Category: Justice

Citizenship, Ethics, Justice, Leadership, Love, Race2 Comments

The Two Cases of Trayvon Martin

Gary Furr

When it comes to the painful problem of race, it’s never about one thing…it’s about everything.  By Gary Furr The explosion that has occurred in recent days over the shooting of a Florida  teenager has reignited one of our oldest and most enduring debates.  The case of Trayvon Martin has caused outbursts between journalists, demonstrations and a weary “Will we ever be able to move past this?” cloud to hover again over us.  The gulf between the races is painfully obvious.  It sounds as though we are talking about two different cases.  And we are. In the late 1980s, I … Continue reading The Two Cases of Trayvon Martin

Culture, Ethics, Faith, Hope, Justice, Leadership, Love, Suffering, Theology and Life

The Ten Commandments of Change (Part Two)

Gary Furr

I am not sure why I started this.  I have been thinking, at 57, about how disappointing the world, other people, the church, society, politicians, even myself, are.  And yet, I hope.  I still think things can be better.  This is mysterious.  I went to Mount Thinkaboutit to consider this, and came down with two tablets carved in sand, so they can be easily revised if needed, but these are some things I have thought about in my experiences thus far.  Commandments 1-5, unless I have changed them, are in yesterday’s post. 6.  Let it Begin with Me.  A changed … Continue reading The Ten Commandments of Change (Part Two)

Christianity, Culture, Ethics, Hope, humanity, Justice, Leadership, Love, Ministry, Suffering, Theology and Life

The Ten Commandments of Change (Part One)

Gary Furr

Ten Commandments for Working for Change (Kingdom of God Version) I am not sure why I started this.  I have been thinking, at 57, about how disappointing the world, other people, the church, society, politicians, even myself, are.  And yet, I hope.  I still think things can be better.  This is mysterious.  I went to Mount Thinkaboutit to consider this, and came down with two tablets carved in sand, so they can be easily revised if needed, but these are some things I have thought about in my experiences thus far. First Things First.  The ministry of healing requires clear … Continue reading The Ten Commandments of Change (Part One)

Art, Children, Christianity, Gospel music, Justice, Music, Politics4 Comments

Thank You, Ella Jones: Churches, the Arts and Why They Matter

Gary Furr

I nearly always prefer the hidden, obscure, local and unnoticed to the Big Stuff.  Celebrity…zzz…even small pond big fish I find relatively uninteresting.  It’s just all so predictable and often pompous.  When I opened today’s Birmingham News, the top of the front page, as usual, was about Alabama and Auburn football, which is as always.  You just have to understand that in Alabama, I would fully expect to see this on a front page: TIDE LANDS FOUR FIVE STAR RECRUITS AUBURN HOPES NEW DEFENSIVE COACH WILL “TURN THE TIDE” NUCLEAR WAR PROBABLE IN NEXT FEW DAYS (Section B) GOD SAYS … Continue reading Thank You, Ella Jones: Churches, the Arts and Why They Matter

Art, Blues, Christianity, Christmas, Jesus, Justice, Music, Poverty, Spirituality, Theology and Life

Mary, Springsteen and Nietsche

Gary Furr

 NRSV Luke 1:46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 52 He has brought down the powerful from their … Continue reading Mary, Springsteen and Nietsche