Beat Swords Into Plowshares - a Conversation with Mark Colville

Beat Swords Into Plowshares - a Conversation with Mark Colville

Author: DSA Religion and Socialism Commission May 24, 2021 Duration: 37:06
Seven Catholic plowshares activists entered Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base in St. Mary’s, Georgia on April 4th, 2018. They went to make real the prophet Isaiah’s command to “beat swords into plowshares.” The seven chose to act on the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who devoted his life to addressing what he called the “triple evils of militarism, racism, and materialism.” Carrying hammers and baby bottles of their own blood, the seven attempted to convert weapons of mass destruction. They hoped to call attention to the ways in which nuclear weapons kill every day, by their mere existence and maintenance. One of those seven, Mark Colville (pictured back right), talks with Colleen Shaddox about his resistance to the weapons economy and his life at Amistad Catholic Worker House in New Haven, Connecticut. Mark talks about how he and his comrades argued that their Catholic faith compelled them to act against Trident - a defense that the jury was never allowed to hear. Now he looks forward to serving his sentence for the action. As he says, much of the Bible was written inside a prison - what better place to read it?

The Religious Socialism Podcast, presented by the DSA Religion and Socialism Commission, explores the often-overlooked intersections of faith, ethics, and leftist political economy. This isn't a lecture series but a series of conversations, interviews, and reflections that delve into the practical and theological questions of building a more just world. You'll hear from organizers, theologians, scholars, and community members who are actively working within their traditions to challenge systems of oppression and imagine collective liberation. Discussions might range from the scriptural foundations for economic democracy to the on-the-ground experiences of faith-based mutual aid projects, all grounded in a socialist framework. The podcast serves as a forum for those who find their spiritual convictions compelling them toward radical solidarity, offering both analysis and encouragement for the long-term work of social transformation. It’s a space where the moral imperatives of religion meet the material demands of socialism, creating a rich dialogue for anyone curious about this dynamic and necessary synthesis. Tune in for thoughtful, earnest episodes that refuse to separate the inner life of spirit from the outer work of building a better society for all.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Religious Socialism Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Radical Theological Education | Tim Conder & Daniel Rhodes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:56
In this episode, we sit with Dr. Tim Conder and Dr. Daniel Rhodes of the Black Mountain School of Theology and Community to discuss a marxist, community-centered mode of theological research, organizing, and education. V…
Allison Duerk | A Conversation on the Life of Eugene V. Debs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:08
In this special episode, we visit the Debs Museum in Terre Haute, IN to speak with museum director Allison Duerk about the life and vision of the pioneering socialist Eugene V. Debs. Visit the Debs Museum and follow them…
Chuck Collins | Altar to an Erupting Sun [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:14
In this episode, we interview activist Chuck Collins on his new novel, "Altar to an Erupting Sun." His book addresses the work of activism, the value of community, and the question of what tactics are on the table as we…
Hindu Nationalism & the U.S. Far Right [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:20
This episode explores the growing alliance between the U.S. and the Indian far right, the various appearances of Hindutva (Hindu Nationalism)in US public life, anti-caste discrimination, and how Hinduism and socialism ca…
Capitalocene Q&A (with Joerg Rieger) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:48
A bonus episode! Two different Q&A sessions with Joerg Rieger, Felipe Maia, and Jason Moore are bundled into this extra episode connected to Joerg's new book, "Theology in the Capitalocene." Listen for some great insight…
Theology in the Capitalocene | Joerg Rieger, Jason Moore, Filipe Maia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:57
This episode is an edited version of a webinar built around Joerg Rieger's new book, Theology in the Capitalocene. He was joined by the incredible scholars Filipe Maia and Jason Moore. In the episode, we define the Capit…
Religious Traditions and the Left [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:17
In this panel discussion, DSA members from several religious traditions share their perspectives on the importance of religion for sustaining, inspiring, and organizing political movement on the Left. Speakers for this e…
Season '23 Overview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:16
Welcome back comrades! In this segment, Ralph & Nicole-Ann kick off a new season for Heart of a Heartless World, catching up after a long hiatus and giving a preview of what is to come this year. It's a good dose of soli…