Lord … Number us, we beseech Thee, in the ranks of those who went forth … longing only for those things for which Thee dost make us long, men for whom the complexity of issues only serves to renew their zeal to deal with them, men who alleviated pain by sharing it, and men who are always willing to risk something big for something good — so may we leave in the world a little more truth, a little more justice, and a little more beauty than would have been there had we not loved the world enough to quarrel with it for what it is not — but still could be.
Oh God, take our minds and think through them, take our lips and speak through them, and take our hearts and set them on fire.
Amen.
The words are those of William Sloane Coffin, Jr. (1924 -2006). I will write more about him in a future post, but this is enough for today. Check out Coffin on Wikipedia if you’d like to know more now.
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The first painting is Chimera by Gustave Moreau from 1884. The last is Blueberry Eyes by Franz Kline, 1960. Chimera is sourced from Wikimedia Commons, while Blueberry Eyes comes from Wikiart.org.
(Rev?) Sloane looks to have written a very interesting list of books. “The Heart is a Little to the Left: Essays on Public Morality” sounds especially compelling. I can still appreciate some things theologians have said, especially when they are philosophers as well.
Rev. Coffin was an extraordinary man, Susan, as you have gathered. His time was also the time of men like Martin Luther King. Perhaps the most remarkable quality of those men (some of whom who fought in WWII), was that in speaking out about the Vietnam War, segregation, injustice, civil rights, and the nuclear arms race, they lived their beliefs and were frequently jailed for it.
Thank you for introducing me to him.
My pleasure. More to come.
Thank you for the introduction, Dr. Stein. Reverend Coffin’s words, especially these, “…willing to risk something big for something good…” gave shivers. I look forward to learning more. Happy New Year to you! 💕
You are welcome, Vicki. He had a gift of words and a sense of responsibility to make the world a better place. I am glad he reached you. Happy New Year to you, as well!
Dr. Stein, thanks for this introduction to William Sloane Coffin, Jr. He appears to be a man with an immense heart.
I agree, Rosaliene. His life was full, and an encouraging example of what is possible. Thank you
I appreciate you sharing the words of a peaceful man, wanted more such minds in our world. Happy 2025!
Happy New Year to you as well, Tamara. I sense that you aren’t so different from Rev. Coffin in some of his best qualities.
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What a beautiful prayer. Thank you for sharing, Dr. Stein!
I am glad you appreciated it, Wynne. I was in no doubt that you would.