Secularism and Religion

"Religionists and secularists are mirror images of each other who share more than they are willing to admit; each reverses but does not displace the other. Although it is not immediately obvious, both perspectives rest on the same error. Bound by the exclusive logic of either/or, each side in this conflict sees religion and secularity as irreconcilable opposites.

Faith in/and Capitalism

In Dynamics of Faith, Paul Tillich writes:

There is no criterion by which faith can be judged from outside the correlation of faith. But something else can happen: The faithful can ask himself or be asked by someone else whether the medium through which he experiences ultimate concern expresses real ultimacy. This question is the dynamic force in the history of religion,

The Pairing of "Occupy" and "Wall Street"

It is both curious and subversive that the Occupy Wall Street movement chose “occupy” as its primary term. “Wall Street” is a fairly obvious choice as it represents, it is a synecdoche for, that which the movement opposes. Wall Street is a symbolic space where times and ideologies intersect. “Occupy” primarily signifies

(Re)Politicizing Theology and (Re)Theologizing Politics

I have recently been venturing more into the realm of political theology, especially in terms of the Occupy movement and the disappointing direction a capitalistic liberal democracy is heading. In response to a post by Adam Kotsko discussing the phrase "spiritual but not religious,"

Deliberating through Ethical Exaggeration and Hyperbolic Responsibility in the Public Sphere?

How does one articulate, enunciate, or deliberate about an ethic or ethical system without using excessive, exaggerated concepts such as "love" or "alterity?" It seems to me that for a truly beneficial discussion about ethics, one must engage in a practice and language of excess and exaggeration.

Theological Worlds as rhythms we are all of us enmeshed within

"Obsessio, on the one hand, is the crystallization of deep need around focused imagery so powerful as to become a driving impetus toward satisfaction. Epiphania, on the other hand, is the congealing of those events which so function as hints that they give hopeful contours worthy of wager.

How subject are we, "ethical subjects," to the Subject (of Ethics)?

"According to the way it is generally used today, the term 'ethics' relates above all to the domain of human rights, 'the rights of man' - or, by derivation, the rights of living beings.

Interfaith Dialogue Undone?

When I co-founded the Selah Center of the Poncey-Highlands with Dr. Graham Walker, in partnership with Druid Hills Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA, we had high hopes for its successful interaction among religious faiths. As the Director of Interfaith Dialogue and Spiritual Practices I was eager to bring a variety of faith expressions into contact with each other. In many ways, we did begin that process with a Hindu community in the area. We were also able to partner with several artists and art galleries in the community, and we hosted various theatre presentations. We also began a health and wellness program offering yoga and more rigorous "boot camp" classes.