I'm occasionally frustrated by advocates for good causes who make a lot of noise but aren't effective. And there are others who choose apathy and feel powerless when seeing that. I offer below a quick course in effective political communication. This is not regarding elections and voting but in working with those we've elected. The point is to have an impact, to be effective, rather than simply complaining among the choir.

Three main points: - All Politics is Local (the representative or official cares about how it will effect their district)
- QUALITY of communication is important (be concise and focused)
- Build a long-term relationship (we're all humans here!)

The mindset here is to be strategic; to ask, "What will it take to get X to happen?" Then you plan backwards, thinking about the laws and regulations that might have to change, who you'll have to reach to make that happen, and what points of leverage you have. Obviously there are other powers in play, so I'm not saying you can win all the time . . . But there ARE some things you can achieve.   more »

I was at Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting and there was this fellow who said he was from North Carolina when visitors were recognized. He was dressed several measures more conservatively than the rest of us and had come for a memorial service. Just before Meeting ended (when there was no time for any response . . . I mean any messages that would go deeper) he stood up and said "Jesus said I am the Truth the Way and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through me." And then he sat down.   more »

Today's scripture is deceptively simple. Love one another. Jesus says we are loved and are to love others as we are loved.

Right here is the essence of Christianity. This is the fulfillment of the Law, as Jesus says. If we get this, we can go home.

Alas we give lip service to love, but abide in a different spirit.

This is today's message: Abide first in God's love! -- we are first loved . . . and for love Be willing to sacrifice -- as Jesus gave his life . . . and remember This is a commandment, so work at it!   more »

Canadian, Ian Welsh writes that power and leadership requires that you must supply meaning and a way for people to belong:

"The Christian right supplies meaning for their people."

This is not just theological, but political.

The problem for the rising repressive class is that they have outsourced their meaning to evangelical Christians who are not easily controlled. This is our opportunity.   more »

Sarah Pullman has been reading the Canadian Globe and Mail about "egocasting", where one selects one's news and friends to agree with oneself, sacrificing diversity of views and a common culture. I've been thinking about this for some years. This is a trend that isn't only happening on the internet. We are filtering our social networks, our activities, hobbies, schools, where we live.   more »

Like many visitors who have found their way to the Weston Priory, Carl Puleo was drawn at first by the music. “One Sunday morning, very early, I headed out on my own to try to find the priory in Weston and I had no idea where it was,” recalls Puleo, who made his first trip from Madison, CT, more than a decade ago.

“The morning vigil was already in process, but I snuck in. It was an immediate connection, very deep.   more »

This site was conceived during this recent political campaign when I felt something missing. Elements of the religious right have managed to define �values� in a limiting and divisive way. In truth, there are certain values that most of us have in common. Desiring not to impose, the liberal side of politics and religion has left this topic to dividers. But anytime we talk about relating to what is beyond us, this is a spiritual question.

I feel is vitally important to us as a society to bring forward the spirituality that we have in common. We need a spirituality of respect, love and openness articulated as a viable choice or we will let the forces of fear hi-jack values.

A common spirituality transcends divisions. While some evangelical leaders have staked out positions as litmus tests, most Christians know how to love and can join in an articulation of common spiritual truths. Progressives, afraid to offend or impose, often have a distaste for religion, but can also join onto these same common spiritual points.

I want to use this site to start a conversation which will help us live our own lives and also influence thinkers and the cultural currents in America. This is important. Please jump in and offer your comments!

This site will evolve and I want you to be active in shaping how that happens. Tell me what makes sense to you and what could be improved.   more »

A correspondent wants to take power and use it for the highest possible good.

Well, what is the highest possible good? I could answer that, but I recognize that I'm a failable human and my answer is going to be imperfect. Possibly even really off base, despite my best efforts or delusions.

So if one is going to assert a highest possible good, there has to be some authority to that truth.    more »

A Statement of faith is commonly a list of beliefs, presented so we can determine if we agree. But humans have a long history of getting it wrong and then fighting about it. I want to present this as a snapshot of what now informs my choices and outlook. I hope that we can give more energy to learning and living in the spirit than in making dividing lines.

My faith is part explanation, part inspiration, part experience, and part trust.   more »