• Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Speaking and Preaching
  • Contact

The Rev'd James M. Hairston

The Rev'd James M. Hairston

Category Archives: Moral Theology

“In the Midst Of The Pain, There Is Confusion” (25 APR)

25 Thursday Apr 2013

Posted by Fr. JM Hairston in Moral Theology, Pop Culture-Society

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Boston, Confusion, Marathon, Pain, Tragedy

boston_marathon_explosion_max_blast_2_1_480x360

REFLECTION

As the cities of Boston, Cambridge & Watertown, and the educational institutions of M.I.T., Tufts, and University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth are moving towards a “new normal”, there are still many thoughts of confusion. Confusion isn’t the word that is being used in mainstream media. Words like “Islamic Terrorists” and “Jihadist” are the popular words used to describe the tragedy of 15 APRIL 2013. Emotions such as anger and sadness are expressed. These emotions are natural. These emotions are supposed to be expressed. The question is: Is there a point where we go too far?

keep-calm-and-blame-someone-else-14We, as a people, are moving in a direction of blame. Who’s fault is it? I have heard the following answers:

– “It’s Obama’s fault
because he is too soft on profiling!”

– “It’s our fault
because we let these Muslims into our
country!”

– “It’s the FBI’s fault
because ‘Suspect #1’ was on the federal radar back in
2011!”

However, outside of these statements, there is a small contingency of people knew these men. They lived in the same neighborhood, when to school with, related to, and in one case, married to (one of) these men. These individuals are left confused. One of my relatives, who went to high school with Tamerlan Tsarnaev (the older brother referred to as “Suspect #1”) is one of those who are confused. He wrote the following on Facebook:

“Feeling a lot of strange emotions today…not knowing either to be ecstatic for the police killing one of the bombers, a terrorist against the well being of my people…or either to mourn the death of someone I once called my friend…”

He is not alone in this confusion. On the day of the multi-city shutdown, a reporter caught up with Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s boxing/mixed martial arts trainer. On the outset, he was not responding to the reporters questions. He made a quick b-line to his vehicle. Before entering the car, he stopped and looked at the reporter, and said something along the lines of “No, I didn’t think he would do something like that.”

Katherine Russell, the wife of Tamerlan Tsarnaev, and the mother of their 2 year old daughter, is also speechless. She is receiving scrutiny because she states that she did not know that he was planning the attack with his younger brother. The brother’s aunt, Maret Tsarnaev, who resides in Toronto, states that she wants proof that it was her nephews that committed the terrorist attack. She is definitely in a lot of emotional pain and confusion. It is the only way to explain her reluctance to accept the truth regardless of the evidence presented thus far.

In conclusion, the purpose of this post isn’t to garner sympathy for the Tsarnaev brothers, but rather to see that there is another side to this tragedy. It does not overshadow the 4 innocent lives lost (Richard, Campbell, Lu, and Collier), but it does shed light on those who knew the men, and are left with the uncomfortable position of mourning for all involved and are confused about how to cope.

-JMH+

Share this:

  • Email
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • More
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

“When There is Tragedy, the Devil Roams.” (18 APR)

18 Thursday Apr 2013

Posted by Fr. JM Hairston in Moral Theology, Pop Culture-Society

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Boston, Evil, Marathon, Tragedy

20130418-120614.jpg

REFLECTION

On Monday, 15 APRIL 2013, tragedy struck my hometown of Boston. An individual or group of individuals (details are forth coming) set off explosive devices along the final three block stretch to the finish line of the historic Boston Marathon. Normally I would have been present at the event, however I was in Manhattan. I found out about the attack via ESPN’s SportCenter iPhone application. I rushed back to the hotel and watched the news unfold. Needless to say, I was incredibly saddened and empathic to the families of Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell, and the Boston University graduate student. I wanted to drive back to Boston immediately and
help my fellow National Guardsmen who were activated. However, I had to remain in New York, and finish my project that ended yesterday.

I made time to go to the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, where the Bishop of the Episcopal Church Diocese of New York, Bishop Andrew M. L. Dietsche sits. While there, I made time to pray for all those affected by the attack. I also prayed for our clergy and first responders. However I was quickly reminded that although most of the nation and world mourns with us, there are some who are using this tragedy as an opportunity for individual gain. Included in this are scammers, politicians and hate mongers.

I received an email from one of the news services warning against individuals setting up bogus charities for “Boston Marathon Relief.” I became incredibly angry and shouted words that were unbecoming of a priest, but quite acceptable for my Infantry soldiers. It’s sad to think someone wants to use the 3 lives cut short to make a quick buck.

