John Barnett’s Post

Consider the classic story of "Alice in Wonderland," where the Queen of Hearts represents a capricious and oppressive ruler. Alice, as a young protagonist, navigates a topsy-turvy world filled with absurd rules and irrational authority figures. Her experiences in Wonderland serve as a symbolic journey where she confronts and ultimately challenges the oppressive forces in her path. Now, to the Mad Hatter, though not a conventional tyrant, embodies a form of psychological oppression. His never-ending tea party and riddles create a sense of chaos and unease for Alice, reflecting how oppressors can use manipulation and confusion to control others. The presence of the Mad Hatter in children's literature teaches young readers that oppression is not always blatant or easily recognizable. It can take various forms, some more subtle than others, and recognizing these nuances is an essential skill in developing empathy and resilience. By navigating the whimsical yet thought-provoking world of the Mad Hatter, children and adults can learn to identify and respond to both overt and covert forms of oppression, empowering them to stand up against injustice and manipulation as they mature into responsible, compassionate individuals. # justice for the opressed and back to the translation and interpreting realms. Have a great day!

The Greatest female Ruler of the Gastate::::DODE AKAIBI (Reigned CA. 1642-Ca.1648) Female Ruler of the Gã.28

Uncover how early Christians tackled complex challenges in Acts 15. Discover pivotal strategies for dialogue and compromise in our latest post. Dive deeper into their timeless wisdom. https://lnkd.in/gyfPCuiT #Acts15 #EarlyChurch #ConflictResolution

Content Warning: This post discusses sensitive historical issues involving child abuse. The film 'The Sound of Freedom' was a powerful revelation about child trafficking in our modern world and a stark reminder of our obligation to protect children from harm. This brought to my attention another dark episode from our past - the story of the Castrati boys of Italy. These choirboys suffered immensely due to the cultural and religious practices of their time. I'd like to share this poignant article: 'The Castrati: Unveiling the Melancholy Melodies of Italy’s Lost Boys ( link - https://lnkd.in/g9MmHvAX), which sheds light on this oft-ignored chapter of history. It raises crucial questions about child exploitation and the role of culture and religion in such practices. As a society, we must learn from history to ensure such injustices are not repeated. The question I pose to my network today: Would you finance a feature film that brings this controversial part of history to the forefront? Please note, the linked content is distressing and may not be suitable for everyone. #castrati #italy #castration #choir #altarboys #catholic #catholicism #sad

A VERY important and powerful article by Naomi Klein. Read every word so that you may understand what we are all resisting. #genocideingaza #zionismisnotjudaism https://lnkd.in/gZJ5f7xz

Hear from Fr. Cristino on this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: "Reconciliation is possible. I have taken to using that phrase often whenever I am afforded the opportunity to either publicly present on this important topic or even just in casual conversation. If we do not start from the fundamental belief that something is possible, there is either no point to starting – or worse – it was perceived as an exercise in futility from the first instance. The call for reconciliation costs everyone involved. For Indigenous people, it can often re-open wounds from which they were hiding or had hoped they had sufficiently left to heal. Engaging or re-engaging in conversations, activities, testimonies or encounters at the service of reconciliation demands a vulnerability that always costs something. Why incur that cost if we do not believe that the hoped for outcome – reconciliation – was not likely or possible? Reconciliation also costs non-Indigenous peoples in these lands as well. Many reading that statement would automatically feel uncomfortable because it is almost as though they have been trained to suppose they are to feel nothing but guilt and shame for a past for which they are not responsible and already condemned for a future they do not intend. We must also address the vulnerability that this creates for those who sincerely do desire to see reconciliation, healing, harmony and peace among ALL peoples in this place we now call Canada. The willingness to listen, learn and make room for the other, not as the victim of a past crime, but as a brother or sister in the human race, that costs something from the one who engages it and that ought to be acknowledged and affirmed. Reconciliation is not only possible, but it must be believed to be possible. For those of us who call ourselves Christians, it is the reason we believe Christ became one of us in the first place: that we might be reconciled to the Father, our Creator-God, but also that we might be reconciled to one another in Him. Reconciliation is possible." Fr. Cristino Bouvette, priest in the Diocese of Calgary of mixed Cree-Métis and Italian descent, National Liturgical Coordinator for the Papal Visit to Canada. Read more voices from those who are actively involved in seeking Truth & Reconciliation with Catholic and Indigenous People here: https://lnkd.in/g59YvkwV

https://lnkd.in/gPsnsikz As interpreters of dreams, there is a key difference between Yoseif and Daniyeil. Yoseif had wisdom, Daniyeil had vision. Yoseif used wisdom to see through the words of Paroh to the higher levels where the dream originated and to see the path forward. Yoseif’s wisdom was the reason he became the main authority in Mitzrayim under Paroh.

