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Religion, Politics and Theology (Part 2) by The Rev. Hartshorn Murphy Mohandas K. Gandhi once spoke of the "seven deadly sins" of social and community life. They are: "politics without principle, wealth without work, commerce without morality, pleasure without conscience, education without character, science without humanity and worship without sacrifice." The last general election has been interpreted as a referendum, on "moral values." We suspect that the moral values pundits and preachers refer to are not the ones Gandhi agonized over but were rather the narrow wedge issues of abortion and homosexuality, used cynically and manipulatively to divide us as a people and to retain political power. How do we broaden the conversation in order to create and deepen community and to instill a greater measure of civility in our common life? How do we speak across our differences and find common ground in order to move forward toward greater social justice and a lasting peace? When Bill Bradley retired from the senate following his aborted attempt as a presidential candidate, he suggested that what we so desperately need in our culture is a deeper and more sustained conversation around five issues.
Our 6 week class on Religion, Politics and Theology is an effort to engage that dialogue more intentionally using a curriculum developed by the Sojourner Community, an evangelical social justice ministry located in Washington, D.C. Its director, Jim Wallis, suggest that there can be a higher ground, beyond "Christian right" and "secular left;" a place of getting beyond divisive issues to places of consensus grounded in the infinite worth of every individual as made in the image and likeness of God. Join us for the conversation Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30 and Feb. 6 and 13 from 10-11 a.m. Sign up on the patio on Sundays so that we can have copies of the readings for you.
Copyright © 2005 St. Augustine by-the-Sea
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