ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 12, 2025
At times, I have been guilty of trying to communicate what I believe by telling you what I’m against or what I oppose. In recent years, I have worked hard to correct it, but I know I have fallen into the unhelpful and unhealthy practice more than once. There might be times when trying to explain to someone what you believe could be aided by an example, which might include how your clearly articulated conviction bumps up against some other conviction. Yet some aspects of our culture have become very good at telling people what they’re against, but doing so with a little Jesus-mirage placed over it. It gives the impression of being positive because the name of Jesus was spoken. However, no amount of rousing religious rhetoric changes an underlying message that demeans and devalues people. You may not agree with someone. That right is yours to own, but own it in the sense of articulating an alternative and compelling vision of what you are for. Don’t use fear, even though it can produce quick results. Don’t scapegoat a community of people whose voices are not at the table. Don’t use vague terms like “there are many” or “a growing number” or “a lot” in making an argument, as those kinds of phrases are the tools of someone who does not want to do the hard work that comes with real research and study. I have felt passionate about many things, yet chose to remain quiet because “the feeling” had not yet found the right language. I could have spewed some emotional and messy nonsense, but to what end? Jesus could have spent his entire ministry saying things like: I hate those people. They’re dangerous. They are wrong. How they are living is the cause of all your problems. Yet Jesus told a story about an impressive act of loving kindness, sat down at a table with those who believed his teachings were wrong, and took the time to engage in a conversation that led to the healing of the very people who were too often scapegoated by those who used the scapegoating to deflect from the real problems that they were causing.
Peace be upon us, Lord God. Peace be upon us all, and from that peace, may we live in the ways of Jesus. Amen.
