One of my favorite theologians writing today is Walter Wink. He visited South Africa during apartheid, observed conditions there, talked to reform leaders and ended up writing a wonderful pamphlet entitled, "The Third Way". Well, just today I found an article by him summarizing what he meant by that title. Please check it out right here: http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1216-30.htm
The Church has really done us a grave disservice over the the centuries by spreading the erroneous idea that Jesus intended us to become doormats when we are being oppressed. "Turn the other cheek" does not mean "lie down and let yourself be kicked." Read Wink's article for a radically different interpretation of that injunction along with other sayings that, on the surface, seem to be telling us to acquiesce to mistreatment. Authentic spiritual practice, no matter what the tradition, is never about becoming a masochist.
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Sr. Ellie, thank you so much for introducing me to a new writer with such a challenging way of looking at a teaching/interpretation that has been so widely accepted among religious groups. I cannot wait to read more of his works.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Anonymous. I really do think Walter Wink is one of the most important theologians writing today.
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