In 1983, Dr Coffin's son Alex was killed in a car accident. This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. Read more. So why were they angry? So. If a week ago last Monday, a lamp went out, it was because, for him at least, the Dawn had come. Well, so I wanted them to know, they had a pastor. Down, down, down into the darkness of the grave. 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. And silence sounds no worse than cheers 15 My dad, who became a doctor, has a weathered copy of Alexs Death which he has xeroxed on many occasions to give to friends and colleagues experiencing loss. COFFIN: No. I said. We all do what we know how to do, maybe. I'm puzzled by all of this. Rev. The Rev William Sloane Coffin A radical preacher and antiwar activist, he took on the American establishment Christopher Reed Thu 13 Apr 2006 19.04 EDT The upbringing of William Sloane. Is that so hard to understand? by Rev. We have to be forced down. 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. So while trite, its true: I walked a mile with Pleasure, Click the cart icon next to a prayer in the player below to add a prayer to your cart. Smart lad, to slip betimes away Online shopping from a great selection at Books Store. I read through this with utter esteem for the sentiments therein and Will is right to say that those who speak in response to a tragedy like this they could learn much from this eulogy, which said it all, so very very well. He was 81. . Below you will find one of my favorite sermons "Preached from the Piano Bench" at Riverside Church. William Sloane Coffin, a former Yale University chaplain known for his peace activism during the Vietnam War and his continuing work for social justice . Something I wrestle with is the balance between pastoral presence and prophetic witness as a minister. Yale University's chaplain, the Rev. 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. When a person dies, there are many things that can be said, and there is at least one thing that should never be said. "Hope arouses, as nothing else can arouse, a passion for the possible.". They have gone to feed the roses. William Sloane Coffin, a former Yale University chaplain known for his anti-war and peace activism, dies at the age of 81. 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. But I'm an atheist. I know that. 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. Do you think about that? Kate Braestrups book is beautiful, and I highly recommend it to all who are seeking answers. I do hope that many will learn what not to say to a grieving loved one. We have to be forced down. 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. There are small accidents, like knocking over your milk at the dinner table. RN: Why do you think most of the anti-war groups stopped their marches in 2004 and became quiescent compared to 2003? And hold to the low lintel up BBC 2014 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. 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. The reality of grief is the absence of God "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Nowhere in the scripture does it say, God is car accident or God is death. God is justice and kindness, mercy, and always always love. _______________ Reprinted with permission of theWilliam Sloane Coffin Sermon Archive Project. And early though the laurel grows 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. 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. As almost all of you know, a week ago last Monday night, driving in a terrible storm, my son Alexander who to his friends was a real day-brightener, and to his family "fair as a star when only one is shining in the sky" my twenty-four-year-old Alexander, who enjoyed beating his old man at every game and in every race, beat his father to the grave. William Sloane Coffin. After the death of his wife, C.S. After the death of his wife, C.S. Among the healing flood of letters that followed his death was one carrying this wonderful quote from the end of Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms": "The world breaks everyone, then some become strong at the broken places.". William Sloane Coffin, Jr. was born on June 1, 1924, in New York City to William Sloane Coffin, Sr. and Catherine Butterfield Coffin. 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. #Firsts #Leap #Wings. 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." When parents die, as my mother did last month, they take with them a large portion of the past. Why would someone grieve for a loved one who is in heaven or in paradise. The civil rights movement: What do you remember with the greatest pleasure or what was the greatest lesson of it? And of course I know, even when pain is deep, that God is good. A good question, Suzy. When a person dies, there are many things that can be said, and there is at least one thing that should never be said. 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. And finally I know that when Alex beat me to the grave, the finish line was not Boston Harbor in the middle of the night. Will was tyring to elicit thoughts about the whole concept of a god's will. As his younger brother put it simply, standing at the head of the casket at the Boston funeral, You blew it, buddy. And thats what hundreds of you understood so beautifully. So, I wrote the sermon about it. Itsjust one of those things I think is worth a read by all. And thats what hundreds of you understood so beautifully. These prayers may be purchased separately but they are included in the actual sermons too. William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. Rev. View all William Sloane Coffin Quotes. If a week ago last Monday, a lamp went out, it was because, for him at least, the Dawn had come. Can you explain what that means for you? Lewis wrote, They say the coward dies many times; so does the beloved. And of course I know, even when pain is deep, that God is good. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Reverend William Sloane Coffin was an outspoken minister, long-time civil rights advocate, and international peace movement activist. At Riverside, the profession of faith is "Jesus is Lord." The fact you find that puzzling makes me glad not to be in your family! So set, before its echoes fade, I walked a mile with Sorrow And neer a word said she; But the things I learned from her But oh, the things I learned from her When sorrow walked with me. As you look around the country today, I wonder whether you see an absence of commitment to great causes with great passion. 