Public Writing - Martinalia (Page 3)

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Public Writing

A collection of 64 posts

Risking Ourselves for Peace

Risking Ourselves for Peace

*Originally published by Sojourners on August 4, 2009. It has since been removed. I'm a big fan of iTunesU, and I usually try to listen to informative podcasts on long drives, since I can't read and drive simultaneously. Driving through the cornfields of our central plains

The Myth of Holy War

The Myth of Holy War

*Originally published by Sojourners on May 29, 2009. It has since been removed. I, like Aaron Taylor before me, noticed the GQ expose of the Worldwide Intelligence Update that the former administration had circulated. I came across the story by way of Stephen Colbert, but when I looked more deeply

"Disturbing the Arms Baron"

"Disturbing the Arms Baron"

*Originally published by STREK Magazine ( In murder-plagued Philadelphia, a single gun dealer stands as the supplier of one-fifth of all weapons used in violent crime. Christian activists have for years created considerable and bewildering controversy around the phenomenon. IN PENNSYLVANIA, several faith communities have recently joined forces to

When Calls to 'Unity' Sow Division in the Civil Union Debate

When Calls to 'Unity' Sow Division in the Civil Union Debate

*Originally published by Sojourners on March 27, 2009. It has since been removed. Last month, legislators in Hawaii introduced House Bill 444 (HB 444), which would provide rights and privileges to same-sex couples equal to those granted by the state for marriage. The religious and social fallout has partitioned

The Sad State of Dialogue on Civil Unions

The Sad State of Dialogue on Civil Unions

*Originally published by Sojourners on February 26, 2009. It has since been removed. I am an evangelical Christian who attends church regularly, so I was surprised to see a worship service on the grounds of the Hawaii state capitol this past Sunday. What struck me even more was the purpose

The Myth of Redemptive Violence: The Day the Earth Stood Still

The Myth of Redemptive Violence: The Day the Earth Stood Still

*Originally published by Sojourners on December 15, 2008. It has since been removed. In the spirit of peace on earth and goodwill toward all, I went to see the remake of the 1951 movie The Day the Earth Stood Still, in which Keanu Reeves plays the role of "humanoid

An Iraq Veteran's Ambivalent Vote

An Iraq Veteran's Ambivalent Vote

*Originally published by Sojourners on November 3, 2008. It has since been removed. I have given a lot of thought in the last several months about the vote coming up. Shane and Bart both gave interesting perspectives, and I certainly appreciate their input (and hope you, the readers, have as

Body of War's All-Star Soundtrack

Body of War's All-Star Soundtrack

*Originally published by Sojourners on May 13, 2008. It has since been removed. My fingers have been tapping out of control for more than a month and a half now. Don't worry, though – I am not falling to the symptoms of my own PTSD just yet. At the

Cost of War: My Testimony as a 'Winter Soldier' Witness

Cost of War: My Testimony as a 'Winter Soldier' Witness

*Originally published by Sojourners on March 17, 2008. It has since been removed. During the last four days, more than 100 Iraq Veterans Against the War combat veterans, academics, and international guests shared their experiences with the world through Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan, Eyewitness Accounts of the Occupations. They

Cost of War: The Limits of Obedience

Cost of War: The Limits of Obedience

*Originally published by Sojourners on March 10, 2008. It has since been removed. In my last post, I illustrated my intention to participate in a collective type of confession from members of our Armed Forces. I am of course speaking of the upcoming Winter Soldier hearings in Washington, D.C.

Cost of War: War Crimes or Criminal War

Cost of War: War Crimes or Criminal War

*Originally published by Sojourners on February 20, 2008. It has since been removed. In March, just prior to the fifth anniversary of the war of terror in Iraq, Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) will be shaking the dust off a decades-old heritage of accountability and oversight in combat

Soldier Suicides: Counting the Forgotten Casualties of War

Soldier Suicides: Counting the Forgotten Casualties of War

*Originally published by Sojourners on December 5, 2007. It has since been removed. After more than six years of field exercises in some of the most grueling weather our country offers, I am rarely affected by even the most chilling winter rains. Months of accumulated time in the forests of

Soldier Saints and Patriot Pacifists

Soldier Saints and Patriot Pacifists

*Originally published by Sojourners on November 8, 2007. It has since been removed. This year, Nov. 11 will be a particularly joyous day for this veteran. Though I will not be attending any events, I can still reasonably expect a few pats on the back or some kind words in

Returning to a Green Orthodoxy

Returning to a Green Orthodoxy

*Originally published by Sojourners on September 18, 2007. It has since been removed. In an encouraging shift away from the status quo, many Christian groups are taking a more focused look at stewarding God's creation. A few notable references to biblical environmentalism have been popping up in the