Program, Strengthen Your Tribe: A Report on the Atomic Athlete Vanguard, The Best Riddles for Kids (With Answers! Rev. " 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 ." Coffin, the model for Doonesbury's Reverend Sloan, was a Freedom Rider, Yale chaplain, champion for social justice and one of the most respected leaders of the anti-Vietnam war movement. The prayers are presented in several multi-year collections. 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: Let me ask you to look back a little bit at some of the great movements you were part of. All too often we speak when we should be listening Reprinted with permission of theWilliam Sloane Coffin Sermon Archive Project. 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. 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. That clarifies the sight See more stories about iPad, HBO, How-To. And decks the rays. This is the fourth year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. Why aren't people in the streets today the way they were in the civil rights movement, the antiwar movement? RN: What do you think should be done strategically and tactically by the peace movement? When a person dies, there are many things that can be said, and there is at least one thing that should never be said. William Sloane Coffin May God give you the grace never to sell yourself short; Grace to risk something big for something good; and Grace to remember the world is now too dangerous for anything but the truth and too small for anything but love. William Sloane Coffin gave what would be his final sermon at Chautauqua. The fact you find that puzzling makes me glad not to be in your family! Gracious God, whose own Son's term of service to humanity was so full that its brevity was no distress, we call to mind on this Memorial Sunday those "who will not grow old as we who are left to grow old," those whose lives were too brief for us but long enough, perhaps, for thee. Alex, as he was called, was killed in a car accident in 1983 when he was only. In other words, in my intense grief I felt some of my fellow reverends not many, and none of you, thank God were using comforting words of Scripture for self-protection, to pretty up a situation whose bleakness they simply couldn't face. We only recommend products we genuinely like, and purchases made through our links support our mission and the free content we publish here on AoM. The question seems more pointed given the context -- a group of devout believers making a religious pilgrimage -- but the same question is struggled over every day by people of faith who experience suffering or have to watch a loved one suffer. Rememberallproceeds will go directly to support the WSC scholarships at Union Theological Seminary in N.Y.C. A Prayer by William Sloan Coffin Jr., 1983. When parents die, as my mother did last month, they take with them a large portion of the past. And of course I know, even when pain is deep, that God is good. For some reason, nothing so infuriates me as the incapacity of seemingly intelligent people to get it through their heads that God doesnt go around this world with his fingers on triggers, his fists around knives, his hands on steering wheels. There is no smaller package in all the world than that of a man all wrapped up in himself.', 'Prophets from Amos and Isaiah to Gandhi and King have shown how frequently compassion demands confrontation. I know that. William Sloane Coffin Jr. in 1986. Thats why immediately after such a tragedy people must come to your rescue, people who only want to hold your hand, not to quote anybody or even say anything, people who simply bring food and flowers the basics of beauty and life people who sign letters simply, Your brokenhearted sister. In other words, in my intense grief I felt some of my fellow reverends not many, and none of you, thank God were using comforting words of Scripture for self-protection, to pretty up a situation whose bleakness they simply couldnt face. Q: What's the essential connection for you between religious faith and justice? 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.. Thought he was omnipotent and omnipresent. And find unwithered on its curls 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. When she saw me, she shook her head, then headed for the kitchen, saying sadly over her shoulder, "I just don't understand the will of God." The night after Alex died I was sitting in the living room of my sisters house outside of Boston, when the front door opened and in came a nice-looking, middle-aged woman, carrying about eighteen quiches. So why the grief, self pity? You gave me what God gives all of us minimum protection, maximum support. 18 Sourced Quotes. Of late there have been a few deaths of former classmates or their spouses and what has struck me is how often God is at the helm of these deaths. And thats what hundreds of you understood so beautifully. Will was tyring to elicit thoughts about the whole concept of a god's will. Contributions to support this project can always be made through PayPal (david@davidcoffin.com). The Rev. Thats why immediately after such a tragedy people must come to your rescue, people who only want to hold your hand, not to quote anybody or even say anything, people who simply bring food and flowers the basics of beauty and life people who sign letters simply, Your brokenhearted sister. In other words, in my intense grief I felt some of my fellow reverends not many, and none of you, thank God were using comforting words of Scripture for self-protection, to pretty up a situation whose bleakness they simply couldnt face. I'm always puzzled at these Moslem women who wail like Banshees when their terrorist sons are killed as what they believe to be martyrs. Do you think about that? Like A.E. ABERNETHY: I asked Coffin to think back on the civil rights and other protest movements he helped lead. 