Phenomenology is a philosophical school of thought that values the personal experience of consciousness. In this sense was phenomenology developed by Husserl, and further by Scheler, von Hildebrand and Edith Stein. I'd like to focus in particular on Edith Stein, canonized by Pope John Paul II as St. Therese Benedicta of the Cross. The information explored here is based upon the work "Edith Stein: Scholar, Feminist, Saint" by Freda Mary Oben, PhD.
In the summer of 1913, the young Edith Stein arrived at the University of Gottingen, where the school of phenomenology as per Husserl was developed. Several other prominent phenomenologists were naturally gathered there. Stein excelled in her understanding of philosophy, it was rather extraordinary at this time for a woman to even be intimately involved in the academic world. Because of her excellence, after she received her doctorate degree Husserl himself invited her to serve as his first assistant when he took on the phenomenology chair at Freidburg University. Stein was primarily responsible for preparing Husserl's manuscripts for publication. A severely creative man, he did not compile his thoughts in a manner easily understood--it is because of Stein's dedication that Husserl's philosophical works from this period are available today.
I'd like to make my own journalistic connection. Had not Stein prepared these key manuscripts, perhaps in 1957 the Catholic University of Lublin, Poland, might not have conferred a doctorate in Philosophy to Karol Wojtyla. His dissertation concerned Scheler's phenomenology, which was clearly influenced by that of Husserl. John Paul was key in a renaissance of phenomenological study during his years of philosophical study in Poland. I propose that Stein's work with Husserl paved the way for John Paul II's own philosophical development decades later, which lead to his embrace of personalism, and influenced all of his writings on the human person and sexuality.
Stein was an atheist Jew who became a Catholic who became a Carmelite Nun. She was a woman who became a philosopher who became an educator of women and the face of Catholic Feminism in Europe during the early part of the 20th Century. Stein was a mystic, a lover, a personalist. She was a martyr--she died at Auschwitz in 1942 with her sister Rosa...she offered up her life as a holocaust of love, she died with her people...and united her suffering with the Cross of Christ.
Edith Stein revered the Virgin Mary, seeing in her the example of femininity and a source of clarity as to the vocation of women. Stein wrote several influential works in philosophy, spirituality, Mariology, the eduction of women and the feminine vocation.
When I stood along the train track where St. Edith Stein spent the last hours of her life, I knew there was something about this woman that transcended the human experience. I think today I understand better why I had that notion as I stood in the shadow of the valley of death that is Auschwitz.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Jars Remakes Christmas
I've been a fan of Jars of Clay for several years now. Their music never screams 'Christian' and is as much reflective of love ballads as it is of morality. In October they released their first Christmas album. I can quite honestly say this is by far the best Christmas album I have ever heard.
Jars has a serendipitous way of mixing the melancholy with the inspirational. Traditional hymns such as God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day take on a whole new level of depth through the nuanced vocals and intuitive instrumentals of this phenomenally talented group. If you are going to purchase a Christmas album this season...you can't go wrong with Jars of Clay Christmas Songs...
On a more disappointing note, I am sad to report Josh Groban's new Christmas album, Noel, is not what I had hoped it to be. Groban seems to be lacking the depth of feeling I've always admired his artistry for. While listening to the album there came a point when I became really excited when I heard a different vocal style during one of the songs, and thought Groban had adjusted his style...but discovered it was guest vocalist Brian McKnight. I am still a supporter of Josh, but he needs to give his voice a rest for a while to reclaim some of that pristine soulfulness so many admire him for.
Finally, the Christian Rock group Third Day is currently on tour with Jars promoting their new Christmas Album, Christmas Offerings. I was a little nervous about buying the album. Their style is far from that of Jars, but Third Day was able to hold onto their strong rock feel and give some classics, as well as a few original pieces, a successful treatment! Not too heavy on the metal, supported by the strong vocals of Mac Powell, their interpretation of the season rings clearly, exalting the King who's birth we celebrate...
Check out either Jars or Third Day's websites for tour info--seeing these two groups celebrate the season together is definitely a gift! Four years ago this December I attended my first concert...and it was a Jars concert. I'll never forget it, and I plan to relive it this December.
Jars has a serendipitous way of mixing the melancholy with the inspirational. Traditional hymns such as God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day take on a whole new level of depth through the nuanced vocals and intuitive instrumentals of this phenomenally talented group. If you are going to purchase a Christmas album this season...you can't go wrong with Jars of Clay Christmas Songs...