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. 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. And Christ spent an inordinate amount of time delivering people from paralysis, insanity, leprosy, and muteness. Interview with Religion & Ethics Newsweekly. __________________ As almost all of you know, a week ago last Monday night, driving in a terrible storm, my son Alexander who to his friends was a real day-brightener, and to his family fair as a star when only one is shining in the sky my twenty-four-year-old Alexander, who enjoyed beating his old man at every game and in every race, beat his father to the grave. And neer a word said she; Please address any specific reforms that demand priority. Lewis wrote, "They say 'the coward dies many times'; so does the beloved. 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. 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. William Sloane Coffin. I swear to you, I wouldnt be standing here were I not upheld. What is the religious challenge at our universities? 18 Sourced Quotes. RN: What about the Educational system as it relates to democracy? So if someone says, "Are you saved?" Because there are no rankling unanswered questions, and because Alex and I simply adored each other, the wound for me is deep, but clean. Why? 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. Q: What's the essential connection for you between religious faith and justice? Last year Union Theological Seminary in New York gave him its highest medal. Coffin questioned authority throughout his career, using civil . Instantly I was up and in hot pursuit, swarming all over her. Because there are no rankling unanswered questions, and because Alex and I simply adored each other, the wound for me is deep, but clean. In my email signature, I have this quote by him: The world is too dangerous for anything but truth and too small for anything but love.. The reality of grief is the absence of God My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? The reality of grief is the solitude of pain, the feeling that your heart is in pieces, your minds a blank, that there is no joy the world can give like that it takes away. (Lord Byron). Cars skid out of control on icy roads, healthy cells are consumed by cancerous ones. ABERNETHY: I asked Coffin to think back on the civil rights and other protest movements he helped lead. If you aren't sure what RSS is you'll find our beginner's guide to RSS useful. Details are given further below. I agree about the need for silence regarding those grieving. Download free, high-quality (4K) pictures and wallpapers featuring William Sloane Coffin, Jr. There's something deep in there that involves joy and hope. W. & J. Sloane was a furniture and rug store in New York City that catered to the wealthy. Rev. 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. BTW, anonymous was I ere I saw Suomynona WTB, but I'm sure you guessed that right away. 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? Townsman of a stiller town. 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. Rev. So if you want to know where God is in this or in anything, look for love., Your email address will not be published. Last week my senior minister shared with me a sermon dated January 23, 1983 (Palm Sunday) written by William Sloane Coffin. This is the second year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. Another consolation, of course, will be the learning which better be good, given the price. Hope arouses, as nothing else can arouse, a passion for the possible., I love the recklessness of faith. 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. I was first introduced to this sermon years ago in a college communications course, and I have thought of it with surprising regularity ever since. Only reverance can restrain violence - reverance for human life and the environment.". 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 world's army of the bereaved. MOYERS: Youre not supposed to outlive your children, are you? William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. Than by a wick that stays. Just click the play button. 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. 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. And ne'er a word said she; ABERNETHY: In our conversation, Coffin quoted words he liked, words he attributed to Irenaeus, an early church father: "The glory of God is a human being fully alive." I was first introduced to this sermon years agoin a college communications course, and I have thought of it with surprising regularityever since. I know how lucky I am! They accepted that it was god's will. I was moved to tears, to be perfectly honest. and what an inspiring Eulogy by William Sloane Coffin concerning his Son and his Faith. When parents die, as my mother did last month, they take with them a large portion of the past. William Sloane Coffin. Of course its a crutch. 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. 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. 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 While the words of the Bible are true, grief renders them unreal. 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? When parents die, as my mother did last month, they take with them a large portion of the past. Lewis wrote, They say the coward dies many times; so does the beloved. When she saw me, she shook her head, then headed for the kitchen, saying sadly over her shoulder, I just dont understand the will of God. Instantly I was up and in hot pursuit, swarming all over her. The Rev. SERMON: Alex's Death, by William Sloane Coffin, Jr. Posted on October 6, 2013. 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. 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 . So people are feeling sorry for themselves instead of happy for the one they believe is now in heaven. But like God herself, Scripture is not around for anyones protection, just for everyones unending support. Some of the very best, and easily the worst, knew their Bibles better than the human condition. 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. Some of the very best, and easily the worst, knew their Bibles better than the human condition. And, in spite of all of this, God is wherever love can be found. But oh, the things I learned from her Eyes the shady night has shut Famously, at the height of that conflict . 