The Rev. Anne Robertson writes, “The focus of this study series is on issues of justice in the public square. The Bible is the lens through which we are examining those issues, but, just as with reading glasses, the biblical lens will often fade into the periphery as it does its job of helping us see what is on the page.” She further asserts, “The Ten Commandments, ultimately, are about the intersection of individual behavior and public life— exactly where we find ourselves when confronted with the controversial issues of our day.” 

Anne Robertson has written an astonishing exposition of the second of the Ten Commandments: “Thou shalt not make graven images.” Her study is deeply grounded in scripture. But her work is to mobilize her expansive imagination in order to show the demanding contemporaneity of this innocent-looking mandate from Moses. Amid her work she offers a trenchant critique of our idolatry of nationalism with an eye on our “worship of the flag,” and our idolatry of guns with a knowing riff on the NRA.

The Rev. Dr. David Killian, President of the Massachusetts Bible Society, will receive the 2019 Spirituality & Justice Award on Sunday, April 28, during the 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist at All Saints Parish in Brookline, MA. The award is given each year to a person whose deep spirituality is expressed in work for social justice. The Award was given over the years to Bishop Desmond Tutu, Marian Wright Edelman, and Dr. Peter Farmer.

“To note that the religious culture of our region is changing is no newsflash, nor is it to observe how the emerging context demands new skills in our clergy and lay leaders. The place of the Bible, however, remains central to Christian faith and ministry.