Yet again, here we are. Events in Buffalo over the weekend are all too familiar: a young white man spouting violence-strewn racial hatred—both in-person and on-line—buys a gun, travels to a distant community where he apparently knows no one and starts shooting, killing ten black people shopping at a local supermarket. While researching his past, … Continue reading Reinforcing the Lone Wolves
A Study in Contrast
On Sunday night, the annual Grammy awards aired on network television. The ceremony was punctured by real life, as a gritty videotaped message was broadcast to attendees at the glitzy ceremony from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. His words were directed to artists and musicians in the music industry who continued to write and compose in … Continue reading A Study in Contrast
The Power of Music
As the war in Ukraine grinds on and the horror increases, the world is inspired by Ukrainian resolve. As I watch endless media accounts of intentional (it can no longer be described as “indiscriminate”) bombardment of civilian targets—including schools and hospitals—by Russian troops, the eyes of my soul continue to seek a place of refuge. … Continue reading The Power of Music
From Defense to Offense
I went to seminary during the War in Vietnam. There, along with a small group of students, I publicly resisted that war. Part of my resistance included refusing to carry my draft card, which was against the law at that time. Instead, I surrendered my card to a committee in the Reformed Church in America … Continue reading From Defense to Offense
Threading the Needle
I admit I am torn. My good friend and Intersections’ colleague Fred Johnson often says that the greatest distance lies between the head and the heart. It is in that nether land that I now find myself. Like you, I am appalled every day by the continuing onslaught in Ukraine. Employing scorched earth tactics that … Continue reading Threading the Needle