So if you want to know where God is in this or in anything, look for love., Your email address will not be published. And his body was too badly damaged in the accident for his soul to stay in it anymore, and so he died. and Yale Divinity School. Will was tyring to elicit thoughts about the whole concept of a god's will. Stories and Reflections on Service, Ram Dass and Paul Gorman, Knocking on Heavens Door: The Path to a Better Way of Death, Katy Butler, Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, Sogyal Rinpoche. __________________ 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. For all she had to say. No matter where they're going or what they're going to experience, the primary reason people mourn a death is because they know they'll miss the person who died and won't see them again. 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. Lewis wrote, They say the coward dies many times; so does the beloved. very good question Anne. so if God doesnt will these things to happen, why does he let them happen? And that's what happens to the horror of all those townsfolk. (There's words for everything else.) At Riverside, the profession of faith is "Jesus is Lord." Less sceptical commentators may point to mechanical -- and possibly human -- failure on a notoriously dangerous road. I know how lucky I am! 2023 Barbara Becker / All Beings Everywhere. Q: We've been talking about a lot of big problems. These sermons were delivered from the pulpit at Riverside Church, N.Y.C. Q: After September 11 there was a surge of patriotism. Another consolation, of course, will be the learning which better be good, given the price. There is no god!! 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. After earth has stopped the ears: Now you will not swell the rout They are gone. 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." And Christ spent an inordinate amount of time delivering people from paralysis, insanity, leprosy, and muteness. 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. William Sloane Coffin Jr. in 1986. Continue the suffering of living in preference to going to heaven just so you'll have their company around. We see acuter quite How are you able to look at the world as it is and still have the capacity for feeling joyful? Lovers and thinkers into the earth with you. I mentioned the healing flood of letters. 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, God's heart was the first of all our hearts to break. 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. But when children die, they take away the future as well. 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.) And then, Im a preacher. Instantly I was up and in hot pursuit, swarming all over her. 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 . And [a lot of people] think that emotional mediocrity is the good life. 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. Robert Browning Hamilton. Ill say you dont, lady! I said. A powerful eulogy. William Sloane Coffin, Jr. was born on June 1, 1924, in New York City to William Sloane Coffin, Sr. and Catherine Butterfield Coffin. But oh, the things I learned from her Your email address will not be published. But I do not approve. 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. So why were they angry? Program, Strengthen Your Tribe: A Report on the Atomic Athlete Vanguard, The Best Riddles for Kids (With Answers! RN: How is Vermont a model in this respect? William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. Do you think about that? It seems to me for those believers who grieve, their religion brings them little more comfort than those who don't. 18 Sourced Quotes. 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. But violent deaths, such as the one Alex died to understand those is a piece of cake. William Sloane Coffin Compassion, Sentimental, Individual William Sloane Coffin (2004). Download Sermon Scripture List(84 kb - PDF). 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." William Sloane Coffin Heart, Optimistic, Independent 64 Copy quote To show compassion for an individual without showing concern for the structures of society that make him an object of compassion is to be sentimental rather than loving. But oh, the things I learned from her Every sermon constitutes a powerful reminder of his legacy-challenging the conscience of a nation. Lewis wrote, "They say 'the coward dies many times'; so does the beloved. and what an inspiring Eulogy by William Sloane Coffin concerning his Son and his Faith. This is the seventh year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. Didnt the eagle find a fresh liver to tear in Prometheus every time it dined?. So if someone says, "Are you saved?" Why would someone grieve for a loved one who is in heaven or in paradise. 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. That is what makes the valley of the shadow of death seem so incredibly dark and unending. This is beautiful!!! William Sloane Coffin Sr. (April 15, 1879 - December 16, 1933) was an American businessman. View all William Sloane Coffin Quotes. The document has moved here. For the latest updates across BBC blogs, visit the Blogs homepage. 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 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. As his younger brother put it simply, standing at the head of the casket at the Boston funeral, "You blew it, buddy. This is the eighth year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. A good question, Suzy. All rights reserved. This is the third year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. 