On a more disappointing note, I am sad to report Josh Groban's new Christmas album, Noel, is not what I had hoped it to be. Groban seems to be lacking the depth of feeling I've always admired his artistry for. While listening to the album there came a point when I became really excited when I heard a different vocal style during one of the songs, and thought Groban had adjusted his style...but discovered it was guest vocalist Brian McKnight. I am still a supporter of Josh, but he needs to give his voice a rest for a while to reclaim some of that pristine soulfulness so many admire him for.
Finally, the Christian Rock group Third Day is currently on tour with Jars promoting their new Christmas Album, Christmas Offerings. I was a little nervous about buying the album. Their style is far from that of Jars, but Third Day was able to hold onto their strong rock feel and give some classics, as well as a few original pieces, a successful treatment! Not too heavy on the metal, supported by the strong vocals of Mac Powell, their interpretation of the season rings clearly, exalting the King who's birth we celebrate...
Check out either Jars or Third Day's websites for tour info--seeing these two groups celebrate the season together is definitely a gift! Four years ago this December I attended my first concert...and it was a Jars concert. I'll never forget it, and I plan to relive it this December.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Are you a Lurker?
Lurker, n. One who is a regular visitor of forums, blogs and reader of user-generated online reviews who does not participate in said exchanges of information.
A New York Times Magazine columnist, Virginia Heffernan, honestly admitted to participating in this social-selfishness/pseudo sin in her weekly piece, The Medium, today. She regrets most not contributing corrections and/or consolations to the many posts she reads, going on to describe how lurking is the antithesis of what the internet is meant to be: an EXCHANGE of information...
Yet, is lurking a surprise? In the age of what can I get without giving, it is little surprise that folks are less willing to contribute to various social exchanges of information. Far less likely is participation in intellectual curiosity.
I find myself to have developed intellectual and cultural snobbery, but like any good American, I wonder if I am to blame. I was at dinner with a friend last night, discussing the urban lifestyle, and he reminisced about how his mother had cultured him--brining him to the opera and museums, etc. I, too, have found myself cultured, both through family and the choices I've made at University and now post-graduation. I get bored with people who refuse to think, or whose conversations revolve around what was on network T.V. the previous evening.
The world is so big, so many life-altering events happen at every moment. Yet America usually misses out because we don't contribute to the dialog, and we don't care to know what goes on in the world if it doesn't affect our Friday night plans.
So, if this is the case, I suppose I don't mind being a snob...if snobbery is the opposite of apathy...won't you join me? There are already enough lurkers out there...
A New York Times Magazine columnist, Virginia Heffernan, honestly admitted to participating in this social-selfishness/pseudo sin in her weekly piece, The Medium, today. She regrets most not contributing corrections and/or consolations to the many posts she reads, going on to describe how lurking is the antithesis of what the internet is meant to be: an EXCHANGE of information...
Yet, is lurking a surprise? In the age of what can I get without giving, it is little surprise that folks are less willing to contribute to various social exchanges of information. Far less likely is participation in intellectual curiosity.
I find myself to have developed intellectual and cultural snobbery, but like any good American, I wonder if I am to blame. I was at dinner with a friend last night, discussing the urban lifestyle, and he reminisced about how his mother had cultured him--brining him to the opera and museums, etc. I, too, have found myself cultured, both through family and the choices I've made at University and now post-graduation. I get bored with people who refuse to think, or whose conversations revolve around what was on network T.V. the previous evening.
The world is so big, so many life-altering events happen at every moment. Yet America usually misses out because we don't contribute to the dialog, and we don't care to know what goes on in the world if it doesn't affect our Friday night plans.
So, if this is the case, I suppose I don't mind being a snob...if snobbery is the opposite of apathy...won't you join me? There are already enough lurkers out there...
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
And Counting...also, on Fresh Air
In roughly 36 hours I will depart the Windy City for the City that purportedly never sleeps...it is rather premature for departing thoughts, but always the right time to discuss any program on NPR, especially the Fresh Air episode that was just broadcast today on NPR.
The show focused on the War in Iraq. The first segment discussed the newly released film, Redacted, written and directed by Brian DePalma. The film explores a montage of stories about soldiers in Iraq, focusing in on the tragic rape and murder of a young Iraqi girl by US troops. Based upon the interview I heard with DePalma, I need to do more research prior to viewing the film. Redacted's tag line is "Truth is the first casualty of war." Yet, DePalma himself has strong opinions about the war, and I wonder if his biases have had a negative impact on his story telling...
