William Sloan Coffin

William Sloan Coffin, who put the militant in "the church militant," has joined the church triumphant. As we say in the church, his baptism is now complete in his death.
His was a life well lived and an eloquent voice for peace and justice. The world is a bit darker today for his light having left it. The nation, not to mention the Nation, is a lesser place for his passing, but a richer one for his having passed our way. There is a nice remembrance posted on Common Dreams. Oh, and another one, too.
Years ago, he was president of SANE/Freeze, for which I worked. Although I never met him, it turns out that he might have been my boss for a while -- I'm not sure if our tenures overlapped. Small world.

Pride Goeth Before ...

The religious left. Whatever it is, it's been getting a bit of press of late. Slate ran an interesting piece the other day, and this week's Nation has a lengthy article as well. So I'm wondering, what does the phrase "religious left" bring to mind? What questions does it raise? What challenges? What are the advantages and disadvantages of its use? What theological issues are at stake? Hm ... what would Jesus say? Just wondering, as usual.