After reading a post about sci-fi nuns in a forum, I wondered why the sci-fi nun is so compelling to people. Frankly I think real nuns are way more cool than fictitious nuns. Write a novel about a nun’s quest for justice, a religious community’s care for abused children, a nun’s dedication to community and poverty in a society that values individualism and consumerism. Now that would be awesome.

To highlight the diversity of how nuns have given radical witness to the gospel and to the goodness of life, here’s a sampling of news stories from just the last few days …

Nun spent her life fighting for the homeless and against war and nuclear arms – “Faith was Flats protester’s arsenal” by Virginia Culver for The Denver Post (August 10, 2008)

Nun gives life to teaching and hospital work – “Beloved Sister Cecilia turns 95″ by Brenda Levins McCorkle for The Daily News Online (Longview, WA) (August 9, 2008)

Carmelite nun Edith Stein (Teresa Benedicta) martyred 66 years ago – “The Life and Death of a German Jewish Christian Nun by Roderick Strange for The Times Online (UK) (August 8, 2008)

Nun ministers in and around New Orleans – “Marking an Anniversary: Congregation celebrates nun’s 50 years of service” by Eva Jacob Barkoff for The Times-Picayune (New Orleans) (August 7, 2008)

Would love to hear your comments (especially my sci-fi buddy Jen!)