If a week ago last Monday, a lamp went out, it was because, for him at least, the Dawn had come. Down, down, down into the darkness of the grave. But its a fact: few of us are naturally profound. The fleet foot on the sill of shade, And the folks in Riverside Church had to know whether or not they still had a pastor. But the point is this. Just click the play button. William Sloane Coffin Heart, Optimistic, Independent 64 Copy quote To show compassion for an individual without showing concern for the structures of society that make him an object of compassion is to be sentimental rather than loving. There is no god!! When sorrow walked with me. Q: I'm interested in the distinction between a speech and a sermon. For instance, the Christians persecuted the Jews for nearly two thousand years because as they said, they believed the Jews killed Jesus. Some of the very best, and easily the worst, knew their Bibles better than the human condition. God is dead set against all unnatural deaths. Even as he was trying to cooperate gracefully with the inevitability of death, he was also coaching Paul Newman to play the preacher in the film version of Marilynn Robinson's novel Gilead. I know all the right biblical passages, including Blessed are those who mourn, and my faith is no house of rest, came from fellow reverends, a few of whom proved they knew their cards; these passages are true, I know. by Rev. ABERNETHY: I asked Coffin to think back on the civil rights and other protest movements he helped lead. I said. I'm sure there must be something somewhere in the Bible which says words to that effect. Please address any specific reforms that demand priority. Robert Browning Hamilton. William Sloane Coffin. By a departing light Bill Coffin was such a man. Because there are no rankling unanswered questions, and because Alex and I simply adored each other, the wound for me is deep, but clean. Which is not to say that there are no nature-caused deaths I can think of many right here in this parish in the five years Ive been here deaths that are untimely and slow and pain-ridden, which for that reason raise unanswerable questions, and even the specter of a Cosmic Sadist yes, even an Eternal Vivisector. RN: What about the Educational system as it relates to democracy? Practicing wholesale justice Interview with Bob Abernathy August 27, 204 The Rev. William Sloane Coffin also wrote about this in his eulogy for his son, Alex, who was killed in a car accident at age 24. The Theology of William Sloane Coffin Thursday, February 15, 2007 Eulogy for Alex Ten days after his son, Alex, was killed in a car accident, Reverend William Sloane Coffin delivered this sermon to his congregation at Riverside Church in New York City. Thursday, February 15, 2007. William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. Some of the very best, and easily the worst, knew their Bibles better than the human condition. Fragrant is the blossom. Do you think about that? Houseman, To an Athlete Dying Young. And I wept and I wept. Rememberallproceeds will go directly to support the WSC scholarships at Union Theological Seminary in N.Y.C. On Saturday afternoon at 1:30, the Rev. While the words of the Bible are true, grief renders them unreal. And round that early-laurelled head 25 For some reason, nothing so infuriates me as the incapacity of seemingly intelligent people to get it through their heads that God doesn't go around this world with his fingers on triggers, his fists around knives, his hands on steering wheels. Itsjust one of those things I think is worth a read by all. And [a lot of people] think that emotional mediocrity is the good life. Click the cart icon next to a sermon in the player below to add a sermon to your cart. We have to be forced down. Getentrepreneurial.com: Resources for Small Business Entrepreneurs in 2022. So I shall so let us all seek consolation in that love which never dies, and find peace in the dazzling grace that always is. Which is not to say that there are no nature-caused deaths I can think of many right here in this parish in the five years Ive been here deaths that are untimely and slow and pain-ridden, which for that reason raise unanswerable questions, and even the specter of a Cosmic Sadist yes, even an Eternal Vivisector. Actually, its even more worth a listen; its considerably more powerful inthe oral form in which it was delivered, and the audio can be accessed here. Q: Why do you think that is, in the country as a whole? And the Emperor said, So? When parents die, as my mother did last month, they take with them a large portion of the past. What is the religious challenge at our universities? So while trite, its true: I walked a mile with Pleasure, She chattered all the way; But left me none the wiser For all she had to say. That is what makes the valley of the shadow of death seem so incredibly dark and unending. If we (me included) could only get a fraction of a grasp between the difference between time and eternity we would cling much less to time and be closer to God's perspective. My own broken heart is mending, and largely thanks to so many of you, my dear parishioners; for if in the last week I have relearned one lesson, it is that love not only begets love, it transmits strength. Smart lad, to slip betimes away And, in spite of all of this, God is wherever love can be found. Among the healing flood of letters that