More interestingly, in the second segment a US Army Chaplain was interviewed. The priest, John Barkemeyer, is from a South Side Chicago parish. Fr. Barkemeyer brought to light the experience of a chaplain in Iraq, answering questions about how he facilitates Mass and the sacrament of Confession. I was moved when he related how sometimes a stretcher is used as the 'alter' to celebrate Mass on. He recounted how poignant this is, that these stretchers are used to carry wounded or dead bodies of men who have sacrificed their lives...and in turn the stretcher is used for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. He said the soldiers definitely make the connection.
Another beautiful thing Fr. Barkemeyer revealed was how trusted chaplains are because they guarantee full confidentiality. He spoke of how this is sometimes difficult, for example when a solider reveals he is suicidal. Yet, Father explained how important confidentiality is, both in the sacrament of confession, and even in the counseling he does with both Catholic and non-Catholic soldiers.
When Father spoke, I felt like he was taking me on a guided tour of his experience in Iraq, introducing me to the hearts of the soldiers he serves. It was very moving. Fr. Barkemeyer just left today for a 5 month tour in Iraq...keep him and all our troops in your prayers...
The show focused on the War in Iraq. The first segment discussed the newly released film, Redacted, written and directed by Brian DePalma. The film explores a montage of stories about soldiers in Iraq, focusing in on the tragic rape and murder of a young Iraqi girl by US troops. Based upon the interview I heard with DePalma, I need to do more research prior to viewing the film. Redacted's tag line is "Truth is the first casualty of war." Yet, DePalma himself has strong opinions about the war, and I wonder if his biases have had a negative impact on his story telling...
More interestingly, in the second segment a US Army Chaplain was interviewed. The priest, John Barkemeyer, is from a South Side Chicago parish. Fr. Barkemeyer brought to light the experience of a chaplain in Iraq, answering questions about how he facilitates Mass and the sacrament of Confession. I was moved when he related how sometimes a stretcher is used as the 'alter' to celebrate Mass on. He recounted how poignant this is, that these stretchers are used to carry wounded or dead bodies of men who have sacrificed their lives...and in turn the stretcher is used for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. He said the soldiers definitely make the connection.
Another beautiful thing Fr. Barkemeyer revealed was how trusted chaplains are because they guarantee full confidentiality. He spoke of how this is sometimes difficult, for example when a solider reveals he is suicidal. Yet, Father explained how important confidentiality is, both in the sacrament of confession, and even in the counseling he does with both Catholic and non-Catholic soldiers.
When Father spoke, I felt like he was taking me on a guided tour of his experience in Iraq, introducing me to the hearts of the soldiers he serves. It was very moving. Fr. Barkemeyer just left today for a 5 month tour in Iraq...keep him and all our troops in your prayers...
Epiphany
This is revolutionary...I have just blogged from my iPhone! I really have nothing more to say at this moment...
Monday, November 12, 2007
Academic Pursuit
I want to take this opportunity to rave about knowledge. This weekend Arcadia closed at Loyola University. I went on Saturday evening...and I went back on Sunday. Tom Stoppard's piece is a sort of mystery story about a manor in England, complete with a butler, a tutor and much carnal embrace. Directed by Ann Shanahan, what brought the Loyola production to excel was the commitment several of the actors made to their characters.
I was particularly interested in the development of male characters in the show. From the get go, I was captivated by Brandon Pape's portrayal of Septimus Hodge, the young Thomasina's tutor. A man fascinated by knowledge and more than interested in the feminine, in the end he was completely taken by the intelligent whiles of one who began as a girl and ended as a young lady. What was beautiful about Pape's performance were his honest discoveries throughout the show. The audience knew what intrigued the man, and he had a grasp upon the nuanced nature of his interests which I haven't seen in an actor before. Added to this was a solid mastery of the standard British accent required by the entire cast. Interestingly enough, I had the opportunity to read the script before I attended the show. I knew Pape was in the cast, but was unaware of his part. I kept imagining him in the role of Septimus...and was pleasantly surprised to see him play the part!
Playing 'mirror' to Pape was T.J. Berden, cast as Valentine Coverly. I wanted to see these two young actors play off one another more, but the nature of the play made that a difficult task, as they were playing opposites over 100 years apart. What they did share was a love of knowledge and a tendency to be captivated by the woman who not everyone in the room might notice. Berden's character, however, overcame the carnal foible that caused his counterpart much conflict. The nature of Valentine's affection was more subtle and gentle, to be sure. Yet, he was vocal in his pursuit of Hannah (played by Shannon Hollander), which in a large sense affirmed his own masculinity and carnal needs, without succumbing to carnal desire void of virtue. He also fueled the most delicate relationship in the play--that of Valentine and his younger brother, Gus (played by Nicholas Sieban). Sieban's character was extremely introverted and shy; yet there was no doubt that when Valentine and Gus were on stage, Valentine knew Gus was there, and had a deep affection for the boy. Even the way he would touch his arm presented a brotherly love and an affirmation of the boy's own masculinity.
