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It is difficult to feel a sense of gratitude in chaotic times like these. One may even feel a sense of guilt for feeling gratitude in the midst of so much injustice, and yet we still are grateful for the persons and communities working to do good in the world. This discourse will reflect on … Continue reading Gratitude and Justice in Beloved Community
It is good from time to time to reflect on the lives of all those who have come before us as a way of recognizing their continued presence with us through memory and influence. Together we can learn from their mistakes, remember the positive good they have done, and celebrate all that is better about … Continue reading Blessed Memory
It is normal and justified to be scared in times like these. Political violence is on the rise, governmental power is being misused, cities are being occupied by our own military, and the most vulnerable among us are are experiencing increased attacks. How can we find courage within community in the midst of this chaos?
In his recently published book Here Comes the Sun, author and climate activist Bill McKibben shares some hopeful information about the accelerating speed with which solar power is being generated around the world. It just might be last best chance to preserve a livable climate for us all and to provide a fresh chance for our civilization.
Millions of us in the United States are living in a kind of exile in our own land – an exile that oppressed groups in our country have experienced for centuries, an exile from economic justice and political power, an exile from safety and security for our lives, an exile from justice and true freedom.
The use of the word “heresy” in any context is in itself problematic, especially given the historical violence connected with this word through the violent enforcement of a doctrinal purity created by all men and backed by the force of Empire. It has become a clobber concept to enforce one patriarchal version of Christianity, much … Continue reading The Problem of Heresy
So much of how we define success and well-being in our society revolves around the money we make and the things we accumulate, and it is clear this acquisition and consumption culture where the quantity of stuff counts more than the quality of our relationships is leading to a dead end for humanity. How can … Continue reading How Much is Enough?
In an interview with Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, design justice pioneer Bryan C. Lee Jr. defines “design justice” as “what love looks like in public spaces,” and he describes it as “an active display of care for beloved communities.” What would our communities look like if we designed them in ways that create space for culture … Continue reading Reflections on Design Justice
If religion is understood as that which pertains to our ultimate concern there is no reason for religion and science to be in conflict. Tragically, religion often clings to antiscientific perspectives that impede human progress, making it difficult to address social and ecological challenges , and hindering overall human flourishing, but it does not have … Continue reading Science and Religion
As we celebrate our declaration of freedom from a king, it is also helpful to reflect on what our freedom is for. True freedom entails using our freedom for each other, seeing ourselves as in this together, living into our interdependence with one another, and cultivating a culture of empathy.
Rev. Dr. Mark Y. A. Davies is the Wimberly Professor of Social and Ecological Ethics, Director of the World House Institute for Social and Ecological Responsibility, and Executive Director of the Leadership. Education, and Development Hub North America for the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry) at Oklahoma City University where he has worked in both teaching and administration for 22 years. He is an ordained elder in the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church where he has served as Chair of the Board of Church and Society from 2015 to 2018.