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A conversation about religious opposition to a possible missile strike on Syria; the complex ethical and moral questions in the debate over Guantanamo Bay; and the effort to revive an ancient Buddhist university in one of India’s holiest locations. More
“I think the missile strike doesn’t do the most essential thing, which is saving the people of Syria. And we could do more if we spent the money we’re spending on bombs on caring for the refugees,” says Father Drew Christiansen. More
A growing movement is renewing calls to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, citing concerns about the treatment of detainees. “We need to understand what detention centers of that sort do to the moral fabric and psychic fabric of a soul. They are killing,” says Nancy Sherman, author of The Untold War. More
For decades, the Indian government has encouraged pilgrims to come to one of India’s holiest locations, the ancient city of Bodh Gaya. Now there is an effort to revive the Buddhist university that once flourished there long before universities like Cambridge and Oxford were founded in the West. More
University of Notre Dame professor George Lopez on moral questions and a possible Syria strike; Benedictine nun Joan Chittister on the need for reform in the Catholic Church; and India’s young Jains adapting their ancient religion to fit the modern world More
“Is there just cause and right intention? Yes, there’s a grave public evil with a chemical weapons attack. But on criteria of last resort, proportional response, probability of success, this strike idea really falls short of the mark.” More
“Roman Catholicism is the storehouse, the treasure house of the Christian tradition. It’s this whole notion of the blend of wisdom, of commitment, of knowledge, of holiness. That’s the church for me. That’s the church I’m waiting for.” More
“Our purpose is to present the most humane, spiritual, moral, communal model of life for a world in chaos around us—to be an island of care and cohesion in the midst of all the movement.” More
“The world does really hunger for community and that is something that Benedictine spirituality has to offer. It is what Benedict did that was different. He created communities of people, brought people together to live this life in common.” More
Read an excerpt from R&E correspondent Judy Valente’s new book about Mount St. Scholastica monastery in Kansas. More