Progress for democracy lies in enhancing the actual freedom, initiative, and spontaneity of the individual, not only in certain private and spiritual matters, but above all in the activity fundamental to every man’s existence, his work. [i] Erich Fromm In part I, I explored freedom as a social activity. Describing it as radical freedom, I suggested … Continue reading Freedom as Social Responsibility, Part II
Freedom as Social Responsibility, Part I
The only thing to be done when we see anti-social acts committed in the name of liberty of the individual, is to repudiate the principle of "each for himself and God for all," and to have the courage to say aloud in any one's presence what we think of such acts. This can perhaps bring … Continue reading Freedom as Social Responsibility, Part I
The Only Question about God that Matters
The only image of God is the face of our neighbor, who is also the sibling of God's First-Born, of God's own likeness (2 Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15). Our human neighbor now becomes a "sacrament" of God's hidden presence among us, a mediator between God and humanity. Every authentic religious act is directed toward the … Continue reading The Only Question about God that Matters
Walking in the City: A Reflection on Michel de Certeau
Unlike Rome, New York has never learned the art of growing old by playing on all its pasts. Its present invents itself, from hour to hour, in the act of throwing away its previous accomplishments and challenging the future Michel de Certeau - The Practice of Everyday Life Whenever I walk in a city I … Continue reading Walking in the City: A Reflection on Michel de Certeau
Digital Social Space? Interpreting Digital Action and Behavior for Today’s Churches
Another blast from the past. A paper I presented at the Association of Practical Theology in 2014. I explore the internet as a digital social space. I think my thoughts on the internet and social media have drastically changed (not for the better). However, I still hope that our digital tools can be a force … Continue reading Digital Social Space? Interpreting Digital Action and Behavior for Today’s Churches