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. I know how you feel I think you raise an important point when you say There are many kinds of silence, and one of them is a humbled, respectful listening silence Its presence in my mind has been so frequent, especially recently after the loss of a dear friend, that I finally decided to share it here. And silence sounds no worse than cheers 15 The recipient of the Coffin award will be someone who shares Coffin's passionate and prophetic witness, a courageous devotion to the dignity and worth of . And hold to the low lintel up I mentioned the healing flood of letters. William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. c a m p u s l i f e ; m e s s a g e Of course its a crutch. "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" So if someone says, "Are you saved?" That's why immediately after such a tragedy people must come to your rescue, people who only want to hold your hand, not to quote anybody or even say anything, people who simply bring food and flowers the basics of beauty and life people who sign letters simply, "Your brokenhearted sister." Receive small business resources and advice about entrepreneurial info, home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs. Individual prayers and sermons can be purchased by clicking the cart icon next to each prayer or sermon title. 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. Didn't the eagle find a fresh liver to tear in Prometheus every time it dined?". 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. William Sloane Coffin, a former Yale University chaplain known for his anti-war and peace activism, dies at the age of 81. I was reminded today of this beautiful eulogy by the late William Sloane Coffin for his 24-year-old son, Alex, and I wanted to share it with you. For. Robert Browning Hamilton. These are all end of sermon prayers from the Sunday sermon delivered at Riverside Church. RN: What about the Educational system as it relates to democracy? My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Yes, but at least, My God, my God; and the psalm only begins that way, it doesnt end that way. Will flock to gaze the strengthless dead, If you had a pastoral visit with the president, what would you say? Rev. That makes two of us. Some of the very best, and easily the worst, knew their Bibles better than the human condition. 00:00 $ 75.00 Sermons from Riverside Church 1982 I think it will serve as a reminder of many stupid things we all have said to people who are grieving the main one probably being April 12, 2006 / 7:32 PM / AP. William Sloane Coffin (2003) at Chautauqua Institution 1,555 views Feb 19, 2018 On July 20, 2003, Rev. But violent deaths, such as the one Alex died to understand those is a piece of cake. ABERNETHY: I spoke with Coffin about growing old. But violent deaths, such as the one Alex died to understand those is a piece of cake. William Sloane Coffin served as chaplain of Yale University and Williams College, was senior minister of Riverside Church, and is President Emeritus of SANE/FREEZE: Campaign for Global Security. Coffin delivered his sermon "Eulogy for Alex" at Riversid e Church. What makes you think you dont limp?, Love measures our stature. 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. A fragment of what you felt, of what you knew, A Eulogy for Alex Editor's note: Ten days after his son, Alex, drove off a bridge and was killed in a car accident, Reverend William Sloane Coffin delivered the following sermon to his congregation at Riverside Church in New York City. This page has been archived and is no longer updated. At Riverside, the profession of faith is "Jesus is Lord." Get All Beings Everywhere delivered to your inbox. John Wright #5 William Sloane Coffin Jr., a former Yale University chaplain who gained national attention as an opponent of the Vietnam war, died Tuesday in a car . Still there is much by way of consolation. God did not bash the truck into your fathers car. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Yes, but at least, My God, my God; and the psalm only begins that way, it doesnt end that way. These sermons were delivered from the pulpit at Riverside Church, N.Y.C. And early though the laurel grows These are some of the popular topics this blog covers. 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 I've 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. But the point is this. The post A Eulogy for Alex appeared first on The Art of Manliness. I was impressed by the Amish last year when that young girl was killed. You can purchase one, four, seven sermons, or you can purchase the whole year or "album". As the grief that once seemed unbearable begins to turn now to bearable sorrow, the truths in the right biblical passages are beginning, once again, to take hold: Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall strengthen thee; Weeping may endure for the night but joy cometh in the morning; Lord, by thy favor thou hast made my mountain to stand strong; For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling; In this world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world; The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.. It seems to me for those believers who grieve, their religion brings them little more comfort than those who don't. Last year Union Theological Seminary in New York gave him its highest medal. Updated February 2023. Continue the suffering of living in preference to going to heaven just so you'll have their company around. William Sloane Coffin Jr. (June 1, 1924 - April 12, 2006) was an American Christian clergyman and long-time peace activist. 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. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so. The more we love the bigger we are, There is no smaller package in the world than a man all wrapped up in himself.. William Sloane Coffin Jr. was an American Christian clergyman and long-time peace activist. The night after Alex died I was sitting in the living room of my sisters house outside of Boston, when the front door opened and in came a nice-looking, middle-aged woman, carrying about eighteen quiches. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In my case on the death of my wife they were summed up well in a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay entitled Dirge without Music. Didnt the eagle find a fresh liver to tear in Prometheus every time it dined? When parents die, as my mother did last month, they take with them a large portion of the past. But . 