Category Archives: Coherence

By asking “what shall I do?” or “how shall I do something, anything at all?” I am displacing praxis with more study. And this is the move that I want to see myself making. Not to stop myself or correct myself but simply to see it. Not as a matter of what is right orContinue reading “Lenten Writing: Attention”

Yet this writing – which is thinking out loud – implies a division between praxis and study, which negates – or occludes, maybe – their unity, which is actually how they are given. It is not sufficient to say that study is praxical and praxis studious. That reflects a distinction subsequent to their appearance whichContinue reading “Lenten Writing: Remembering Unity”

In a sense, praxis has to do with the exercise – with the application – of ethics and morals. Through study we develop an intuitive sense of what is good and just, what is most likely to defuse conflict and elevate the collective, the all-of-us, rather than only the individual. Through praxis we seek meansContinue reading “Lenten Writing: Praxis as Application”

Praxis is the way we live the life that is indicated by our study. Study directs our praxis by suggesting certain practices, approaches, methods, strategies. This reflects the clarification and contemplation aspects of our living. Our study directs our praxis but, in turn, praxis informs our study, suggesting new directions, methods and so forth. ForContinue reading “Lenten Writing: Living Praxically”

When we ask for love, we implictly acknowledge that the conditions we specify as loving are not present. But since love cannot be absent, as it is our fundament, “not present” means that we are not fully or properly in attendance. So the problem is not an external lack – circumstances not aligning in theContinue reading “The Absence Of Love Means Only That We Are Not Present”

Many years ago, while teaching Brokeback Mountain, I was approached by a student who professed that her religious beliefs obligated her to not read a text and to not participate in discussions that normalized what she – as a devout practicing Christian – considered “sinful behavior.” I appreciated her raising the issue with me andContinue reading “On Obedience, Bias and Brokeback Mountain”