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. The civil rights movement: What do you remember with the greatest pleasure or what was the greatest lesson of it? The Rev. Sunday Firesides: Theres Only So Far You Can Get Off Track in a Week, Podcast #870: Get a Handle on Your Shrinking Attention Span, A Mans Guide to Black Tie: How To Wear A Tuxedo, A Mans Guide to Fragrance: How to Choose and Wear Cologne, How to Pick the Perfect Mens Wedding Ring, Your No-Nonsense Guide to Choosing the Right Beard Style, How to Grow a Beard: The One and True Guide, Beard Oil FAQs: Answering All Your Pressing Beardly Questions, Beard Grooming 101: The Lowdown on Products and Routine, Skill of the Week: Tie the Half-Windsor Necktie Knot, Skill of the Week: Throw a Dynamite Straight Punch, Squeeze More Into Your Workouts With Supersets, Podcast #866: Move the Body, Heal the Mind, Podcast #862: Heal the Body With Extended Fasting, Podcast #761: How Testosterone Makes Men, Men, How Saunas Can Help Save Your Body, Mind, and Spirit, The Insanely Difficult Standards of Historys Hardest P.E. William Sloane Coffin. Unfortunately he left the building April 12th, 2006. Yale University's chaplain, the Rev. William Sloane Coffin. Q: As you look back on everything you've done in your wonderful life, what are you most proud of? 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. 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. And early though the laurel grows 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). 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? _______________ Reprinted with permission of theWilliam Sloane Coffin Sermon Archive Project. William Sloane Coffin Jr. (June 1, 1924 - April 12, 2006) was an American Christian clergyman and long-time peace activist. 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. This is the second year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. Seems a good deal for him - get all the praise when things go our way but none of the blame when things go wrong due to no fault of our own. We have to be forced down. 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). In 1983, Dr Coffin's son Alex was killed in a car accident. And of course I know, even when pain is deep, that God is good. I swear to you, I wouldnt be standing here were I not upheld. Online shopping from a great selection at Books Store. For all she had to say. The prayers are presented in several multi-year collections. That clarifies the sight 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. God does not spill milk. More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world. But the point is this. Bill Coffin flourished here, in the cracked common clay of an earthly and earthy life. Individual prayers and sermons can be purchased by clicking the cart icon next to each prayer or sermon title. @art-of-manliness / art-of-manliness.tumblr.com, Editors note: Ten days after his son, Alex, drove off a bridgeand was killed in a car accident, Reverend William Sloane Coffin delivered the following sermon to his congregation at Riverside Church in New York City. Why are they unhappy if they think he is in paradise with 72 virgins or are they just feeling sorry for themselves? We have to be forced down. How do you separate patriotism from criticism? Q: Why do you think that is, in the country as a whole? The garland briefer than a girls. But violent deaths, such as the one Alex died to understand those is a piece of cake. William Sloane Coffin, who died Wednesday at the age of 81 of congestive heart failure, was known as a civil rights activist and outspoken critic of the Vietnam War. 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. Still there is much by way of consolation. I'm sure there must be something somewhere in the Bible which says words to that effect. We see acuter quite 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. This is the ninth year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. There was a funny one on the Twilight Zone where as I recall, the story opens with people from all over a small Western town sitting around in a bar lamenting the loss of their beloved dearly departed. 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. Never do we know enough to say that. I was moved to tears, to be perfectly honest. William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. Some of the very best, and easily the worst, knew their Bibles better than the human condition. There are many kinds of silence, and one of them is a humbled, respectful, listening silence. After the death of his wife, C.S. Coffin questioned authority throughout his career, using civil . 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. This reflects what that discomfort is and so nice to read it was written by a Reverend. While the words of the Bible are true, grief renders them unreal. During WWII, Coffin joined the army and later served as a CIA agent after the outbreak of the Korean War. 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. 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. 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. 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. This is the fifth year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. what do you say? History The company was founded as a rug importer and seller on March 2, 1843 by William Sloane who had just emigrated from Kilmarnock, Scotland, a town famous for weaving fine carpets and rugs. 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 "Hope arouses, as nothing else can arouse, a passion for the possible.". William Sloane Coffin also wrote about this in his eulogy for his son, Alex, who was killed in a car accident at age 24. We chaired you through the market-place; In other word, good patriots are not nationalists. January 6, 1968 Spock and Coffin Indicted For Activity Against Draft By FRED P. GRAHAM . William Sloane Coffin Jr. was an American Christian clergyman and long-time peace activist. William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. So while trite, its true: I walked a mile with Pleasure, 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.. Q: Your faith and the nature of God and God's love -- what is the bedrock there for you? 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. Required fields are marked *. But was he a criminal? 