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In this recording within the We Believe series; Howard Thurman reflects upon Olive Schreiner's "From Man to Man," and his time spent with Gandhi. Each of these reflections speak to Thurman's conception of truth, namely, what happens when one is forced to reject truth. For Thurman, justice, resistance, prosperity, etc. all find themselves hubbed in a longing for the truth to be manifested.

In this recording within the We Believe series; Howard Thurman reads and reflects from his work, "The…

In both of these recordings within the We Believe series; Howard Thurman reads from his text, "Meditations of the Heart." In them, we hear Thurman reflecting upon citizenship and right action. Thurman's central question throughout these reflections is: What does it me to be a full, free, and responsible citizen? He claims that by having a moral praxis that rejects hatred in every way it manifests itself, one is able to resist means that contradict the end they are seeking.

Thurman reflects on the importance of Christian ethics, emphasizing that no individual should be excluded from moral responsibility, as every person embodies the face of God. He also highlights Martin Luther King's approach to racial injustice, asserting that it is a sin against God, and discusses the personal and collective struggles with racial prejudice, linking moral responsibility to one's relationship with God.

Thurman reflects on the complex nature of human self-awareness and identity, describing how societal conditioning and spiritual beliefs can make it difficult to trust and open up to God or others. He discusses the transformative power of awareness, non-violence, and social change, using historical figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. as examples, ultimately concluding that true change comes from recognizing and confronting injustice with love and unity rather than violence.

Thurman reflects on the tension between active engagement in the world and the need for contemplation and self-respect. He explores the balance of giving to others without self-harm, the importance of waiting and contemplation in life, and how these practices relate to personal growth, social justice, and spiritual awareness.