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we all suffer when the voices are silenced

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One thing that frustrates me so much about radicalism in any form especially in Christianity (and by radicalism I mean what has come to be known as fundamentalism - a misnomer but … none the less…) is the voices that are lost. There are so many amazing Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox voices I never heard because of the radical anti catholic ideals I grew up with.

I wish I had known about this woman long ago. Here at Speaking of Faith Joan Chittister talks about obedience, faith, activism, life, feminism and many other important topics. She’s been a Benedictine nun for over 50 years and I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a more wise woman.

God have mercy when we reject voices like hers because they’re not “in” our narrow idea of “truth” or “belonging”.

[tags]Speaking of Faith, Joan Chittister[/tags]

« stuff, things and other vague references — challenging the progressive guys »

5 Comments

  1. Tia Lynn — October 30, 2007 #

    Same here sister. It’s like throwing the baby out with the bath water. It’s like when the Reformation occurred, and protestants wanted to be removed from all things “catholic” that they threw away the gift of relevant and powerful art, as well as some very spiritual prayer methods. Have you ever read Henri Nouwen? He was a catholic priest that wrote “Return of The Prodigal Son.” He dedicated most of his life to working among the poor. After he died, it was found out (through his journals) that he was a cellibate homosexual. Talk about a voice that would silenced by fundies! He was an amazing man. Anyway, thanks for sharing about this woman, I can’t wait to read all about her.

  2. Tia Lynn — October 30, 2007 #

    HAHA! Right after I left the comment above, I scrolled down on your blog to see that you posted a quote by Henri Nouwen!!! Always one step ahead Mak! :)~

  3. kay — November 2, 2007 #

    Hey Makeesha. I saw your challenge over at Amateur Theology. I’m so glad you did this. I read Sister Chittister’s column for a long time at NCR.

    I don’t know if you have seen this, but I thought I’d mention it just in case:

    http://ncrcafe.org/blog/5

  4. Mak — November 2, 2007 #

    no I haven’t seen that, thank you kay - and thanks for stopping by :)

  5. Pingback - Swinging from the Vine | They’ve accepted the challenge — December 3, 2007 #

    [...] issued a challenge to progressive men who say they want more women’s voices heard to listen to this woman on the [...]

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