Peace & Nonviolence in a Time of Climate Change
Monday, March 5, 2018
Parish Hall
6:30pm
In this landmark work, author, activist and Nobel peace prize nominee Father John Dear connects the way of active nonviolence with solidarity with Creation, and shows how our global epidemic of violence and war could only lead to catastrophic climate change. He cites Jesus’ third Beatitude as the basis for his meditation: “Blessed are the meek, they will inherit the earth.” Thomas Merton said “meekness” was the biblical word for “nonviolence” (in the Gandhi/King sense). So Dear reflects how Jesus connected nonviolence with oneness with creation, how he practiced nonviolence and lived at one with creation, and how we need to do the same.
In this time of terrifying climate chaos, Dear shares his own personal journey from the Upper West Side of Manhattan to the high desert of New Mexico where he now lives off the grid on a remote mesa. He shares his experience serving as a pastor in the mission church at Yosemite; encounters with New Mexican indigenous women who live at one with the earth while resisting nuclear weapons production at Los Alamos; his experience at Standing Rock in North Dakota, resisting the pipeline; reflections on the work of environmental leader Bill McKibben and Pope Francis’ monumental encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si; and ends with suggested steps forward into conscious, mindful solidarity with all creatures and Mother Earth through active, steadfast nonviolence, what he calls, “eschatological nonviolence,” walking the earth in the footsteps of the nonviolent Jesus into the Kingdom of God.
Dear is a long time peace activist, lecturer and teacher, and the author of 35 books including Thomas Merton Peacemaker; Lazarus Come Forth!; Living Peace; The Nonviolent Life; and The Beatitudes of Peace. He has been nominated many times for the Nobel Peace Prize, including by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He works with CampaignNonviolence.org and the Vatican Nonviolence Initiative and lives in New Mexico. Books will be available for purchase.
Theology Uncorked is a free program for theological reflection, good conversation, delicious wines and fresh popcorn! This program is offered usually on the first Monday of each month with presentations, movies, etc., which allow us to further examine our lives as it relates to Christ’s teachings. You are welcome to bring snacks or a bottle of wine to share as we delve into our theology! All are welcome to join us!
I will plan to be there if possible. I will bring a pepsi