#Ignorance #Self #Violence. It seems to me for those believers who grieve, their religion brings them little more comfort than those who don't. I mentioned the healing flood of letters. Why aren't people in the streets today the way they were in the civil rights movement, the antiwar movement? William Sloane Coffin, a United Church of Christ Minister known globally for his peace and justice advocacy, died April 12, 2006, at his home in rural Strafford, Vt. William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. Last week my senior minister shared with me a sermon dated January 23, 1983 (Palm Sunday) written by William Sloane Coffin. This is the seventh year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. That is what makes the valley of the shadow of death seem so incredibly dark and unending. As for the theological issues, I agree with William on the need for respectful silence. They have gone to feed the roses. While he was a student, my father heard the feisty William Coffin preach as a young chaplain at Yale. Hello Select your address As you look around the country today, I wonder whether you see an absence of commitment to great causes with great passion. But I do not approve. Rev. And of course I know, even when pain is deep, that God is good. Gracious God, whose own Son's term of service to humanity was so full that its brevity was no distress, we call to mind on this Memorial Sunday those "who will not grow old as we who are left to grow old," those whose lives were too brief for us but long enough, perhaps, for thee. The best of William Sloane Coffin, Jr. He liked it here. "I'll say you don't, lady!" But I also, couldnt think of anything else for the moment, but about Alex, and his death. Either it is god's will or there is no god! -- William Sloane Coffin. COFFIN: What this country needs, what I think God wants us to do, is not practice piecemeal charity but engage in wholesale justice. This is beautiful!!! Another consolation, of course, will be the learning which better be good, given the price. He became famous while at Yale in the 1960s for his opposition to the Vietnam War. After one year at Yale, Coffin joined the U.S. Army, in which he served until 1947, when he returned to Yale, graduating with a B.A. Of lads that wore their honours out, The Rev. What should churches be doing in the face of whats going on in our country right now? Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind; by Rev. And, in spite of all of this, God is wherever love can be found. Cars skid out of control on icy roads, healthy cells are consumed by cancerous ones. Q: Many of us say, "Well, you know, I've got to work hard to support my family, I don't have a lot of time," or "I don't want to seem radical," or "I don't want to cause my neighbors to suspect I'm not fully patriotic." Download Sermon Scripture List(84 kb - PDF). But its a fact: few of us are naturally profound. Ive read and re-read this passage many times: I told them, It was an accident. In a prideful way it would be easier to walk the valley alone, nobly, head high, instead of as we must marching as the latest recruit in the world's army of the bereaved. ABERNETHY: I spoke with Coffin about growing old. But the point is this. Online shopping from a great selection at Books Store. William Sloane Coffin Jr. (June 1, 1924 - April 12, 2006) was an American Christian clergyman and long-time peace activist. The more we love the bigger we are, There is no smaller package in the world than a man all wrapped up in himself.. When parents die, as my mother did last month, they take with them a large portion of the past. RN: Why do you think most of the anti-war groups stopped their marches in 2004 and became quiescent compared to 2003? Ralph Nader: With the majority of Americans in poll after poll turning against the U.S. war and occupation in Iraq and with many retired Generals, diplomats and intelligence officials opposed to the invasion in the first instance why is the organized opposition not greater? I mentioned the healing flood of letters. When she saw me, she shook her head, then headed for the kitchen, saying sadly over her shoulder, I just dont understand the will of God. Instantly I was up and in hot pursuit, swarming all over her. If you had a pastoral visit with the president, what would you say? ABERNETHY: Coffin rails at neglect of the poor and U.S. policies in Iraq. But like God herself, Scripture is not around for anyones protection, just for everyones unending support. William Sloane Coffin, Jr. was born to considerable wealth and social position on June 1, 1924, in New York City. But assuming they did, if they hadn't (it was supposed to be god's plan all along) there would be no Christian religion and no savior who died to save everyone else. This reflects what that discomfort is and so nice to read it was written by a Reverend. -- William Sloane Coffin. So why were they angry? So he has a hand in making our lives better but not worse? If a week ago last Monday, a lamp went out, it was because, for him at least, the Dawn had come. And Christ spent an inordinate amount of time delivering people from paralysis, insanity, leprosy, and muteness. God does not spill milk. See more stories about iPad, HBO, How-To. You can purchase individual sermons for $4.42 (includes processing fees). The Coffin award is given in honor of the life and ministry of William Sloane Coffin, former Chaplain to the University and one of the 20th century's most significant religious leaders. Podcast #862: Heal the Body With Extended Fasting Podcast #761: How Testosterone Makes Men, Men How Saunas Can Help Save Your Body, Mind, and Spirit Podcast #852: The Brain Energy Theory of Mental Illness The Theology of William Sloane Coffin Thursday, February 15, 2007 Eulogy for Alex Ten days after his son, Alex, was killed in a car accident, Reverend William Sloane Coffin delivered this sermon to his congregation at Riverside Church in New York City. That is what makes the valley of the shadow of death seem so incredibly dark and unending. God is dead set against all unnatural deaths. William Sloane Coffin Jr., was arrested several times during the civil rights