The Four Last Things Redux

By Hannah Bowman The traditional “four last things” of Advent — death, judgment, heaven, and hell — direct Christians’ attention to the world to come. But these Advent themes speak as well to the work alrea... Read More...

Advent, The Four Last Things: Hell

Jesus’ coming in Advent is not only his coming as an infant in Bethlehem, nor only his coming as our judge at the end of time. It is also his coming to the depths of death and judgment: his presence in hell which grants it its truest, realest existence while at the same time undoing its sting with infinite mercy. Jesus’ presence in hell is the paradoxical symbol of justice that promises us the fullness of mercy and the fullness of judgment of God.

Mad as hell

The market demands anger — on its terms. It is a strange fact. It works well for certain politicians but it works poorly in governing. It can raise awareness of injustice and also impede consensus-building that could fix injustice.