vote with the angels
The American presidential campaign – which has worldwide attention – is
even nastier and more disgusting than usual. The dominant tone – from
mainstream media to our own personal social media exchanges – is often
visceral, cynical, judgmental, uncharitable. No matter how disappointed we
may be with candidates or political realities, we can do better than this.
We all have a role in establishing that tone – by what we say, what we
pass on to others, what we tolerate. It is often said that we get the government
we deserve – because of our low standards, prejudices and not being fully
informed. Let us be worthy of better.
The ideal template – for our political discourse, as well as our overall
communication – is this year’s General Church Journey Campaign: Mindful
Communication. Its thrust is always to be asking ourselves before speaking: Is
it true? Is it kind? Is it useful?
In his first inaugural address in 1861, with the United States on the cusp of
civil war, Abraham Lincoln set the standard:
"We are not enemies, but friends. Though passion may have strained,
it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory,
stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and
hearth-stone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union
when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."
We could use that mantra: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it useful? We could use
those better angels in the voting booth.
(BMH)
academy remains
My Class of 1956 is holding its 60th reunion this Charter Day. We will come
together – from as far away as Australia – sharing bonds and memories still
fresh and warm in our hearts and minds.
The Academy of the New Church is unique in this way. Other schools and
colleges hold reunions that revive memories and friendships, but the lifetime
relationships formed at the Academy are special.
My wife used to lead French exchanges at the Academy and the teacher
she worked with in France marveled at the way our students kept coming back
and felt bonded not only by friendship but the shared faith and values that are
so much a part of the Academy experience.
He said – with a hint of sadness – that once his students graduate he
probably will never see them again and they will not come back to visit their
school. This is true of many schools that do not have t he spiritual core that still
connects so many of us.
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