At the onset, a couple of the news outlets in New York were incredibly unsympathetic to the attack. Two anchors scoffed at it as if it was something minor. They hosted politicians on their shows who have a low public opinion or really needed help in the polls. These politicians used the air time to assert their public persona with hopes of it turning into votes.

Finally, I noticed people who would make racist comments regarding those from the Middle East. The assumption is that the perpetrator(s) are from that region of the world. Those people seem to forget the last two tragedies on American soil (Newtown, Aurora) were carried out by Americans.

I resulted to pray and reflect in the fact that when tragedy strikes, the Devil is usually near. After reflecting, I also remembered that
God is also present. God is always present. There are times in which we lose sight of that. I was incredible happy by the love
shown by many New Yorkers, especially the New York Yankees franchise with the sign, and of course, “Sweet Caroline.”

20130418-123923.jpg

I want to conclude with this; continue to pray for my city, the families, first responders, and our country. Please protect yourself regarding financial donations to the families and survivors. Although the Devil roams in the midst of tragedy, God is
there, and everywhere.

Peace and blessings,

-JMH+

Share this:

  • Email
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • More
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Fr. William Law (10 APR)

10 Wednesday Apr 2013

Posted by Fr. JM Hairston in Inspirational Christians, Moral Theology, The Church

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Law, Priest, Theologian, William

Image

“O God, by whose grace thy servant William Law, enkindled with the fire of thy love, became a burning and shining light in thy Church: Grant that we also may be aflame with the spirit of love and discipline, and may ever walk before thee as children of light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, liveth and reigneth, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.”

 – From Holy Women, Holy Men

“William Law (1686 – 9 April 1761) was an Anglican priest who lost his teaching position at Emmanuel College, Cambridge when his conscience would not allow him to take the required oath of allegiance to the first Hanoverian monarch, George I. Law had previously given his allegiance to the House of Stuart and is sometimes considered a second-generation Non-Juror (an earlier generation of nonjurors included Thomas Ken). Thereafter, Law first continued as a simple priest (curate) and when that too became impossible without the required oath, Law taught privately, as well as wrote extensively. His personal integrity, as well as mystic and theological writing greatly influenced the evangelical movement of his day as well as Enlightenment thinkers such as the writer Dr. Samuel Johnson and the historian Edward Gibbon. Law’s spiritual writings remain in print today, anthologized by various denominations, including in the Classics of Western Spirituality series by the Catholic Paulist Press.”

 – From Wikipedia

REFLECTION

Fr. William Law was quite the interesting priest. He functioned at a time in which clergy would align themselves with the political elite who would best fund and or support their rise in ecclesiastical authority. [I guess its not much different now with some clergy] A very learned priest, he was propositioned by the German royal dynasty, the House of Hanover. Holding on to his integrity, he refused the offer. As a result, he was relegated to less than viable way of life.

While a weaker man would have given in, Law stayed true to his convictions and wrote countless manuscripts which upset some, yet empowered many. In the end, Law viewed the nature of the priesthood as something bigger than himself and his livelihood. He viewed it, and the education he obtained as something that needed to be shared and distributed, no matter the cost.

I, at times, must remind myself that all the education I have, and continue to obtain, means nothing if its not benefiting someone in their journey to Christ. This is the reason why I began this blog in the first place. When I was a Baptist Minister, I felt very distant from the saints, martyrs and heroes of Christianity. It is my hope that the brief synopsis (from Wikipedia and other sources) and my reflections can help someone grow in their journey with and to God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost.

 – JMH+

Share this:

  • Email
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • More
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Rev. Dr. Dietrich Bonhoeffer (9 APR)

09 Tuesday Apr 2013

Posted by Fr. JM Hairston in Inspirational Christians, Moral Theology

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich, Germany, Lutheran, Martyr, Nazi

Bonhoeffer

“Gracious God, the Beyond in the midst of our life, you gave grace to your servant Dietrich Bonhoeffer to know and to teach the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, and to bear the cost of following him; Grant that we, strengthened by his teaching and example, may receive your word and embrace its call with an undivided heart; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

 – From Lesser Feasts and Fasts, 2003

“Dietrich Bonhoeffer (4 February 1906 – 9 April 1945) was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, dissident anti-Nazi and founding member of the Confessing Church. His writings on Christianity’s role in the secular world have become widely influential, and many have labelled his book The Cost of Discipleship a modern classic. Apart from his theological writings, Bonhoeffer became known for his staunch resistance to the Nazi dictatorship. He strongly opposed Hitler’s euthanasia program and genocidal persecution of the Jews. He was also involved in plans by members of the Abwehr (the German Military Intelligence Office) to assassinate Adolf Hitler. He was arrested in April 1943 by the Gestapo and executed by hanging in April 1945 while imprisoned at a Nazi concentration camp, just 23 days before the German surrender.”