movement. This is the third year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. Theres something in the flight But violent deaths, such as the one Alex died to understand those is a piece of cake. He attended Deerfield Academy and Phillips Academy Andover before beginning his studies at Yale University in 1942. In his younger days he was an athlete, a talented pianist, a CIA officer, and later chaplain of Yale University, where the influence of H. Richard Niebuhr's social philosophy led him to . Lewis wrote, They say the coward dies many times; so does the beloved. What do you think it is? And [a lot of people] think that emotional mediocrity is the good life. Editors note: Ten days after his son, Alex, drove off a bridgeand was killed in a car accident, Reverend William Sloane Coffin delivered the following sermon to his congregation at Riverside Church in New York City. Last year Union Theological Seminary in New York gave him its highest medal. April 12, 2006 / 7:32 PM / AP. My own broken heart is mending, and largely thanks to so many of you, my dear parishioners; for if in the last week I have relearned one lesson, it is that love not only begets love, it transmits strength. "Hope arouses, as nothing else can arouse, a passion for the possible.". Quotes, as voted by Quotefancy readers. God gave man dominion over the world at the beginning - and free will - and man so man has had the responsibility for his conduct since then, and for infecting all of creation with his sin. Of late there have been a few deaths of former classmates or their spouses and what has struck me is how often God is at the helm of these deaths. I swear to you, I wouldnt be standing here were I not upheld. William Sloane Coffin, Jr., (born June 1, 1924, New York, New York, U.S.died April 12, 2006, Strafford, Vermont, U.S.), American clergyman and civil rights activist who achieved national prominence as the chaplain (1958-75) at Yale University, where he became a familiar figure on campus, championing civil rights and opposing the Vietnam War. I know how you feel I think you raise an important point when you say There are many kinds of silence, and one of them is a humbled, respectful listening silence While the words of the Bible are true, grief renders them unreal. When she saw me, she shook her head, then headed for the kitchen, saying sadly over her shoulder, I just dont understand the will of God. Instantly I was up and in hot pursuit, swarming all over her. Thanks for posting this. A Eulogy for Alex Editor's note: Ten days after his son, Alex, drove off a bridge and was killed in a car accident, Reverend William Sloane Coffin delivered the following sermon to his congregation at Riverside Church in New York City. I read someone say recently that this is only a training ground for eternity. Q: What's the essential connection for you between religious faith and justice? When a person dies, there are many things that can be said, and there is at least one thing that should never be said. William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. This page has been archived and is no longer updated. When you scroll down this page you will find all of Bill's Riverside sermons organized by year. Paul said he would prefer to be in eternity (where all pain and suffering ends), but worked all the harder here in time until he left. So, I wrote the sermon about it. On Saturday afternoon at 1:30, the Rev. To-day, the road all runners come, 5 This is the fourth year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. in 1949. Some of the very best, and easily the worst, knew their Bibles better than the human condition. But its a fact: few of us are naturally profound. We have to be forced down. God is dead set against all unnatural deaths. I also know this day-brightener of a son wouldn't wish to be held close by grief (nor, for that matter, would any but the meanest of our beloved departed) and that, interestingly enough, when I mourn Alex least I see him best. Not because our diverse readership will agree with all of its theological underpinnings, but because I think it offers wise advice on what to say (and not say) when someone dies tragically, a poignant window on the human experience, and a lesson in the art of effective rhetoric(hence why we were discussing it in a communications class). The use of Gods will or God has chosen to take whatever the phrase has always made me uncomfortable. Q: As you look back on everything you've done in your wonderful life, what are you most proud of? William Sloane Coffin Jr., chaplain of Yale University, were indicted today on charges of conspiring to counsel young men to violate the draft laws. Wind your head in John!! My dad, who became a doctor, has a weathered copy of Alexs Death which he has xeroxed on many occasions to give to friends and colleagues experiencing loss. Some of the very best, and easily the worst, knew their Bibles better than the human condition. Famously, at the height of that conflict . Q: Many, many religious conservatives read the same Scripture that you do and come out very differently on social issues. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. I think it will serve as a reminder of many stupid things we all have said to people who are grieving the main one probably being But the things I learned from her For. Smart lad, to slip betimes away Ill say you dont, lady! I said. This invaluable anthology is the first and only collection dedi But its a fact: few of us are naturally profound. When parents die, as my mother did last month, they take with them a large portion of the past. These sermons were delivered from the pulpit at Riverside Church, N.Y.C. I swear to you, I wouldnt be standing here were I not upheld. So I shall so let us all seek consolation in that love which never dies, and find peace in the dazzling grace that always is. The night after Alex died I was sitting in the living room of my sister's house outside of Boston, when the front door opened and in came a nice-looking, middle-aged woman, carrying about eighteen quiches. And of course I know, even when pain is deep, that God is good. 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