Individual will, reason, compassion, and character are not strong enough to consistently defeat selfishness, pride, greed, and self-deception. Everybody needs redemptive assistance from the outside--from family, friends, ancestors, rules, traditions, institutions,...
01307 – Objecting to Violence
No doubt the objection may be raised that affirmation of nonviolence by the churches would be simplistic, that ethical judgments in the real world of the Powers are far too complex to adopt a fixed ethical stance. This objection, I must confess, was one of the main...
00765 – Assistance Needed with Confession
Most people need assistance in making confessions. Culture conditions us to disguise our weaknesses, cover our faults, reject guilt, and remain silent about our sins. Worship demands a dramatic turn around from that—confession at all costs. Not surprisingly, help is...
00233 – Kindness is Paying Debts
As to the kindness you mention, I wish I could have been of more service to you than I have been, but if I had the only thanks that I should desire are that you would always be ready to serve any other person that may need your assistance, and so let good offices go...