Episode 105: The Christian Soldier
Hello, Friends,
The 5th episode of The Knitting Pilgrim Talks looks at the section of the Christian tapestry depicting the paradox of the Christian solider, a vocation often held up by society as hero, having paid the ultimate sacrifice of giving their life for their country. And yet, the vocation of soldiering is about as diametrically opposed to the example set by Jesus as one can get. Living in a country ruled by an occupying army, Jesus advocated non-violence and turning the other cheek. The Rev. Dr. Stuart Macdonald, Professor of Church and Society at Knox College, helps me look at how the life of Jesus informs our response to the violence and war that we see in our world today.
"From everything we know, Jesus was indeed a pacifist. The question that Christians have though, is: does that mean we have to be pacifists?" -- Rev. Dr. Stuart McDonald.
Episode 105 is available on Youtube here: KPT 105 The Christian Soldier
Or all of the podcast places: KPT on Spotify if you’d rather listen than watch.
Episode 106: The Sabbath
In episode 106 of The Knitting Pilgrim Talks, I chat with journalist, author, and spiritual advisor Ralph Benmergui (check out his excellent podcast, Not That Kind of Rabbi ) about the value of one day of being, after six days of doing. This was inspired by the section of the Judaic tapestry that explores the Sabbath, or Shabbat, featuring images of a loaf of bread (challah), a pair of candlesticks, and a goblet of wine--all items that are a part of the meal that begins Shabbat. But Shabbat is much more than just a dinner – it is a day of rest, contemplation, and re-creation. It is one of the true gifts Judaism has given to the world, and it is a gift that most of us don’t really take the time to understand, appreciate, or enjoy.
“Sabbath is building a fence around the sacred part of your life so that it reoccurs. I tell people: ‘Make yourself a Sabbath. I don’t care what day of the week it is.’” – Ralph Benmergui
Episode 106 is available on Youtube here: KPT 106 The Sabbath
Or all of the podcast places: KPT on Spotify if you’d rather listen than watch.
If you have any questions about this episode of The Knitting Pilgrim Talks, let's talk! Please feel free to reach out to me at www.kirkdunn.com.