Celebratory Ethics for Independence Day (Ethics Convention of the Fourth of July)
In the realm of spiritual and social discourse, a unique voice has emerged—the publication "A Wonderful and Sacred Mystery." This thought-provoking platform, penned by two members of the Order of the Ascension, Sister Michelle and Brother Robert, offers insightful articles on a variety of topics, including parish development, spiritual practice, the Order of the Ascension, and social ethics.
The latest issue, published just in time for the 4th, delves into God's call to freedom and responsibility within communities of love. The publication's social ethics efforts address pressing issues that Christians and all citizens grapple with at this time in the nation's history, such as immigration, war, and tensions between citizens.
One of the standout articles, "Abstract principle and concrete responsibility," examines Dietrich Bonhoeffer's moral dilemma of following a God who demands bold action and promises forgiveness in relation to American politics. Another thought-provoking piece, "The American Church Conflict: Being salt and light," discusses Miller's call for a church that speaks the whole truth and is gracious in its speaking, while avoiding those who peddle fear and anger for clicks.
"A Wonderful and Sacred Mystery" also delves into the importance of knowing what we fight for, as well as what we fight against, and the dangers of focusing solely on anger, as discussed in "The menorah and the swastika: The light shines in the darkness." The publication also features an article titled "Blessed are the confused and curious," which discusses the value of humility, the acceptance of our confusion, and the activation of our curiosity, particularly in the context of Gaza.
The Order's charism is the development of parish churches grounded in Anglican pastoral and ascetical theology, especially Benedictine spirituality. As a dispersed Benedictine community in the Episcopal Church, the Order of the Ascension is committed to fostering spiritual growth and social transformation.
For those interested in the authors' views on immigration, war, and civil tensions in the United States, the publication's website offers a wealth of resources, including interviews, articles, author bios, and editorial statements related to "A Wonderful and Sacred Mystery."
In addition to its social ethics discussions, the publication also includes articles on violence and non-violence in protests, and highlights that Blessed Bernard, a member of the Order, was an immigrant, delving into various traditions' perspectives on immigration in the article "Immigration and social ethics."
Lastly, "A Wonderful and Sacred Mystery" is a publication of the Order of the Ascension on Substack, and free subscriptions are available, with subscription buttons located on each page. This is a platform not to be missed for those seeking a deeper understanding of spirituality and social ethics in today's world.
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