The Common Good
May-June 1999

Berrigan and Butler

by John K. Stoner | May-June 1999

DAN BERRIGAN’S lament ("Letters," March-April 1999) about the
general’s clothes in his post-repentance picture suggests several things to me: 1)
people who have been used ...

Print
Post a Comment | Write to the Editor

DAN BERRIGAN’S lament ("Letters," March-April 1999) about the general’s clothes in his post-repentance picture suggests several things to me: 1) people who have been used to looking at America’s military through the bars of America’s prisons see it somewhat differently than those who have looked at it through its own eyes, 2) it’s a challenge to be equally understanding of the inmates and the generals (should we be?), and 3) perhaps repentance has to be measured with a micrometer as well as a yardstick.

The prophetic vision in Isaiah 9 sees the boots and garments of warfare "burned as fuel for the fire." I think it is good to pray and act that vision into the present rather than leaving it all for the future, but as the wag said, "Time is nature’s (God’s?) way of keeping everything from happening at once."

John K. Stoner, Akron, Pennsylvania

Post a Comment | Write to the Editor
Sojourners relies on the support of readers like you to sustain our message and ministry.

Like what you're reading? Get Sojourners E-Mail updates!

Sojourners Comment Community Covenant

I will express myself with civility, courtesy, and respect for every member of the Sojourners online community, especially toward those with whom I disagree, even if I feel disrespected by them. (Romans 12:17-21)

I will express my disagreements with other community members' ideas without insulting, mocking, or slandering them personally. (Matthew 5:22)

I will not exaggerate others' beliefs nor make unfounded prejudicial assumptions based on labels, categories, or stereotypes. I will always extend the benefit of the doubt. (Ephesians 4:29)

I will hold others accountable by clicking "report" on comments that violate these principles, based not on what ideas are expressed but on how they're expressed. (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15)

I understand that comments reported as abusive are reviewed by Sojourners staff and are subject to removal. Repeat offenders will be blocked from making further comments. (Proverbs 18:7)