|
A recent visit to see some of my family revealed that some of them are concerned about my spiritual welfare. I first must say thank you for caring about my spiritual welfare! I spent some time talking to my mom about where I am and I think it helped ease her concerns. You see, someone had said that the problem with my wife and me is that we “hang around with atheists and queers. Since Luke is my favorite Gospel and Jesus is accused of being a glutton, a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and sinners in Luke chapter 7, I figure Shirley and I are in good company. I’ll admit that I was saddened by the comment, but I’m actually hurting for the one who said it, not for Shirley or me.
Because some folks I know are concerned about my spirituality, I thought I’d lay out a few of the beliefs I hold that I think are most important. My goal is to share my faith without condemning any one. My intent is not to judge, but to inform. I’ll be the first to admit that my view of Jesus’ message is biased and is a result of my having been excluded from my religious tradition on more than one occasion. Having had my family kicked out of a Baptist church when I was quite young and having been excluded from my tradition because of my failure to conform has had a serious impact on my life and faith. That being said, here we go:.
Jesus’ mission was to demonstrate in a tangible way God’s unconditional love for sinners. This is a radical truth that most folks, even Christians, simply cannot accept. It was no different in Jesus’ day. In fact, this message is what got Jesus killed. His stories about God’s grace, particularly the “Good Samaritan Story” are key to my understanding Jesus’ mission. Jesus’ message was that the values of this world are antithetical to God’s values. Mary’s Magnificat declares that Jesus’ ministry would be about turning the world on its end. Luke’s emphasis on Jesus’ ministry to the poor, to women, and outcasts has made a huge impact on the way I view the world. I have adapted and expanded the view of “God’s preferential option for the poor” emphasized by Liberation Theologians, to include “God’s preferential option for the oppressed.” This interpretation would include all of God’s creation that is oppressed or exploited.
I believe that my mission as a Christian is to join God’s creative, sustaining, and redemptive activities that promote life abundant for all (not just people). Jesus’ call to love God and one’s neighbor is a non-negotiable for the one who follows Christ. I fall way short of God’s will for my life and I am continually seeking ways to better understand God’s call for me to love God with my all and to love my neighbor. As defined by Luke’s account of the Good Samaritan, my neighbor is any one in need. The Samaritan avoided all the religious stuff that could have hindered him from seeing the injured man in the story as his neighbor. My prayer is that I will do the same.
This call has led me to the teaching profession, particularly theology. I cannot justify engaging in any vocation that does not advance the kingdom. That’s why I sold my businesses years ago and headed to New Orleans. The world does not value what I do, but at least I’m not going to get killed for doing it! This understanding of Jesus and his mission is not the majority view in the Christian community. Sometimes this way of seeing the world is incredibly lonely. I am grateful for those friends and family members who love me in spite of my view of how I should live my life. I’m most grateful, however, for those who love me because of it.
|
|
Dear President Elect Obama,
First of all…congrats! PEBO is a pretty cool name too. I really enjoy Peabo Bryson and your new designation reminds me of him. I’m writing you to let you know of my interest in the position of Car Czar when you take office. I have a PhD so I’m pretty smart and I’m certainly not an insider anywhere. I think it would be so cool to be called Car Czar!
I’d demand fiscal responsibility and change just like you. I’d also demand that we have flying cars by 2012. It’s the 21st century for God’s sake. I thought we’d have them by now. Who wouldn’t buy one? I really think that would turn around the American auto industry.
Please let me know ASAP so I can give proper notice where I work. Even though folks like Adrastos think the Car Czar thing is a bad idea, …well, that speaks for itself doesn’t it?
Prayin’ for you!
Howie
|
