Deep Something

Warriors for Justice: A Stoic Response to Robert Reich

July 18, 2025July 16, 2025 B. John 1085 Views 1 Comment John Wesley, methodism, Epictetus, Robert Reich, Pigliucci, Seneca

Your first thought might be: One more warrior is exactly what we do not need in this moment. The world feels overrun with conflict already. But what if the kind of warrior we need now is not one who fights for dominance or control, but one who stands calmly for conscience, who chooses clarity over chaos and courage over comfort? That is the kind of warrior Robert Reich wrote about — a woman on the front lines of immigration defense, who meets injustice not with rage, but with a quiet joy rooted in purpose. Her story holds a lesson as old as the Stoics and as current as the morning’s headlines.

This reflection is part of the ongoing “Stoicism Journey” series, which explores how ancient Stoic principles can offer clarity, strength, and moral direction in today’s world. Each piece connects Stoic thought to real-life challenges, often intersecting with faith, justice, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. In this installment, we respond to a story shared by Robert Reich, considering what it means to be a warrior for justice in dishonorable times.

Places Tampa Religion

Upcoming Administrative Council Meeting at Church

August 7, 2008August 10, 2015 326 Views 0 Comments methodist, Palma Ceia United Methodist Church, Social Justice, Palma Ceia, Resolution, methodism

I have previously published a resolution I intend to introduce at the next Administrative Council meeting at my church here in Tampa (Palma Ceia United Methodist). I was going to introduce it in June, but the meeting was canceled. It’s now been rescheduled for August 18, so I should be able to attend.

Politics War Religion Society

Peace Takes Courage

April 30, 2006 B. John 422 Views methodist, love, Social Principles, Courage, Peace, methodism

A 15 year old girl is receiving death threats for an anti-war video she made. It is available at Peace Takes Courage. I caution you in advance…the images are disturbing, but you should watch it.

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Sunday School

April 3, 2006September 29, 2018 B. John 342 Views methodism, methodist, Food, restaurants, Social Principles, Sunday School

This is the summary of my weekend, the first weekend of April, 2006. Not much to report, but I did try a couple of new restaurants.

Politics War Religion Society

Once Again A Call To Methodist Bishops to Denouce Torture

September 28, 2005June 12, 2018 B. John 1098 Views Iraq, War, torture, bishop, bishops, government sponsored torture, methodism, methodist, religious, Religion, religious leaders, government

I have, several times in the past, called on the U.S. Bishops of the United Methodist Church, to write George Bush and denounce the practice of government sponsored torture. To the best of my knowledge, only five have done so. In light of the recent revelations, I am, again, calling on these Christian leaders to denounce toture. I will be much aggressive this time in that I plan to make a phone call to each.

Politics Religion Society

Here I Go Again

June 16, 2005 B. John 1104 Views george bush, torture, bishops, methodism, Methodists

I felt compelled to write another to the U.S. Methodist Bishops. My friend Glenda chastised me, saying I was going to cause them to just start deleting my messages. Indeed, at least two already do that (I request a read receipt). But as I told her, I can’t stop them from doing that, but I feel an obligation to try to move them. I can only do what I can do, and they will only do what they feel compelled to do.