Clarion: Journal of Spirituality and Justice

Cynic or Prophet? What’s the difference? by Brad Jersak

Cynical Prophets and Prophetic Cynics

In recent years, I’ve had the joy of pastoring many fine prophets, some highly gifted, some deeply wounded, and some with a potent combination of gifts and grief. I’ve know the sorrow of watching broken prophets decline into cynicism and the joy of walking cynics forward into their true calling as prophets. In some ways, cynics and prophets are exactly opposite; in other ways, there are virtually identical. Maybe they are the flesh and spirit manifestation of the same gift.

"What Terrorists Want" by Louise Richardson - Review by C. Kerr

1. Part 1 - The Terrorists

What Terrorists Want introduces the reader to understanding why lives are destroyed due to the weaknesses in government policy regarding terrorism. Richardson includes her personal experience as a child in bringing home the point that governments are weak in fighting terrorism. She covers the historical aspects of terrorism and brings it in context with contemporary issues that Western governments are facing. She then moves on to analyze the threat – ranging from state to individual. As well, she grasps the issue of terrorism, terrorists and the counter-terrorism strategies that Western governments have at present to ensure peace and safety. Richardson has a lot to offer considering her scholarship and expertise in the subject matter.

THOMAS MERTON: The Contemplative Dilemma by Ron Dart

The time will come when the pursuit of contemplation will be a subversive activity.     Daniel Berrigan,

America is Hard to Find 

1. Merton and the Contemplative Quest

Thomas Merton turned to the Roman Catholic Tradition, and to the monastic and Cistercian way within such a Tradition, in search of an older and forgotten contemplative path. The vita activa had come to dominate the modern world, and the vita contemplativa had been banished or subordinated to the active life. In short, Martha had trumped Mary, and there were serious consequences to be faced in both soul and society as a result of this inversion of the ancient and time tried way.

Three-score and Ten: Tribute to Dad by Brad Jersak

Today I asked a friend how I might best honour my father as he attains the landmark of his seventieth birthday. He wryly suggested that I compose a limerick, which should go over well in any hometown with an Irish name. I’ll spare you.

Rather, I’d like to say thanks to my dad for truly living by certain values that are counter-intuitive to the world’s standards. Every parent is called to raise and train their child as best they can, according to what seems right. Many do this quite well. Fewer have the courage to buck the systems that pressure us to conform to the prevalent rules of the game. In his subtle and subversive and perhaps subconscious ways, my dad did this for my brother and I. I think it’s worth sharing on this special occasion.