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. Thought he was omnipotent and omnipresent. He was 81. . RN: Any comparisons between the domestic opposition to the Iraq War/Occupation with the domestic opposition to the Vietnam War? And ne'er a word said she; Either it is god's will or there is no 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. Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely. Bill Coffin was such a man. 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. Will flock to gaze the strengthless dead, 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, in spite of all of this, God is wherever love can be found. 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. As the . Alex. Paul said he would prefer to be in eternity (where all pain and suffering ends), but worked all the harder here in time until he left. -- William Sloane Coffin. Some of the very best, and easily the worst, knew their Bibles better than the human condition. T he Rev. The time you won your town the race I know. These prayers may be purchased separately but they are included in the actual sermons too. But left me none the wiser By a departing light But it's a fact: few of us are naturally profound. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. BBC Northern Ireland presenter William Crawley discusses the often controversial political, religious and ethical issues of the day. 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.. What do you think it is? But like God herself, Scripture is not around for anyones protection, just for everyones unending support. Is that so hard to understand? 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. Download free, high-quality (4K) pictures and wallpapers featuring William Sloane Coffin, Jr. Last year Union Theological Seminary in New York gave him its highest medal. The title of the sermon is "Alex's Death" and it comes on the heals of Rev. 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. This is the seventh year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. This brings up additional illogic in religion. 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 . Robert Browning Hamilton. He became famous while at Yale in the 1960s for his opposition to the Vietnam War. Thursday, February 15, 2007. Some of the very best, and easily the worst, knew their Bibles better than the human condition. I know how lucky I am! 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). The Collected Sermons of William Sloane Coffin By William Sloane Coffin Book Review An impressive collection of sermons by William Sloan Coffin delivered from 1977 to 1982. Letters to a Young Doubter By William Sloane Coffin Book Review Letters by the inimitable Christian progressive on faith, doubt, Jesus, and the insanities of a world awash . 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. The reality of grief is the absence of God "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" I wrote the sermon. On Saturday afternoon at 1:30, the Rev. -- William Sloane Coffin. But its a fact: few of us are naturally profound. The Coffin award is given in honor of the life and ministry of William Sloane Coffin, former Chaplain to the University and one of the 20th century's most significant religious leaders. While the words of the Bible are true, grief renders them unreal. Lewis wrote, They say the coward dies many times; so does the beloved. 20. I mentioned the healing flood of letters. You can purchase one, four, seven sermons, or you can purchase the whole year or "album". by Rev. And decks the rays. When parents die, as my mother did last month, they take with them a large portion of the past. Ill say you dont, lady! I said. Here are additional selected citations in chronological order. When sorrow walked with me. While the words of the Bible are true, grief renders them unreal. William Sloane Coffin Jr. in 1987. 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. 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. BBC 2014 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. He was ordained in the Presbyterian Church, and later received ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ. 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? They accepted that it was god's will. 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. He was ordained in the Presbyterian Church, and later received ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ. Editors note: Ten days after his son, Alex, drove off a bridgeand was killed in a car accident, Reverend William Sloane Coffin delivered the following sermon to his congregation at Riverside Church in New York City. The Rev. 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. And Christ spent an inordinate amount of time delivering people from paralysis, insanity, leprosy, and muteness. And of course I know, even when pain is deep, that God is good. But the things I learned from her I know how lucky I am! Bible are true, grief renders them unreal learning which better be good given. Of external sites was written by a departing light but it 's a fact: few of us naturally! Icon next to each prayer or Sermon title they take with them a large portion of very... The sight william Sloane Coffin concerning his Son and his faith word said she Either. Time delivering people from paralysis, insanity, leprosy, and website this! Separately but they are gone knew their Bibles better than the human condition all the roses the... Think in the Presbyterian Church, and easily the worst, knew their Bibles than... Heaven or in paradise with 72 virgins or are they just feeling sorry for themselves killed in a car.! List ( 84 kb - PDF ), my God, my God, my God, my,. Or `` album '', religious and ethical issues of the Riverside Church New... 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It seems to me for those believers who grieve, their religion brings them little more than... Whole year or `` album '' very best, and later received ministerial standing in the Presbyterian Church and.

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