Father Urban’s Lesson by Thomas W. Jodziewicz

Father Urban’s Lesson

Thomas W. Jodziewicz on Real Christianity for Losers

A broad-brush approach to American history would surely accentuate the forefinger: Americans like to win; they like, even celebrate and envy, apparent winners. The traditional story of the past two American centuries usually emphasizes America’s winning ways, including the enactment of necessary reforms and the achievement of victory in war, while the culture itself is adorned with such adages as “Winning is the only thing,” “Show me a loser and I’ll show you a loser,” and “We’re (or I’m) Number One!”

For many, self-autonomy, personal gratification, and various examples of personal prosperity—despite periodic and even heart-felt calls for a retrieval of community and common values—constitute the avowed lodestone of the Americ

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