[Today’s post inspired by the news that Michele Bachmann’s stepping down.]
Saturday, I attended a worship group at the home of a Friend who lives on the 11th floor of an apartment building in downtown Boston. While in worship, I looked outside; we were eye level to the steeple of a nearby church. Up close and personal to a huge, stone cross, I suddenly wondered: If, as some claim, this is a Christian country, why in the world would the United States of America tolerate any form of torture or cruel and unusual punishment? Surely, given Christianity’s pervading and horrifying symbol, there would be no place for “enhanced interrogation” or waterboarding or solitary confinement, right?
Right.
What would a truly—as in according to my very own version—Christian nation look like?
For starters, I’m reminded of that old bumper sticker: It will be a great day when our schools get all the money they need and the air force has to hold a bake sale to buy a bomber.
Right.
Patricia, I am ashamed to say that this is the first time I have searched for your site in oh, these many years. Reading the current posts has been a most touching experience and I am so very sorry of all that took place so close to you. What an act of love it is to daily point yourself toward the practicing part of your Quaker principles as you do. I consider myself a person who tries to see the deeper meanings of daily circumstances, my own or those of others, but I am admiring beyond words of all that you convey to others here.
Janie
WWJT?
Who Would Jesus Torture?
To support the ideal of love (and general, all-around practicality): Read recently that Nelson Mandela was asked: “Why aren’t you angry?”
“If I thought it would help I would be,” he’s reported to have replied.
You’ve always been a role model, Janie. For real. You’re an amazing teacher.
(And I only post once a week.)