followed his death was one carrying this wonderful quote from the end of Hemingways A Farewell to Arms: The world breaks everyone, then some become strong at the broken places.. William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. It is self-interest. And home we brought you shoulder-high. Cars skid out of control on icy roads, healthy cells are consumed by cancerous ones. Theres such wisdom in these words that Ive found it bears re-reading from time to time. Stories and Reflections on Service, Ram Dass and Paul Gorman, Knocking on Heavens Door: The Path to a Better Way of Death, Katy Butler, Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, Sogyal Rinpoche. Online shopping from a great selection at Books Store. But just one thing before you read it Heres one of my favorite Coffin-isms, from an interview with Bill Moyers when Coffin was 80: Chirping optimism is terrible. Your email address will not be published. William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. Editors note: Ten days after his son, Alex, drove off a bridgeand was killed in a car accident, Reverend William Sloane Coffin delivered the following sermon to his congregation at Riverside Church in New York City. One of the most powerful statements in this sermon was the following: The reality of grief is the solitude of pain, the feeling that your heart is in pieces, your mind's ), Podcast #858: The Affectionate, Ambiguous, and Surprisingly Ambivalent Relationship Between Siblings, How to Fight Entitlement and Develop Gratitude in Your Kids, How and Why to Hold a Weekly Marriage Meeting, You Dont Have to Be Your Dad: How to Become Your Familys Transitional Character, Podcast #810: How to Turn a Boy Into a Man, Sunday Firesides: Climb the Ladder of Love, Podcast #865: How to Win Friends and Influence People in the 21st Century, Podcast #863: Key Insights From the Longest Study on Happiness, Podcast #875: Authority Is More Important Than Social Skills, Podcast #874: Throw a 2-Hour Cocktail Party That Can Change Your Life, 9 Mental Distortions That Are Sabotaging Your Social Life, How to Make the Perfect Snowball: An Illustrated Guide, Podcast #869: The Survival Myths That Can Get You Killed, Skill of the Week: Survive Falling Through Ice, Podcast #848: The 5 Priorities of Short-Term Survival, William Sloane Coffin Sermon Archive Project, Man Knowledge: Legends of the Northwest Mountain Men, A Simple Guide to Writing and Delivering a Eulogy, A Kind of, Sort of Eulogy for the Declarative Sentence, 30 Days to a Better Man Day 21: Write Your Own Eulogy, Man Knowledge: 5 Pirates Every Man Should Know. This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. Tony Campolo retells an incident involving William Sloane Coffin following the death of his son, Alexander. But like God herself, Scripture is not around for anyones protection, just for everyones unending support. "William Sloan Coffin, who died yesterday at 81, was among the foremost pacifists of his generation, and set the mold for the liberal activist preacher." Additionally, a 301 Moved Permanently error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request. Quotes. So while trite, it's true: I walked a mile with Pleasure, Being with Dying: Cultivating Compassion and Fearlessness in the Presence of Death, Joan Halifax, Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs and Communicatoins of the Dying, How Can I Help? Q: Many, many religious conservatives read the same Scripture that you do and come out very differently on social issues. So while trite, its true: I walked a mile with Pleasure, She chattered all the way; But left me none the wiser For all she had to say. The Rev. Download free, high-quality (4K) pictures and wallpapers featuring William Sloane Coffin, Jr. Rev. I read someone say recently that this is only a training ground for eternity. SERMON: Alex's Death, by William Sloane Coffin, Jr. Posted on October 6, 2013. To be one with the dull, indiscriminate dust. In a prideful way it would be easier to walk the valley alone, nobly, head high, instead of as we must marching as the latest recruit in the worlds army of the bereaved. But you seem to be able to deal with these problems in a way that recalls some deep confidence. For all she had to say. But if anyone dare speak in response to this tragic accident, they could learn much from William Sloane Coffin, the American justice activist who died last year, about what not to say to. #Ignorance #Self #Violence. In your prayer life do you tend to direct your prayer life to Jesus or God? That clarifies the sight tragic death of at least 26 Polish pilgrims, The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, Jonathan Merritt and the ethics of "outing". By a departing light Rev. Continue the suffering of living in preference to going to heaven just so you'll have their company around. And I played all the hymns. My own consolation lies in knowing that it was not the will of God that Alex die; that when the waves closed over the sinking car, God's heart was the first of all our hearts to break. This is the first year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. I'm puzzled by all of this. The Rev. The silence of God over the cross is our model here. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. When sorrow walked with me. I know, but I do not approve, and I am not resigned. And find unwithered on its curls Than by a wick that stays. More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world. And of course I know, even when pain is deep, that God is good. BBC 2014 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave. Legendary William Sloane Coffin's years at the historic Riverside Church captured in new two-volume collection Louisville, KY-From 1977 through 1987 William Sloane Coffin was the Senior Minister at t . This is amazing. Theres something in the flight Well compared to heaven isn't all of life suffering? My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: The humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. William Sloane Coffin Jr. (June 1, 1924 - April 12, 2006) was an American Christian clergyman and long-time peace activist. But I also, couldnt think of anything else for the moment, but about Alex, and his death. #Firsts #Leap #Wings. In his younger days he was an athlete, a talented pianist, a CIA officer, and later chaplain of Yale University, where the influence of H. Richard Niebuhr . And there are large accidents, like the one your dad was in. Kate Braestrups book is beautiful, and I highly recommend it to all who are seeking answers. Never do we know enough to say that. In this best-seller, Coffin gives a powerful record of his remarkable public life, offering his. This is the tenth year of the complete 10 year collection of sermons. You blew it. The one thing that should never be said when someone dies is It is the will of God. Never do we know enough to say that. This is the seventh year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. This is the third year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. After earth has stopped the ears: Now you will not swell the rout Reverend William Sloane Coffin was an outspoken minister, long-time civil rights advocate, and international peace movement activist. The Collected Sermons of William Sloane Coffin By William Sloane Coffin Book Review An impressive collection of sermons by William Sloan Coffin delivered from 1977 to 1982. Letters to a Young Doubter By William Sloane Coffin Book Review Letters by the inimitable Christian progressive on faith, doubt, Jesus, and the insanities of a world awash . But like God herself, Scripture is not around for anyone's protection, just for everyone's unending support. Another consolation, of course, will be the learning which better be good, given the price. Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind; Justice is at the heart of religious faith. William Sloane Coffin. William Sloane Coffin Jr. William Sloane Coffin, Jr. (born 1924) was a Yale University chaplain who spoke out against the Vietnam War and was indicted as a criminal by the United States government for conspiring to aid young men to avoid the military draft.. William Sloane Coffin, Jr. was born to considerable wealth and social position on June 1, 1924, in New York City. Rev. Updated February 2023. Because there are no rankling unanswered questions, and because Alex and I simply adored each other, the wound for me is deep, but clean. It remains a heartfelt classic in homiletics. I was impressed by the Amish last year when that young girl was killed. An Eulogy for Alex They are gone. Still there is much by way of consolation. I also know this day-brightener of a son wouldnt wish to be held close by grief (nor, for that matter, would any but the meanest of our beloved departed) and that, interestingly enough, when I mourn Alex least I see him best. William Sloane Coffin Sr. (April 15, 1879 - December 16, 1933) was an American businessman. Q: It must make you terribly frustrated to see all the things you think are wrong and not being righted, and not be able to play the part in leading those movements that you once did. But its a fact: few of us are naturally profound. This is the fifth year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. He liked it here. ABERNETHY: Coffin became the leader of the U.S. campaign against nuclear weapons. And the name died before the man. William Sloane Coffin, Jr., (born June 1, 1924, New York, New York, U.S.died April 12, 2006, Strafford, Vermont, U.S.), American clergyman and civil rights activist who achieved national prominence as the chaplain (1958-75) at Yale University, where he became a familiar figure on campus, championing civil rights and opposing the Vietnam War. So I shall so let us all seek consolation in that love which never dies, and find peace in the dazzling grace that always is. Here If You Need Me by Kate Braestrup is the autobiography of the chaplain for the Maine game warden who herself was widowed with four young children when her husband a state trooper was killed in a car accident. As far as I can tell, when you die, in the words of Art Bell, it's.."lights out" (I love the way he puts it.) My own broken heart is mending, and largely thanks to so many of you, my dear parishioners; for if in the last week I have relearned one lesson, it is that love not only begets love, it transmits strength. Alex. But the things I learned from her Bill Coffin flourished here, in the cracked common clay of an earthly and earthy life. So, I wrote the sermon about it. If a week ago last Monday, a lamp went out, it was because, for him at least, the Dawn had come. The title of the sermon is "Alex's Death" and it comes on the heals of Rev. 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