There is much to say about the show itself. Stoppard incorporated so many ideas about mathematics, philosophy and biology into his script, and Septimus and Valentine, respectively, deliver some of the most clever lines I've heard in a play. His genius, I think, presents itself in this play through the relationships of the characters, and the understanding of sexuality.
I'd like to say more, but to do this production justice...I should wait a few days and let it sink in...I'll leave you with one of the shows more humorous lines, delivered by Valentine..."Lending one's bicycle is a form of safe sex, possibly the safest there is."
I was particularly interested in the development of male characters in the show. From the get go, I was captivated by Brandon Pape's portrayal of Septimus Hodge, the young Thomasina's tutor. A man fascinated by knowledge and more than interested in the feminine, in the end he was completely taken by the intelligent whiles of one who began as a girl and ended as a young lady. What was beautiful about Pape's performance were his honest discoveries throughout the show. The audience knew what intrigued the man, and he had a grasp upon the nuanced nature of his interests which I haven't seen in an actor before. Added to this was a solid mastery of the standard British accent required by the entire cast. Interestingly enough, I had the opportunity to read the script before I attended the show. I knew Pape was in the cast, but was unaware of his part. I kept imagining him in the role of Septimus...and was pleasantly surprised to see him play the part!
Playing 'mirror' to Pape was T.J. Berden, cast as Valentine Coverly. I wanted to see these two young actors play off one another more, but the nature of the play made that a difficult task, as they were playing opposites over 100 years apart. What they did share was a love of knowledge and a tendency to be captivated by the woman who not everyone in the room might notice. Berden's character, however, overcame the carnal foible that caused his counterpart much conflict. The nature of Valentine's affection was more subtle and gentle, to be sure. Yet, he was vocal in his pursuit of Hannah (played by Shannon Hollander), which in a large sense affirmed his own masculinity and carnal needs, without succumbing to carnal desire void of virtue. He also fueled the most delicate relationship in the play--that of Valentine and his younger brother, Gus (played by Nicholas Sieban). Sieban's character was extremely introverted and shy; yet there was no doubt that when Valentine and Gus were on stage, Valentine knew Gus was there, and had a deep affection for the boy. Even the way he would touch his arm presented a brotherly love and an affirmation of the boy's own masculinity.
There is much to say about the show itself. Stoppard incorporated so many ideas about mathematics, philosophy and biology into his script, and Septimus and Valentine, respectively, deliver some of the most clever lines I've heard in a play. His genius, I think, presents itself in this play through the relationships of the characters, and the understanding of sexuality.
I'd like to say more, but to do this production justice...I should wait a few days and let it sink in...I'll leave you with one of the shows more humorous lines, delivered by Valentine..."Lending one's bicycle is a form of safe sex, possibly the safest there is."
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Somebody More Like You
"We're very different, so dear, I hope you find somebody more like you...I hope you find someone your size, so you can see eye to eye...with someone as small as you." Nickel Creek really hit on a tough theme in this song...the attempt to mold the other person into what we desire him or her to be. I think this also can be flipped--so often, we make decisions based upon how others perceive us, or based on others expectations of us.
What is your deepest desire? This is an Ignatian Question, for sure! I've been asked this question many times over the last 5 years, and still my sinfulness has a tendency of moving me away from this central question. How honest are you with yourself? I think that is one of the most important questions one can ask...
I was recently in Europe, and had the privilege of filming a documentary with a dear friend of mine. The project is not complete...and it is hard to say what the final product will be, but I know for a fact that the time I spent exploring other people and ideas in Poland, Austria and Italy have had a profound effect on the way I see the world, and upon my desires to serve and to love.
There is a documentary coming out called War Dance, which tells the story of Ugandan children...the children who have had their childhoods stolen by war, the boys who have been forced to kill and the girls who have been forced into sex trade. But War Dance tells a story of hope...the hope of children who have a gift, who have a passion for life--who have a will to live. See this film!
