We’ve heard an awful lot of talk about the soul during this inauguration week. Which is not all that surprising, given that President Joe Biden described the 2020 campaign season as a “battle for the soul of America.”
During his inaugural address, Biden made it clear that we’re still waist-deep in that battle. He brought up the “soul” five times, saying that in order to overcome “political extremism, white supremacy, [and] domestic terrorism,” we would have to “restore the soul" and "secure the future of America.”
No small task. If Voldemort taught me anything, it’s that splitting the soul is a messy business. I reckon restoring the soul is just as hard, if not harder. Afterall, the word “restoration” itself glosses over the racist, sexist rot at America’s founding.
In his sermon at the inaugural prayer service, Rev. Dr. William Barber II warned that “simplistic calls for unity [are] not how we can close the breach” — the breach being the “gap in the nation between what is and how God wants things to be.” Only justice can repair the breach, he insisted.
I do not know what the soul is, or if I believe that this country — or any country — can have one. But I do believe that it’s still a worthy task to try to heal it. Who knows if rejoining the Paris climate agreement, or ending the so-called Muslim Ban, or establishing a Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Commission will patch up the tired, elusive American soul. But it doesn’t hurt to try.
1. To ‘Insure Domestic Tranquility,’ We Must Establish Justice, Preaches Rev. Barber
“Simplistic calls for unity — that is not how we can close the breach,” Barber said in his homily at the inaugural prayer service. By Cassie M. Chew via sojo.net.
2. Can Joe Biden Make America Great Again?
“Has there been, at least since Abraham Lincoln, an American president so melancholy? One so inclined to view the world through the lens, not just of history, but of eternity?” By Fintan O’Toole via The Guardian.
3. It’s Time to Be the Conscience of American Politics
We applaud President Joe Biden's integrity — but pray and advocate for bold policy. By Adam Russell Taylor, Jim Simpson, Terrance M. McKinley, Melody Zhang, Paola Fuentes Gleghorn, and Rose Marie Berger via sojo.net.
4. How 100% Clean Energy Could Power Our Cities and Towns
We built this tiny model town to show what it would look like if we tried to transition to 100 percent clean energy. By Daniel Penner via Grist.
5. Muslim Leaders in U.S. Are ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ About Biden
After four years fighting Trump's travel ban, Muslims want to focus on other issues affecting their communities. By Dalia Faheid via sojo.net.
6. Biden’s Historic Inaugural Prayer Service Featured Two Trans Faith Leaders
In a first for the ceremony, “gay and trans people” were also mentioned during the main sermon. By Michelle Kim via them.
7. Rejoining Climate Agreement Is ‘First Step of Repentance,’ Say Faith Leaders
“As people of faith, we are tasked with building a more just world — one that is in line with our moral values of justice, peace, and love for our neighbors and all of Creation.” By Lexi McMenamin via sojo.net.
8. Trump’s New Civil Religion
The storming of the Capitol is a creation myth for a political movement. By Bradley Onishi via The New York Times.
9. ‘My Whole Soul Is in This’: Biden’s Religion-Infused Inauguration
Quoting scripture and St. Augustine, Joe Biden becomes second Catholic U.S. president. By Mitchell Atencio via sojo.net.
10. Religious Freedom in India Is Deteriorating. Will Biden Help?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi found a great ally in President Donald Trump. By Makepeace Sitlhou via sojo.net.
Jenna Barnett is senior associate culture editor at Sojourners. Find her on Twitter: @jennacbarnett.
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