As his younger brother put it simply, standing at the head of the casket at the Boston funeral, "You blew it, buddy. 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. But I think much of our exasperation could be tempered if we could see our lives more from God's perspective than our own. 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. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: The humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. William Sloane Coffin. RN: Why do you think most of the anti-war groups stopped their marches in 2004 and became quiescent compared to 2003? William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. This is the last year of the complete 10 year collection of sermons. The reality of grief is the absence of God "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" A good question, Suzy. A Prayer by William Sloan Coffin Jr., 1983. John Wright #5 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). 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. Sloan from Doonesbury; New Documentary: WWilliam Sloane Coffin: A Lover's . 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. The civil rights movement: What do you remember with the greatest pleasure or what was the greatest lesson of it? This is amazing. 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. And of course I know, even when pain is deep, that God is good. If you are interested in purchasing the whole collection on aDVD Data Discplease contact me byemail. Itsjust one of those things I think is worth a read by all. William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. 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. If a week ago last Monday, a lamp went out, it was because, for him at least, the Dawn had come. W. & J. Sloane was a furniture and rug store in New York City that catered to the wealthy. very good question Anne. William Sloane Coffin, Jr. was born to considerable wealth and social position on June 1, 1924, in New York City. William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. When parents die, as my mother did last month, they take with them a large portion of the past. Than by a wick that stays. Crowned with lilies and Laurel they go; but I am not resigned. 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? See more stories about iPad, HBO, How-To. They are gone. We have to be forced down. (There's words for everything else.) 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. When a person dies, there are many things that can be said, and there is at least one thing that should never be said. He was ordained in the Presbyterian church and later received ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ. I swear to you, I wouldnt be standing here were I not upheld. Ive read and re-read this passage many times: I told them, It was an accident. The cause of violence is not ignorance. So, I wrote the sermon about it. That is what makes the valley of the shadow of death seem so incredibly dark and unending. BBC Northern Ireland presenter William Crawley discusses the often controversial political, religious and ethical issues of the day. William Sloane Coffin. Lewis wrote, They say the coward dies many times; so does the beloved. Lewis wrote, They say the coward dies many times; so does the beloved. 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. in 1949. I swear to you, I wouldnt be standing here were I not upheld. 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. After one year at Yale, Coffin joined the U.S. Army, in which he served until 1947, when he returned to Yale, graduating with a B.A. While the words of the Bible are true, grief renders them unreal. William Sloane Coffin Jr. in 1986. These are all end of sermon prayers from the Sunday sermon delivered at Riverside Church. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Can you explain what that means for you? No one meant it to happen. and what an inspiring Eulogy by William Sloane Coffin concerning his Son and his Faith. 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. He was a cleric. She chattered all the way; 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. And of course I know, even when pain is deep, that God is good. Q: Where does the rise of conservatism, especially on the religious Right among Protestant evangelicals, fit into this whole thing? He was ordained in the Presbyterian Church, and later received ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ. Even as he was trying to cooperate gracefully with the inevitability of death, he was also coaching Paul Newman to play the preacher in the film version of Marilynn Robinson's novel Gilead. You blew it." "Human unity is not something we are called on to create only something we are called on to recognize." Coffin delivered his sermon "Eulogy for Alex" at Riversid e Church. Jim Antal, a Norwich resident who advises the president of the national United Church of Christ on climate change, will deliver the inaugural William Sloane . There's something in the flight While the words of the Bible are true, grief renders them unreal. This is the seventh year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. But like God herself, Scripture is not around for anyone's protection, just for everyone's unending support. He was ordained in the Presbyterian Church, and later received ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ. The fact you find that puzzling makes me glad not to be in your family! ), Podcast #858: The Affectionate, Ambiguous, and Surprisingly Ambivalent Relationship Between Siblings, How to Fight Entitlement and Develop Gratitude in Your Kids, How and Why to Hold a Weekly Marriage Meeting, You Dont Have to Be Your Dad: How to Become Your Familys Transitional Character, Podcast #810: How to Turn a Boy Into a Man, Sunday Firesides: Climb the Ladder of Love, Podcast #865: How to Win Friends and Influence People in the 21st Century, Podcast #863: Key Insights From the Longest Study on Happiness, Podcast #875: Authority Is More Important Than Social Skills, Podcast #874: Throw a 2-Hour Cocktail Party That Can Change Your Life, 9 Mental Distortions That Are Sabotaging Your Social Life, How to Make the Perfect Snowball: An Illustrated Guide, Podcast #869: The Survival Myths That Can Get You Killed, Skill of the Week: Survive Falling Through Ice, Podcast #848: The 5 Priorities of Short-Term Survival, William Sloane Coffin Sermon Archive Project, Man Knowledge: Legends of the Northwest Mountain Men, A Simple Guide to Writing and Delivering a Eulogy, A Kind of, Sort of Eulogy for the Declarative Sentence, 30 Days to a Better Man Day 21: Write Your Own Eulogy, Man Knowledge: 5 Pirates Every Man Should Know. ABERNETHY: I spoke with Coffin about growing old. And early though the laurel grows -- William Sloane Coffin. I too have thought Gods heart is the first to break. That makes two of us. MOYERS: Youre not supposed to outlive your children, are you? 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. RN: What do you think should be done strategically and tactically by the peace movement? These sermons were delivered from the pulpit at Riverside Church, N.Y.C. Bill Coffin was such a man. 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? 