Silence begets violence?

As the news of the school shooting in Connecticut broke on my ipad during class on Friday, I happened to be reading this article on Busted Halo challenging our society's silence over the rise in gun violence.  It was perhaps prophetic, as the conversation about violence in the media and video games, gun control and mental health treatment have come to the forefront of the political agenda, news stories and radio conversations.  Another recent article after the tragedy in CT connected it with our advent journey: 
We are a people who walk in darkness. In the mire of wanton death and destruction, we scratch and fumble and claw for some glimpse of light. And we have seen a light … small and fierce … beginning to penetrate the gloom. We have seen the people of Newtown wrap their arms around each other in love and solidarity. We have seen the people of this country — people of all races, faiths and walks of life — express their care and support and outrage in the wake of Friday’s tragic events. We have seen an outpouring of love from all across the world. It is a precious ray of hope in this time of deep sadness. But love and goodwill (in and of themselves) are not enough.

We are called to recognize the fact that we have failed each other and to own the horror that our failure has been visited on the innocent among us. We — the grown-up people of this country — need to have the courage to engage in some difficult conversations.

We have heard a call. Terrible and deafening. We have heard a call that must shake us to our bones. We are called to be changed. We are called to recognize the fact that we have failed each other and to own the horror that our failure has been visited on the innocent among us.

Why has this particular event demanded such a direct call to action?  How do you think we, as a society should respond?  What does Catholic Social Teaching compel us to consider?  Where will we go from here?  

Factory Fire

As you have heard and we discussed in class, there was a large fire in a factory in Bangladesh last month that killed 112 of the factory workers.  The working conditions were horrific, with a lack of safety measures in place.  Many of the items produced in the factory were eventually exported to US stores.  Please read this (or any other articles you find on your own research) about the situation and respond with your reaction.  What does this mean for us in the US?  Are we responsible as consumers to know where our products are made, how workers are treated, etc?  Is it the governments responsibility?  Corporations?  Or is it fair that workers at least have jobs in places like Bangladesh and they are grateful to have a wage though we might not call it a 'living' wage? 

Radical Forgiveness

Please read the blog about Pope John Paul II's journey of forgiveness with his would-be assassin.  In a 1-2 paragraph post, please respond to this story and the similarities/differences and reactions to Immaculee's story.

How's the World? Messy...

In a recent article on Busted Halo, the author cites an interview with former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in which he describes the world as 'messy'.  Part of liberation theology and Catholic social teaching calls us to engage the 'messiness' of life.  Please read the article and respond to the following questions: How do you respond when you hear stories of immense suffering or injustice in the news or even when a friend shares a personal story?  What do you think the Gospel messages tell us about how we 'ought' to respond?  How can we live by the Gospel message- according to the article?  according to you?  Please explain your responses, citing examples from your experiences.

Global solidarity

In recent news, a young girl from Afghanistan was murdered for refusing to participate in prostitution.  Please read this article about this situation.  What do you think is the world's responsibility (if anything) to protect young women who are abused and taken advantage of throughout the world?  Explain your response, citing themes of Catholic Social Teaching.  How does this compare with the world's response to other global disasters and situations (such as tsunamis, hurricanes, etc)?  Why do you think there is this difference in level of concern/reaction/shock?

Resolutions

As the Catholic Church approaches the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Benedict XVI has announced a 'Year of Faith' that will begin on 10/11/12 and continue through to 11/24/13.  This will be a time of renewal and celebration of the rich tradition and teachings that came forth from the Second Vatican Council.  Here is one Bishop's suggestions on how to live this year of faith.  What do you think?  Based on what you've learned thus far in CST and in theology classes at MSJA, how do you resolve to celebration a 'year of faith'?  Think of at least 5 resolutions you would make- they can include some of Bishop Ricken's suggestions but add your original commentary.

Circle of Protection

In July, a group of religious leaders across the spectrum posed questions to the presidential candidates on the topic of poverty.  This group, named the Circle of Protection, argues that we as a nation need programs to protect the poorest and most vulnerable members of our society.  Please read about their position and beliefs and then watch the brief (3 minutes each) video responses from Governor Romney and President Obama.  In your own words, summarize the candidate's statements and explain how they compare to the Church's teaching on justice and charity.  What are the strengths/weaknesses of the candidates statements?

Charity and Justice

One of the leading advocates for justice in the Philadelphia region is Sister  Mary Scullion.  Sister Mary works with the homeless through an organization called Project HOME.  Spend some time looking at their website and post on your blog a thoughtful response to the following questions:
1) How does project home work for justice for the homeless?  Do you think they also do works of charity?  2) How does project home compare to/differ from traditional homeless shelters?  Is this a better model, more complicated, etc?  3) After looking at their website and programs offered, what do you think is their 'best' or most important program?  Why? 
In your response, you needn't number it but rather answer in 2-3 paragraphs of thoughtful reflection!

It's about... forgiveness?

Today is September 11th.  As a nation, we collectively remember, mourn and pause to remember what that day has meant to our nation.  It was a day that the sense of American security crumbled beneath our fingertips... a day when heroism and self-sacrifice reigned... and a day when stereotypes and distrust of 'the other' hit an all-time high.  On the eleventh anniversary, one Catholic blogger asked the question (that has certainly been asked over the last 11 years by others like him), Are we supposed to forgive Osama Bin Laden?
Please read this post and in your own words, explain your reaction.  Should we forgive?  What does it mean to forgive?  How is forgiveness a part of the Christian story?  In your post, be sure to include your opinion, backed by theological examples.  This can be in the form of scripture passages, teachings of Jesus or Traditional teachings of the Church.  Your post should be at least 3 paragraphs.