In this month of dehydration,
we keep our eyes skyward, both to watch
for rain and to avoid the scorn
of the scorched succulents who reproach
us silently, saying, "You promised to care."
And so, although we thought we could stick
these seedlings in the ground and leave
them to their own devices, we haul
hoses and buckets of water to the outer edges
of the yard where the hose will not reach.
Those seeking a safe haven in the United States from religious, political, and economic oppression are finding it more difficult to obtain asylum on U.S. soil.
Contrary to what Jim Wallis writes in "A Life of Moral Consistency" (Hearts & Minds, June 2005), Pope John Paul IIs "consistent ethic of life" wasnt that consistent. He believed that an unjust war doesnt have the same moral weight as abortion.
An Iraqi boy helps with a cleanup project organized in Fallujah, Iraq, by the Muslim Peacemaker Teams. Street cleaning and praying with Sunni Muslims were the teams first public actions.
Talking Bible Dolls has released its newest product - a huggable, washable, and talking Jesus plush doll.
Three hundred Israeli high-school students signed a letter refusing to participate in the occupation of the Palestinian territories, according to a letter they sent to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in March.
Manchester and Salford, England, jointly became the 100th Fairtrade Towns in March, ushering fairly traded coffees, teas, and chocolates into local cafés and achieving a landmark victory for the growing trade justice movement in Great Britain. "The towns raise awareness and sales of fair trade, which both contribute to tackling
Brazilian churches have taken on that countrys handgun epidemic by organizing their parishes and community centers to host drop-off sites for weapons - no questions asked. "Christian churches have adopted an active and committed position with civil society in the struggle against the weapons industry
War veterans, families with relatives in the military, peace activists, and others met in Washington, D.C., in March to publicly sign a statement of support for U.S. soldiers in Iraq who are refusing orders to fight for reasons of conscience. Signers could be charged with violating U.S.
When the faithful welcome the breaking of Gods word into relationships, politics, and economics, hope arrives. Adopted as Gods sons and daughters, people begin to make the reign of God their greatest loyalty.
I found Jim Wallis recent article "For the Heath of the Nation" (May 2005) disappointing. Besides the disapproving tone it takes toward more "fundamentalist" evangelical Christians, it came across as flawed on several points. What troubled me most was a misplaced focus on environmental protection.
Peter Henriot, like so many others, totally dismisses the potential of GMO crops in favor of organic agriculture for feeding Zambias population ("The Zambia Experiment," April 2005). Zambia will double its population in 25 years. Are they going to double the acreage for crop production? At whose expense?
I appreciated Scot DeGrafs article ("Less is More"), as it is always good to get practical tips on being better stewards. I want to point out something minor regarding the use of compact florescent bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs.
Scot DeGrafs article ("Less is More," May 2005) was great, but he missed a critical mode of transportation: the bicycle. I am in my mid-50s, and co-workersincluding people in their 70sand I bicycle up to 10 miles one way to work.
Against the ugly annals of
Bible-thumper politics bounce the echoes
of Bad-Eye Thomas' lonesome cry.
His tears collect against the
coffers engineered by Robertson's broadcasts;
the retention walls defined by Falwell's broadsides.
Such rhetoric trickled down from
palatial headquarters (funded from small contributions)
to the votes of the faithful tithers.
Mrs. Thomas, Christopher's mother,
having deposited her social security check,
found his money coupon, kept neatly between
her phone bill and her monthly offering
When it comes to faith, politics, and culture (three of our favorite topics here at Sojourners), the public discussion too often seems to shrink down big ideas and complex life to simple, narrow