Fr. Paolino Tomaino: A Legacy of Compassion And Transformation - https://lnkd.in/ewEjWmUt theprism.co.ug Fr. Paolino Tomaino #PrismUpdates

Deeply appreciating this writeup on Purim alternatives, which includes specific words by R'Nate DeGroot about transformative nonviolent leadership and visioning at The Shalom Center and powerful, pathbreaking lines from "The Chapter 9 Project" collaborators...gifted artist and creator Arlene Goldbard, Rabbi Tamara Cohen and Dan Libenson, Lipman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah president (which you can read below). https://lnkd.in/g8__wWDF -- Article excerpts about Chapter 9 Project creators and their content below: “'We wanted to invite dreamers and thinkers and seekers and writers to imagine new endings to the Purim story,' he (Rabbi Nate DeGroot) said. 'What is a different Chapter Nine that would produce a different outcome? What is a Chapter Nine that could center peace, that could center the dignity and divinity of all of life and center nonviolence as a response?' The result of the Chapter 9 Project is a set of texts that DeGroot hopes congregations might read in addition to the traditional text on Purim, which this year takes place starting the evening of March 23. In one submission, a call for revenge is quelled by a response from Queen Esther: 'Blood begets blood until Shushan drowns in it. What will safeguard the security of Shushan? What will stop the cycle of blood?' In another, the story ends with feasting and merriment that erases symbols of violence. In this version, written by Rabbi Tamara Cohen, 'the trees for hanging became trees for climbing,' the 'foolish kings turned their scepters into pogo sticks,' 'the masks became mirrors,' and 'in every home in Persia there was light and joy and the dawning awareness that each and every person, whatever their age, gender, religion or lineage, is an olam katan, a precious, miniature world to be nurtured and treasured.' A third, by Lipman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah president Dan Libenson, preserves virtually all of the traditional Chapter Nine — but inserts a line revealing that the murder of 75,000 had taken place only in a dream of Mordecai, the leader of the Jews of Shushan."

This was posted by one of the most amazing people that I was lucky to connect with recently. It takes great courage to post this. Thank you, Peter Frissen ! You are not alone too ❤️ "Double standards, please remove me from your network? On October 7, like everyone else, I was confronted with the brutal deeds of religious fanatics who have done everything that I abhor as a human being. This was followed by idiots who believed in various cities in our country that a pogrom should be celebrated with dancing and singing. A goofball. Dutch administrators with weak knees allowed this, afraid of the consequences. In other words, what the Netherlands has been good at over the past 50 years. We see the ruins of that policy every day in the public domain, education, healthcare and all other sections of what was once a reasonably well-functioning and social society. Not perfect, but a society. Since then, we have been bombarded with misleading and false information about a genocide that was supposed to take place (the figures come from the same infidels and untrustworthy people who massacred 1000 civilians in cold blood and murdered thousands of political opponents since 2007). There were even lawyers in full regalia on the dam to criticize Israel. A disgraceful display and a mockery for the Dutch legal profession. I know that the Bar Association and many lawyers were not happy about that either, but no one is speaking out here. Afraid of careers, repercussions and even weaker hide behind the right to freedom of demonstration. I made different choices. I would ask anyone who feels any sympathy for what Hamas has done to disconnect from me. I don't want to have relationships with people who are selectively outraged. If you are for human rights and justice, you cannot be for Hamas or justify Hamas's actions in any way. An organization that is known to hide behind innocent Palestinian civilians and literally declares that it bears no responsibility for the Palestinians, that fires rockets from children's playgrounds, mosques, hospitals and still holds hundreds of people hostage against their will. Please do me a favor and disconnect from me because we have nothing in common. My heart is with the Palestinians who have been held hostage for decades by a bunch of unscrupulous fanatics who are consumed by hatred and dare to say that they are acting in the name of God. My heart is with the victims and survivors of the pogrom of 7 October and with those who lost their freedom. All the deaths in Gaza since that day have been attributable to the devils of Hamas who believe they are engaged in a holy war. What pride. We know what comes after hubris and the IDF will take care of that. Hopefully, after that, there will be talks to arrive at different relations and a dignified existence for all the original inhabitants of Judah, Judea, Palestine or Israel, but without Hamas."