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. Unfortunately he left the building April 12th, 2006. He liked it here. 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. Q: Why do you think that is, in the country as a whole? 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. #Hope #Passion. Eyes the shady night has shut 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. That's the puzzlement of it all. Reverend William Sloane Coffin was an outspoken minister, long-time civil rights advocate, and international peace movement activist. That clarifies the sight 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. The one thing that should never be said when someone dies is "It is the will of God." ABERNETHY: Coffin rails at neglect of the poor and U.S. policies in Iraq. I was first introduced to this sermon years agoin a college communications course, and I have thought of it with surprising regularityever since. You will also find a collection of his prayers that concluded many of his sermons. William Sloane Coffin Jr. in 1987. He was 81. . 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; If you aren't sure what RSS is you'll find our beginner's guide to RSS useful. Ill say you dont, lady! I said. Q: What's the essential connection for you between religious faith and justice? The Theology of William Sloane Coffin Thursday, February 15, 2007 Moral lassitude Interview with Religion & Ethics Newsweekly August 27, 2004 Q: You have, in the course of your life, participated in a good many great causes and have done so with a lot of passion. More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world. Well compared to heaven isn't all of life suffering? 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.". Q: What should we be mindful of when we make defense policy? 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). And set you at your threshold down, The best of William Sloane Coffin, Jr. Rev. If the order gets mixed up, thats misery. This is beautiful!!! Why aren't people in the streets today the way they were in the civil rights movement, the antiwar movement? When parents die, as my mother did last month, they take with them a large portion of the past. Required fields are marked *. Man and boy stood cheering by, William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. "I'll say you don't, lady!" And find unwithered on its curls But I do not approve. 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. If a week ago last Monday, a lamp went out, it was because, for him at least, the Dawn had come. I walked a mile with Sorrow But when children die, they take away the future as well. I agree about the need for silence regarding those grieving. That is what makes the valley of the shadow of death seem so incredibly dark and unending. When sorrow walked with me. They have gone to feed the roses. I went right away to the piano. 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. William Sloane Coffin, Jr. was born June 1, 1924, in New York City. As far as I can tell, when you die, in the words of Art Bell, it's.."lights out" (I love the way he puts it.) So people are feeling sorry for themselves instead of happy for the one they believe is now in heaven. Do you think about that? Rev. 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." 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 And hold to the low lintel up "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." Townsman of a stiller town. 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. Thousands of people have died without the benefit of a poetic father! Refusing to cede the battlefield of morality to conservatives, he argues that "compassion demands . I did grief work. And then, Im a preacher. This is the fourth year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. This is the ninth year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. But like God herself, Scripture is not around for anyones protection, just for everyones unending support. William Sloane Coffin Jr., was arrested several times during the civil rights movement. The Rev. And round that early-laurelled head 25 And read the poems. And Christ spent an inordinate amount of time delivering people from paralysis, insanity, leprosy, and muteness. Read more. I know how lucky I am! I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. I was impressed by the Amish last year when that young girl was killed. This album is a collection of prayers from the end of the sermons; 1977-1979. January 6, 1968 Spock and Coffin Indicted For Activity Against Draft By FRED P. GRAHAM . 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 sermon to his congregation at Riverside Church in New York City. Theres something in the flight That clarifies the sight And decks the rays. But the point is this. 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. 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. William Sloane Coffin Compassion, Sentimental, Individual William Sloane Coffin (2004). 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. --Robert Browning Hamilton. And Christ spent an inordinate amount of time delivering people from paralysis, insanity, leprosy, and muteness. Until one has personally experienced the loss of a loved one, one can not understand the feelings about the death both positive and negative. A powerful eulogy. ABERNETHY: As he conducts what he calls his lover's quarrel with his country, Coffin acknowledges that he has to be careful not to become self-righteous himself -- perhaps especially when he is honored, as he is often. 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. A different man named Alex Hamilton who was a British broadcaster used the saying in 1978. And Christ spent an inordinate amount of time delivering people from paralysis, insanity, leprosy, and muteness. Itsjust one of those things I think is worth a read by all. But the things I learned from her 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.. The world is too dangerous for anything but truth and too small for anything but love. Last week my senior minister shared with me a sermon dated January 23, 1983 (Palm Sunday) written by William Sloane Coffin. Only reverance can restrain violence - reverance for human life and the environment. Something I wrestle with is the balance between pastoral presence and prophetic witness as a minister. We have to be forced down. Rev. We see acuter quite William Sloane Coffin Jr., a Presbyterian minister and social activist who was an outspoken leader of the civil rights and antiwar movements of the 1960s and '70s, died Wednesday at his . Presence and prophetic witness as a minister up and in hot pursuit, swarming over... Greatest pleasure or What was the greatest pleasure or What was the light in your family battlefield of to! In heaven Jr. was born to considerable wealth and social position on June,. Was impressed by the peace movement activist the greatest pleasure or What was the pleasure... Parents die, they say the coward dies many times: I told them It...: WWilliam Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit at Riverside Church 1968 Spock and Coffin for! Sermon dated january 23, 1983 renders them unreal more from God 's than! 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