After I saw the trailer last night I had a renewed sense of purpose. Someone has to find these pockets of hope in a world plagued by so many sterilized hearts. We need to tell these stories. And you know what we need? We need to listen to the deepest desires of the heart, because in those whispers, we'll find the answer to our question...and we'll let ourselves be the somebody who isn't afraid to take a stand, take humiliation and even take a bullet for the sake of hope, which is the key to the future.
What is your deepest desire? This is an Ignatian Question, for sure! I've been asked this question many times over the last 5 years, and still my sinfulness has a tendency of moving me away from this central question. How honest are you with yourself? I think that is one of the most important questions one can ask...
I was recently in Europe, and had the privilege of filming a documentary with a dear friend of mine. The project is not complete...and it is hard to say what the final product will be, but I know for a fact that the time I spent exploring other people and ideas in Poland, Austria and Italy have had a profound effect on the way I see the world, and upon my desires to serve and to love.
There is a documentary coming out called War Dance, which tells the story of Ugandan children...the children who have had their childhoods stolen by war, the boys who have been forced to kill and the girls who have been forced into sex trade. But War Dance tells a story of hope...the hope of children who have a gift, who have a passion for life--who have a will to live. See this film!
After I saw the trailer last night I had a renewed sense of purpose. Someone has to find these pockets of hope in a world plagued by so many sterilized hearts. We need to tell these stories. And you know what we need? We need to listen to the deepest desires of the heart, because in those whispers, we'll find the answer to our question...and we'll let ourselves be the somebody who isn't afraid to take a stand, take humiliation and even take a bullet for the sake of hope, which is the key to the future.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Women
No matter if she is a young girl, middle-aged or at the twilight of her life, a woman needs to be affirmed...to be cherished and loved. I am fairly certain I've known this for a long time, but it was made very evident this weekend...
I was asked to speak at a Mother/Daughter Tea, and recently discovered that I would not only be giving the opening talk that prepares the girls and their mothers for the program's content (essentially, giving them the tools to discuss puberty and femininity from a Catholic perspective); I also was charged with leading what could have been a very awkward conversation about feminine hygiene products with the young ladies! When I was asked to do this, I masked my dismay, but after the fact, I can honestly say it was a phenomenal experience.
I had a couple of moms approach me after the program and thank me, going on to relate how tough it is to be a mom today...and how much the program affirmed their efforts and gave their daughters the challenge to stick to their virtue. I had one young lady carry on about her family and helping with younger siblings (all of which was rather endearing)...My favorite moment was a young girl telling me she really loved my talk...and as she walked away she said "Keep it real!" with a big smile on her face...it was awesome!
I chatted with a mom who was home schooling her daughter, and it brought back memories of my own days of home schooling...which was really sweet, even more so because I once again recalled how great a role my mother played in my own formation.
It is clear to me that women need special times such as these to celebrate our gift of femininity and to support one another in our vocations as women. Today more than ever, girls need their mothers, women need the friendship of other woman, and each lady out there needs to know she is loved and cherished. This is a message stomped upon by the beer commercials, Playboy Playmates and Abercrombie and Fitch, but it is the truth. If only we could find a way to translate this affirmation into the main stream media...then we'd truly see a cultural revolution.
I was asked to speak at a Mother/Daughter Tea, and recently discovered that I would not only be giving the opening talk that prepares the girls and their mothers for the program's content (essentially, giving them the tools to discuss puberty and femininity from a Catholic perspective); I also was charged with leading what could have been a very awkward conversation about feminine hygiene products with the young ladies! When I was asked to do this, I masked my dismay, but after the fact, I can honestly say it was a phenomenal experience.
I had a couple of moms approach me after the program and thank me, going on to relate how tough it is to be a mom today...and how much the program affirmed their efforts and gave their daughters the challenge to stick to their virtue. I had one young lady carry on about her family and helping with younger siblings (all of which was rather endearing)...My favorite moment was a young girl telling me she really loved my talk...and as she walked away she said "Keep it real!" with a big smile on her face...it was awesome!
I chatted with a mom who was home schooling her daughter, and it brought back memories of my own days of home schooling...which was really sweet, even more so because I once again recalled how great a role my mother played in my own formation.
It is clear to me that women need special times such as these to celebrate our gift of femininity and to support one another in our vocations as women. Today more than ever, girls need their mothers, women need the friendship of other woman, and each lady out there needs to know she is loved and cherished. This is a message stomped upon by the beer commercials, Playboy Playmates and Abercrombie and Fitch, but it is the truth. If only we could find a way to translate this affirmation into the main stream media...then we'd truly see a cultural revolution.
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