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. He was a director, and later vice-president of W. & J. Sloane Company, his family's business, which was founded by his grandfather, William Sloane, from Kilmarnock, Scotland. 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. The Art of Manliness participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links. This is the seventh year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. Only reverance can restrain violence - reverance for human life and the environment.". And I played all the hymns. Coffin to his congregation at the Riverside Church in New York City. It is incredible and very powerful. And the wise mans gone back. Sloan from Doonesbury; New Documentary: WWilliam Sloane Coffin: A Lover's . Another consolation, of course, will be the learning which better be good, given the price. BBC 2014 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. William Sloane Coffin Compassion, Sentimental, Individual William Sloane Coffin (2004). RN: How is Vermont a model in this respect? The still-defended challenge-cup. I too have thought Gods heart is the first to break. Of lads that wore their honours out, That is what makes the valley of the shadow of death seem so incredibly dark and unending. If the order gets mixed up, thats misery. This reflects what that discomfort is and so nice to read it was written by a Reverend. These days, campuses are very concerned with religious pluralism. The night after Alex died I was sitting in the living room of my sister's house outside of Boston, when the front door opened and in came a nice-looking, middle-aged woman, carrying about eighteen quiches. After the death of Coffin's father in 1933, the family moved to Carmel, California, where William attended public school until the ninth grade, when he attended Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts. 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. This eulogy from William Sloane Coffin following the death of his son offers words of wisdom and hope for those struggling with the tragedy in Connecticut. So, I wrote the sermon about it. Transcript - William Sloane Coffin's Eulogy for Alex Ten days after his son, Alex, was killed in a car accident, Reverend William Sloane Coffin delivered this moving eulogy turned sermon, filled with deep truth and deep pain about the realities of death and the true (not trite) hope we have in God. I think in the end they pay him a fortune to make the dead go back to their graves. God is dead set against all unnatural deaths. As his younger brother put it simply, standing at the head of the casket at the Boston funeral, You blew it, buddy. During WWII, Coffin joined the army and later served as a CIA agent after the outbreak of the Korean War. I swear to you, I wouldnt be standing here were I not upheld. This is beautiful!!! The reality of grief is the solitude of pain, the feeling that your heart is in pieces, your mind's a blank, that "there is no joy the world can give like that it takes away." That clarifies the sight 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. When its true and painful, say it softly, None of us have the right to avert our gaze. The time you won your town the race While the words of the Bible are true, grief renders them unreal. The cause of violence is not ignorance. Today's Times asks the inevitable question following the tragic death of at least 26 Polish pilgrims in the French Alps: What kind of God would allow something like this to happen? The use of Gods will or God has chosen to take whatever the phrase has always made me uncomfortable. "William Sloane Coffin offers here a powerful antidote to the politics of the religious right with a clarion call to passive intellectuals and dispirited liberals to reenter the fray with an unabashedly Christian view of social justice. He was ordained in the Presbyterian Church, and later received ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ. It is truly a labor of love (a lot of labor; a lot of love) to digitally "Save Bill's Voice." Delivered from the Riverside Church pulpit over his ten years as senior minister, there were over 300 sermons in need of archiving to a digital format. He was 81.. T he Rev. RN: What should the U.S. government do now? 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. William Sloane Coffin Jr. offers one more complicated blessing. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: The humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. Rev. And I wept and I wept. Brett & Kate McKay March 18, 2017 Last updated: June 16, 2021. Lewis wrote, They say the coward dies many times; so does the beloved. They have gone to feed the roses. BBC Northern Ireland presenter William Crawley discusses the often controversial political, religious and ethical issues of the day. While the words of the Bible are true, grief renders them unreal. Rev. In your prayer life do you tend to direct your prayer life to Jesus or God? Q: After September 11 there was a surge of patriotism. This brings up additional illogic in religion. God gave man dominion over the world at the beginning - and free will - and man so man has had the responsibility for his conduct since then, and for infecting all of creation with his sin. Q: Many of us say, "Well, you know, I've got to work hard to support my family, I don't have a lot of time," or "I don't want to seem radical," or "I don't want to cause my neighbors to suspect I'm not fully patriotic." Rev. I was first introduced to this sermon years agoin a college communications course, and I have thought of it with surprising regularityever since. I have a little sentence or two, about the Chinese Emperor who sent his wise man off for a month, to figure out, what is happiness? Crowned with lilies and Laurel they go; but I am not resigned. This well-intentioned person had brought in a dinner for Coffin and his family and said, "I just don't understand the will of God." He said: "I'll say you don't, friend. What do you think it is? We should be able to plumb the depths of sadness and rise to the heights of joy, even ecstasy, though at my age, its not too easy. 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