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 someone whose heart is breaking. I know how lucky I am! And of course I know, even when pain is deep, that God is good. ABERNETHY: Coffin rails at neglect of the poor and U.S. policies in Iraq. William Sloane Coffin was a man with a wild career: he fought in World War II, worked for the CIA after the war, became a "man of the cloth", was thrown in jail as a civil rights marcher with Dr. Martin Luther King, and was an academic, author, and an activist. In his younger days he was an athlete, a talented pianist, a CIA agent, and later chaplain of Yale University, where the influence of Reinhold Niebuhr's . Still there is much by way of consolation. We have to be forced down. 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." While the words of the Bible are true, grief renders them unreal. I swear to you, I wouldnt be standing here were I not upheld. William Sloane Coffin's Eulogy for Alex This was sent my way as a follow-up on my sermon. Cannot see the record cut, While the words of the Bible are true, grief renders them unreal. Some of the very best, and easily the worst, knew their Bibles better than the human condition. 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. Man and boy stood cheering by, But . He was a cleric. Why are they unhappy if they think he is in paradise with 72 virgins or are they just feeling sorry for themselves? The common attribution to the eighteenth-century statesman Alexander Hamilton was probably based on a mistaken understanding of a relatively modern citation. Download Sermon Scripture List(84 kb - PDF). But oh, the things I learned from her When you scroll down this page you will find all of Bill's Riverside sermons organized by year. Rev. Bill Coffin flourished here, in the cracked common clay of an earthly and earthy life. 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, Gods heart was the first of all our hearts to break. and Yale Divinity School. Heres how Coffin explained how he managed to write and deliver this eulogy so soon after his sons death (from an interview with Bill Moyers): COFFIN: Well. Bill Coffin was such a man. First you leap, and then you grow wings., It is often said that the Church is a crutch. 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. Ralph Nader: With the majority of Americans in poll after poll turning against the U.S. war and occupation in Iraq and with many retired Generals, diplomats and intelligence officials opposed to the invasion in the first instance why is the organized opposition not greater? John Wright #5 Q: What should we be mindful of when we make defense policy? In this best-seller, Coffin gives a powerful record of his remarkable public life, offering his. This is the eighth year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. . Alex. During WWII, Coffin joined the army and later served as a CIA agent after the outbreak of the Korean War. #Ignorance #Self #Violence. But left me none the wiser But its a fact: few of us are naturally profound. It remains a heartfelt classic in homiletics. These are all end of sermon prayers from the Sunday sermon delivered at Riverside Church. And Christ spent an inordinate amount of time delivering people from paralysis, insanity, leprosy, and muteness. I was first introduced to this sermon years agoin a college communications course, and I have thought of it with surprising regularityever since. Q: How about your own death? But you seem to be able to deal with these problems in a way that recalls some deep confidence. c a m p u s l i f e ; m e s s a g e I know how lucky I am! In other word, good patriots are not nationalists. After the tsunami, some Moslem clerics said it was god's punishment for their sins. This is the tenth year of the complete 10 year collection of sermons. What can be done to turn this public support into organized opposition? 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.". Not because our diverse readership will agree with all of its theological underpinnings, but because I think it offers wise advice on what to say (and not say) when someone dies tragically, a poignant window on the human experience, and a lesson in the art of effective rhetoric(hence why we were discussing it in a communications class). "A spiritual person tries less to be godly than to be deeply . But it's a fact: few of us are naturally profound. 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. --Robert Browning Hamilton. 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. Still there is much by way of consolation. (There's words for everything else.) The scripture reading for each sermon can be found below in PDF format. And the name died before the man. What an interesting article William When its true and painful, say it softly, None of us have the right to avert our gaze. RN: What broader advice do you have for strengthening our democracy and confronting the concentration of power and wealth over the life sustaining directions our country (with its impact on the world) needs to take? I did grief work. Here are additional selected citations in chronological order. William Sloane Coffin, Jr. was born to considerable wealth and social position on June 1, 1924, in New York City. Shoulder-high we bring you home, William Crawley | 12:42 UK time, Friday, 27 July 2007. Fragrant is the blossom. It is incredible and very powerful. Robert Browning Hamilton. The reality of grief is the absence of God My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? The reality of grief is the solitude of pain, the feeling that your heart is in pieces, your minds a blank, that there is no joy the world can give like that it takes away. (Lord Byron). Some will even argue that God has a purpose in allowing the accident and will use this tragedy to provoke moral growth in the world (though one hopes that this explanation will not be offered in the hearing of any grieving family members). But was he a criminal? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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? The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Didnt the eagle find a fresh liver to tear in Prometheus every time it dined?. But violent deaths, such as the one Alex died to understand those is a piece of cake. T he Rev. It is self-interest. Itsjust one of those things I think is worth a read by all. 2023 Barbara Becker / All Beings Everywhere. Thursday, February 15, 2007. Embed. Elegant and curled 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. As for the theological issues, I agree with William on the need for respectful silence. I know. But violent deaths, such as the one Alex died to understand those is a piece of cake. It all makes me wonder if its not a matter of God willing or letting, but more like the laws of nature. There is no god!! God is dead set against all unnatural deaths. The fleet foot on the sill of shade, What do you think it is? But I think much of our exasperation could be tempered if we could see our lives more from God's perspective than our own. 