ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 26, 2022
How do you define yourself? How do the groups with whom you align yourself choose to define themselves? A few nights ago, I caught 10-12 minutes of a cable news talking head who was very good at trying to explain who he opposed, who was out to get you, and who was going to cause injury to those you love. He was very good at explaining to his audience who they needed to fear and why. Sadly, very few viewers probably thought critically about the accusations he made. People were demonized and made to be the proverbial scapegoats of all life’s problems.
There are times in life where it might be helpful to define who you are based on what you are not. As a follower of Jesus, I often find myself saying, “I’m not that kind of Christian,” when referring to some hate-filled, misogynistic form of Christianity, yet it cannot end there. We’ve got to be clear when it comes to defining who we are. People will join a cult of intolerance that knows only enemies because they do not believe there are other options. People are yearning right now to join a group, community or religious body with a clear vision of who they are and how they will bring beauty and joy, healing and wholeness to the world. It’s ok to say, “I sure don’t believe that nonsense,” but then follow up with a heartfelt version of what you do believe and what has been life-giving to you about those beliefs. One approach is ripping apart our world, while the other has the potential to redeem our world.
Center me, O Merciful God, in your life-giving love. Allow it to shape me, for I wish to be a part of the sacred work set forth in the vision Jesus cast with his life. Amen.