 – From Wikipedia

REFLECTION

 My first interaction with the works of Dietrich Bonhoeffer was of course, in seminary. The course was Christian Social Ethics. We were assigned to read his very influential book, Ethics. At some point along the seminary journey, I read another of his great works, The Cost of Discipleship. In reading both of these masterpieces, I learned a very valuable lesson on what it takes to be a clergyman in the midst of mortal danger and social injustice.

As the above description from Wikipedia states, he was a clergyman in Germany during the Nazi regime. A little more background: Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran minister. He graduated from seminary and the University of Berlin at 21 years old, however, he was not old enough to be ordained. In the mean time, he went to study at Union Theological Seminary in New York and was exposed to the Black Church experience. He served at the historical Abyssinian Baptist Church as a Sunday School teacher. Being inspired by a sermon from Adam Clayton Powell Sr., and the connection to the Negro Spirituals, Bonhoeffer decided to return to Germany to help those who were captive. The rest is history.

Bonhoeffer could have remained in Harlem. He was pressured to do so. If he stayed, he would have been one of the most sought after seminary professors and ministers in the United States. He would have cemented his name as a giant in the theological academy. However, he knew that there was more for him. He knew that it wasn’t about him and his legacy, but rather the nation of Germany (his homeland), the persecuted Jewish people, and his example of the love of Christ.

As we continue on our respected journeys, we must keep in mind that the gifts we are given are not ours. We must fight the urge to put our own goals of building a legacy and place God first. If we are truly disciples of God, we will do this.  Bonhoeffer died as a result of doing this. His death was not in vain. It was indeed the cost of discipleship.

 – JMH+

Share this:

  • Email
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • More
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Fr. Martin Luther (18 FEB)

18 Monday Feb 2013

Posted by Fr. JM Hairston in Inspirational Christians, Moral Theology, The Church

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Luther, Martin, Reformation

luther

O God, our refuge and our strength: Thou didst raise up thy servant Martin Luther to reform and renew thy Church in the light of thy word. Defend and purify the Church in our own day and grant that, through faith, we may boldly proclaim the riches of thy grace which thou hast made known in Jesus Christ our Savior, who with thee and the Holy Spirit, liveth and reigneth, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 – Collect from Holy Women, Holy Men

Martin Luther was a German 16th century theologian and monk. He was highly educated and, at the time, on the path to becoming a lawyer. All that changed when he was called to the ministry and joined an Augustinian monastic order. During his time in the order, he noticed many of the moral ills of the Roman Catholic Church under the reign of Pope Leo X. These ills included indulgences, the Biblical Text not being made available to the laity, and many others that are listed in his famous “95 Theses.”

In 1517, Dr. Luther wrote Ninety-Five Theses on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences. The document was a list of 95 charges against the Roman Catholic Church. He nailed the document to the front door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, for all to see. Needless to say, he received backlash and was requested to recant of his statements to both Pope Leo X and Charles V. He refused, and was excommunicated. As a result, and on the heels of mini revolutions in small country towns, the spark of the Reformation became the fire that lead to Protestantism.

REFLECTION

In reflecting on the legacy of Luther, I think about how misunderstood he is. Truth be told, I misunderstood Luther. When I was a Baptist, like many free church clergy, I had (and still have) a copy of Luther’s Writings on my bookshelf. Many free church Christians view Luther as a patron saint of sorts. They believe that Luther saved the Church from ruin and damnation at the hands of the Pope. Many Roman Catholics also have a misrepresentation of Martin Luther. I recall watching a documentary titled Hell House. A young Catholic man who was offended by an Evangelical young woman’s pleas of “coming to Jesus before it’s too late” screams something to the effect of; “You should thank us for Luther! He was a Catholic FIRST! Without him, you wouldn’t have a church!”

Luther was very important to the growth and development of the church as a whole. His run in with Pope Leo X and Charles V was NOT the be all and end all of the Reformation. There were mini reformations and revolutions occurring prior to the series of events in other parts of Europe, especially Germany and Switzerland. Henry VIII of England, like Luther, did not want to leave the Roman Catholic Church, but could not navigate through the system of hypocrisy and corruption that was present in the church at the time. Although Henry VIII wrote treaties against Luther, he, and the entire Church of England left the See of Rome in 1534.