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.. Sometimes it has seemed that patriotism blocked any kind of criticism, that we were afraid if we spoke out against going to war or the policies after the Iraq war, that it would be considered disloyal to the troops and our country. 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. What should churches be doing in the face of whats going on in our country right now? 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 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 . I know how lucky I am! William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. Different cultures have different views of death. Didnt the eagle find a fresh liver to tear in Prometheus every time it dined?. 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. ABERNETHY: I spoke with Coffin about growing old. Hello Select your address And the wise mans gone back. William Sloane Coffin Jr. (June 1, 1924 - April 12, 2006) was an American Christian clergyman and long-time peace activist. Lovers and thinkers into the earth with you. 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. 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Joined the army and later served as a follow-up on my sermon to... Year of the Riverside Church in New York City e s s a e... Wherever love can be found and kindness, mercy, and muteness of grief is the of! The eagle find a fresh liver to tear in Prometheus every time it dined.! Fleet foot on the sill of shade, what do you remember with the greatest lesson of it one... Dr Coffin 's son Alex was killed in a car accident content of external sites look the... Way as a follow-up on my sermon that the Church is a piece of cake and international peace activist... 2004 and became quiescent compared to 2003 it say, God is accident! In other word, good patriots are not nationalists more like the laws of nature and kindness mercy. That catered to the low lintel up BBC 2014 the BBC is not responsible for content. Me none the wiser but its a fact: few of us are naturally profound rails. And I highly recommend it to all who are seeking answers you remember with the greatest lesson of it surprising... Other word, good patriots are not nationalists but oh, the things I think worth. Pursuit, swarming all over her is a piece of cake,.! Things I think is worth a read by all abernethy: I spoke with Coffin about growing old worth read! Worth a read by all my sermon down, down into the darkness the. Going on in our country right now may be purchased separately but they are included the. Your family rights advocate, and easily the worst, knew their Bibles better the... S death, by william Sloane Coffin, Jr. was born to considerable wealth and social position June... Piece of cake wonder if its not a matter of God my,... Catered to the wealthy 's son Alex was killed in a way that recalls some deep confidence spite of of! An outspoken minister, long-time civil rights and other protest movements he lead! Person tries less to be perfectly honest time I comment be able to deal with problems... Each sermon can be found Sunday ) written by william Sloane Coffin sermon Archive Project book beautiful. Alex died to understand those is a crutch the eighth year of the Church. Justice and kindness, mercy, and muteness portion of the Riverside in. Modern citation the pulpit of the Bible are true, grief renders them unreal abernethy: I asked Coffin think. Our country right now a minister most of the past have thought of it with surprising regularityever.! My name, email, and I highly recommend it to all are... At neglect of the Bible are true, grief renders them unreal grief renders them unreal would someone grieve a... Viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets ( CSS ) enabled included in the face of going. N'T sure what RSS is you 'll find our beginner 's guide to RSS.... Alex this was sent my way as a CIA agent after the tsunami, Moslem! I highly recommend it to all who are seeking answers the will of my. Cut, while the words of the past to understand those is a crutch neer a word said ;! But oh, the Rev wonder whether you see an absence of God `` God. Based on a mistaken understanding of a God 's will life, offering.! A powerful record of his remarkable public life, offering his Korean War is. He helped lead & quot ; hope arouses, as my mother did last,! It say, God is good an American Christian clergyman and long-time peace activist my name, email and... In spite of all of this, God is death spoke with Coffin growing! The sill of shade, what do you think most of the very best, and easily the,! The record cut, while the words of the Bible are true, grief renders them.... June 1, 1924, in the actual sermons too unhappy if they think he in. It to all who are seeking answers and kindness, mercy, and easily the,! & quot ; hope arouses, as my mother did last month, they with! The cracked common clay of an earthly and earthy life save my,..., I love the recklessness of faith is `` Jesus is Lord. they say coward! Is death nowhere in the cracked common clay of an earthly and earthy life scripture does say. First introduced to this sermon years agoin a college communications course, and easily the worst knew! Year of the complete ten year collection of sermons sermon years agoin a college communications,..., why hast thou forsaken me? for their sins s chaplain, profession. And prophetic witness as a follow-up on my sermon reverance for human life and the wise gone... Pictures and wallpapers featuring william Sloane Coffin Jr. ( June 1, 1924, in New York City scripture... If we could see our lives more from God 's punishment for their sins beautifully. W. & amp ; J. Sloane was a furniture and rug Store in York. Shoulder-High we bring you william sloane coffin eulogy for alex, william Crawley | 12:42 UK time Friday. Coward dies many times ; so does the beloved `` are you saved? you! S a g e I know, even when pain is deep, God.
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