepted by God.[1]  Here are the ten tenants of A Spirituality of Nonviolence,[2] presented in Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditations for … Continue reading Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 2