It is important to note that Luther nor Henry VIII did not want to leave the Roman Catholic Church. It models for me the process of trying to work within a system prior to leaving or being pushed out. All too often, in our modern society, we are quick to “take our ball and go home” if things do not go the way want initially. We rather, as clergy, start our own churches after 1 trivial disagreement. As laity, we leave a church when the clergy preach something that we do not like and proceed to hop around until we find the “perfect church.” I believe C.S. Lewis mentioned something about this in The Screwtape Letters in the 1940s.

All in all, Luther was quite complex. His example should challenge us to look at our churches with a critical lens, as a means of improving the shortcomings. Doing this, in love, will result in what St. Ignatius has done for the Roman Catholic Church. I believe we lose the second part, and only focus on the first. It’s easy to point out the problems, it’s harder to put in the work towards solutions.

 – JMH+

Share this:

  • Email
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • More
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Archbishop Janani Luwum (17 FEB)

17 Sunday Feb 2013

Posted by Fr. JM Hairston in Inspirational Christians, Moral Theology, Saints and Feast Days, The Church

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Anglican, Archbishop, Janani, Luwum, Uganda

Abp Janani Luwum

 “O God, whose Son the Good Shepherd laid down his life for the sheep: We give thee thanks for thy faithful shepherd Janani Luwum, who after his Savior’s example, gave up his life for the people of Uganda. Grant us to be so inspired by his witness that we make no peace with oppression, but live as those who are sealed with the cross of Christ, who died and rose again, and now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

 – Collect from Holy Women, Holy Men

Archbishop Janani Luwum was the Primate of Uganda from 1974 – 1977. He was an highly educated clergyman who also fought for the rights of the people of his nation. During his entire time of service (diaconate through bishopric), there was tremendous lack of stability in the nation. There was a revolving door of presidents and dictators. However, perhaps the most infamous dictator, Idi Amin came into power in 1971.

Archbishop Luwum would speak out against the crimes and atrocities of Amin’s regime towards to the people of Uganda. This would often placing himself at risk. On 17 FEBRUARY 1977, the Archbishop and other clergy (including Roman Catholic and Muslim clerics) were called to the palace of President Amin for suspicion of “treason.” All were released except Luwum. Luwum was discovered dead a short time later. His body was not released to him family for three weeks.

REFLECTION

In reflecting on the life of Archbishop Luwum, I can’t help but think about Archbishop Oscar Romero. Another cleric who was incredibly smart, placed at a high position of authority, but still performed the work of protecting “his sheep from the wolves.” Both were assassinated.  Archbishop Luwum could have hid behind his position as Archbishop like many others who have (and still do) done. He could have submitted to the worldly authority of Amin, like others were doing at the time.  However, he chose not to. He rather chose to fight on behalf of his people, and stand on the promises of God. He knew that God would protect him, even it would cost him his life.  During the midst of the battle between he and the Amin regime, he stated:

“I do not know how long I shall occupy this chair. I live as though there will be no tomorrow … While the opportunity is there, I preach the Gospel with all my might, and my conscience is clear before God.”

This is a reminder to me that in the end of the day, we all are accountable to God, especially his clergy. The priest is a representative of Christ on Earth (this is my Anglo-Catholic theological perspective on the role of priest), or as St. Thomas Aquinas would say “a minister of Christ.” As such, we are responsible for the souls of those entrusted into our care, and accountable to HIM who has ordained us since before we were even thought of.

Luwum

As a result of Archbishop Luwum’s dedication to Christ’s call on his life, he will be forever remembered as a 21st Century Martyr, with a statue at Westminster Abbey accompanied with others martyrs such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Archbishop Oscar Romero and Rev. Dr. Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

 – JMH+

Share this:

  • Email
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • More
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Goodreads

Blogs I Follow

  • Lent Madness
  • Theological Humidor
  • The Rev. Canon Esau McCaulley, PhD
  • Blogger Priest
  • Pilgrimage of Grace
  • Leorningcnihtes boc
  • For All the Saints

Blog at WordPress.com.

Lent Madness

You decide who wins the Golden Halo

Theological Humidor

A place to store my thoughts and keep them fresh.

The Rev. Canon Esau McCaulley, PhD

Blogger Priest

A Parish Priest with a Few Things to Say

Pilgrimage of Grace

Leorningcnihtes boc

by an Anglican disciple of Christ & Vicar

For All the Saints

encouraged by their examples, aided by their prayers, strengthened by their fellowship

Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×
    loading Cancel
    Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
    Email check failed, please try again
    Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
    %d bloggers like this: