ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 22, 2022
On this day in 1718, the British Royal Navy attacked a ship whose captain was Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard. In that battle, the Pirate Blackbeard was killed. It’s interesting how this man, who caused injury, even death, to many in his attempt to increase his personal wealth, would so quickly become romanticized by the public. According to certain accounts, people began to speak highly of him without acknowledging what he had done. Why is that? I’m sure some really smart psychologists could provide a good educated guess, but I sort of believe there is a rebel within us all. We are drawn to Robin Hood-like characters, even if their motivations are not always altruistic. Christianity was born out of a rebellion, but it was not a traditional rebellion. Christianity speaks fondly of the Roman Empire’s tool of execution used to kill its leader. Its rebellious tactics were to love and serve the enemy, seeking to use the objective of the rebellion as the method of the rebellion. It is interesting how this movement of Jesus followers has been at its best throughout Christian history when it has been counter-cultural, when it has chosen the radical path of self-sacrificing love. And when it has attempted to institutionalize its purpose, creating a complex bureaucracy to uphold the institution itself, it has created great worldly power and wealth. At the same time, those were the moments when the church lost its soul. I’m not suggesting Blackbeard is a good example for us Jesus followers, but church organizations must recognize how both the Gospel and humanity have been wired to push against institutional structures that seek to squelch the mission for the purpose of preserving the institution itself. Because we are human beings, the church probably does need a little bit of structure. At the same time, we must remember that the structure should help facilitate the mission, not discourage it.
Your way, Gracious God of All, is never the traditional way. It does not fit neatly into the institutional boxes we create. Your Spirit cannot be contained, and as it is moving through us, may its absurd power, rooted in mercy, kindness and gentleness, serve as the model for the radical and reckless life of discipleship. Amen.
