Innovate~Educate~Collaborate

Tag: theology

  • Something To Think About during Holy Week

    The reason we study history is to understand patterns, history doesn’t repeat, but the designs replicate. Please think of the US in our current state of affairs. Do we have a big völkisch church brewing in the US? Maybe the völkisch church in the US will be multi-denominational? It is essential to study comparative religions […]

  • Green Junction: The Quality of Water by Julie Peller Ph.D.

    The quality of surface waters in Indiana is poor according to a recent analysis of surface waters across the country. Although some improvements have been made over the past years in reducing industrial and sewage discharges, there are deficiencies and continued efforts to weaken the state’s environmental laws. The outcome is an extensive amount of […]

  • Green Junction: The Earth Now Cries Out by Julie Peller Ph.D.

    In the Laudato Si’ Pope Francis wrote “[The earth] now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her.” How willing are people to make sacrifices to heal the earth and ensure a healthy planet for our youth […]

  • Green Junction: Engage in Acts of Kindness by Julie Peller Ph.D.

     It is always a good time to engage in acts of kindness. While we typically view these in the context of one another, acts of kindness can extend to earthly care.  Pope Francis describes Mother Earth as the poorest of the poor, due to the harm humans have inflicted upon her. Given his warnings and […]

  • Green Junction: Have you thought about the coral reefs? By Julie Peller

    Coral reefs are home to about 25% of all marine plants and animals. The roles of coral reefs are extensive: protection of coastlines from flooding and erosion, marine habitats, goods and services, sources of new medicines, and more. According to a new global study, the marine world experienced a 14% loss of coral from 2009 […]

  • 56 years ago Thomas Merton warned…

    56 years ago, Thomas Merton warned that the failure to enact the Gospel’s social implications would result in an “Earthly Hell.” “Social Implications” is about the Great Good. Merton’s role as a mystic voice of awareness, soul searching, compassion, and peace is even more remarkable considering the ways conflict, confusion, doubt touched his personal life. […]

  • Green Junction: What to do about plastics? By Julie Peller Ph.D.

    I often write about plastic pollution since it is one of the greatest threats to the earth. Our current lifestyles rely on these materials, meaning that plastic production will continue to increase, at least in the short term. Another reason I regularly highlight this environmental threat is because each of us can make a difference […]

  • Green Junction: 90% of all toys are plastic. By Julie Peller Ph.D.

    An estimated 90% of all toys are made of plastic. These are used for a short time or even several years but have a much longer lifetime on earth as garbage. Most plastics are made from fossil fuels. Newer plastics that contain a portion of material derived from plants are marketed as bioplastics; however, these […]

  • Reflecting on the year, as a historian

    Is authoritarianism the default model for nations? Do we understand that authoritarianism produces a level of conceit, militarism, overextension, and bureaucratic calcification in leadership? Study the patterns throughout history. Is authoritarianism the new wealth, power & Prestige? History/Philosophy teaches us that when governments move toward authoritarianism, it is because the people don’t believe it could […]

  • Green Junction: “We should rejoice when we sacrifice.” By Julie Peller Ph.D.

    I extend warm wishes of joy and peace this Christmas and New Year to all of you.Julie I recently read that “we should rejoice when we sacrifice, giving something back to God or to someone whose needs are greater than ours.” This beautiful sentiment can be extended to creation. The someone can be Mother Earth: the land, air, and […]