Category Archives: Religion and politics

At the nexus of religion and political life

The Pope Skips Gaza: “I was in prison and you visited me not”

Posted on May 7, 2009 by wallwritings

by James M. Wall                A friend writes from Bethlehem:          His Holiness will arrive in Jordan at the end of this week, then cross the river to Israel-Palestine and spend a … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle East, Religion and politics | 4 Comments

Yes to Tutu, Cuba Travel, and Marriage in Vermont

Posted on April 13, 2009 by wallwritings

By James M. Wall The times they are a’changing.  Not immediately and not fast enough, but the signs are promising.  Consider these three stories: Michigan State President Says No to ADL Michigan State University invited retired South African Archbishop Desmond … Continue reading →

Posted in Religion and politics, Religious Faith, The Human Condition | 4 Comments

A Good Samaritan Comes Upon a Homeless Woman; She is Homeless No More

Posted on February 13, 2009 by wallwritings

by James M. Wall There are not many “good news” stories in politics these days.  But a Florida woman, Henrietta Hughes, was central to one of the few “good news” moments that reached national attention in Fort Myers Thursday. Huffington Post … Continue reading →

Posted in Religion and politics, The Human Condition | Leave a comment

A Sad Reminder from Illinois:”Money is the mother’s milk of politics”

Posted on January 30, 2009 by wallwritings

By James M. Wall Listening to the 59 Illinois state senators solemnly repeat their “yes” vote to remove Governor Rod Blagojevich  from office, one had to wonder: How many of them thought, “there but for the grace of God go I”? Everyone … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Elections, Religion and politics | 5 Comments

“Lift Every Voice and Sing”

Posted on January 20, 2009 by wallwritings

Lift Every Voice and Sing http://youtu.be/MyS3HPInHtI http://youtu.be/QjZFi8VBdOA Continue reading →

Posted in Religion and politics | 4 Comments

Pastor to Obama:”Perhaps you are where you are for such a time.”

Posted on January 18, 2009 by wallwritings

 by James M. Wall                             On Sunday morning, President-elect Barack Obama and his family worshipped together at the 19th Street Baptist Church.  The Obamas’ new hometown newspaper, … Continue reading →

Posted in Religion and politics | Leave a comment

Memo to Team Obama: Read Rabbi Rosen and Roger Cohen Before You Announce Your Middle East Team

Posted on January 12, 2009 by wallwritings

by James M. Wall                   On Sunday morning, our pastor led us in a “Congregational Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant”. We were asked to respond to a series of questions, including this one: … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle East Politics, Religion and politics | 3 Comments

Niebuhr, Carter and Obama Understand History as “a larger realm of Mystery”

Posted on December 22, 2008 by wallwritings

by James M. Wall       Reinhold Niebuhr’s influence on former President Jimmy Carter has been evident throughout Carter’s political career. That influence is even more pronounced in Carter’s post-presidency. Carter is a political realist who understands, and acts on, … Continue reading →

Posted in Religion and politics | 1 Comment

Rick Warren To Pray at Obama’s Inaugural? Was Otis Moss III Already Booked?

Posted on December 19, 2008 by wallwritings

by James M. Wall                     When word came that Barack Obama had selected Rick Warren to give the opening prayer at his inauguration, you had to wonder, was Otis Moss III … Continue reading →

Posted in Religion and politics, Religious Faith | 10 Comments

George Bush’s Legacy: A Deadly Manichean Mindset

Posted on December 14, 2008 by wallwritings

By James M. Wall Bill Moyers’ Journal interview with Salon blogger Glenn Greenwald, provides a valuable insight into the Bush legacy that is both wise and frightening. What Bush leaves behind, as Greenwald documents, is best described as a Manichean mindset, … Continue reading →

Posted in Media, Religion and politics | 2 Comments