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The Demanding Theology of Mister Rogers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2024

Jason King
Jason King*
Affiliation:
Saint Vincent College
*
jason.king@stvincent.edu
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Abstract

There has been a resurgence of interest in Mister Rogers, the person behind Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The interest goes beyond stories of a famous television personality. There is a sense that Mister Rogers is needed today. U. S. culture is experiencing high levels of fear and anxiety, divisions and hostilities. Mister Rogers offers more than 'niceness' but a demanding theology. This theology offers tools for both diagnosing and treating our contemporary situation. Rogers believes that people have a need for acceptance and love, a vulnerability that is fundamental to our humanity. When this need is not met, people can turn in on themselves or lash out at others. Their fear can flow out into society and make it increasingly hostile. Rogers' treatment begins with the principle of specialness. People need to know that they are loved and accepted, and the affirmation of specialness meets this need. The principle also calls people to recognize the specialness in others, to love as they need to be loved. Rogers’ principle sets in motion a system of circulating love. Instead of unleashing hostility, Rogers' call to specialness unleashes empathy so more and more people are brought into the dynamics of love.

Keywords

Mister Rogersvulnerabilityspecialnesssocial ethicslove
Type
Original Article
Information
New Blackfriars , Volume 103 , Issue 1103 , January 2022 , pp. 62 - 76
Copyright
Copyright © 2021 Provincial Council of the English Province of the Order of Preachers

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