I’M A CHRISTIAN, BUT…
REFLECTIONS FROM THE REV…
As we enter the half-way point of Lent, I worry that we, as mainline, progressive Christians, are too fatigued defending our understanding of the gospel to dive into the healing waters of a Lenten discipline. How do we confidently live our faith when we live in a country besieged with ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ espousing hate and bile in the name of “Christian” values? As Eric Elnes notes in The Phoenix Affirmations, hardly had the dust settled after the collapse of the Twin Towers when news of a gay chaplain who died heroically attending to the wounded at ground zero, and news of a gay man who led an attempt to overthrow the hijackers on Flight 93 was drowned out by this proclamation by Rev. Jerry Falwell: “I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle…I point the finger in their face and say, ‘You helped this happen.’”
For a great many, the Jerry Falwells, the Pat Robertsons, and the Jimmy Swaggerts are the voice of Christianity in America. Most Americans now grow up unchurched—they have no experience in the church. Many of these people think Christmas has to do with a jolly guy in a red suit; many hear the religious extremists that the media focus upon and want nothing to do with the church. And who can blame them? But if you believe that Christianity is supposed to bring people to know the unconditional love of God made known through the person of Jesus Christ, then we have a problem. Listen to the frustration of a new convert to Christianity, who is a member of Elnes’ church: “Why should I have to explain to people, ‘I’m Christian, but I don’t think homosexuals are evil…. I’m a Christian, but I believe women are equal to men…but I’m concerned about poverty…but I care about the earth…but I don’t think people who believe differently from me will fry in hell for eternity…’?”
How do we self-identify as Christians without being automatically lumped together with the crazies out there? Because lumped together we are. A recent study of growing and vibrant mainline churches showed that many are self-identifying as “progressive.” “Progressive Christianity” is an attempt, however imperfect, to distinguish one’s church from the religious right. I see our denomination and our church squarely in this vein, as I comment to every new member orientation class:
The United Church of Christ has always been at the forefront of the progressive causes of its day: defending the slaves on the Amistad, fighting for women’s suffrage and against exploitive child labor practices, championing civil rights, and practicing missionary work that respects native cultures and practices. Our church continues this progressive tradition and seeks to be a prophetic voice for peace and justice.
As progressive Christians in the midst of Lent, I urge you to celebrate the heritage we have without abandoning practices we share with Christians of a less than tolerant bent—practices of prayer, devotional Bible study, sharing the good news with those who need a mooring mast in their lives, and simply living with gratitude.
Reflecting upon the life of St. Francis, Richard Rohr notes: “The best criticism of the bad is the practice of the better.” There is much to criticize in the world of Christian thought, but if you don’t want to be a “Christian…but” just keep practicing the love I see us sharing when we listen to our better angels. That is what Francis did. He ignored the immoral practices of his day and practiced the better. Centuries later, he is revered while no one remembers those rich landowners and exploitive merchants who held sway during his day. Something to reflect upon as you walk in Christ’s footsteps through Lent.
Yours on the journey,
Pastor B. J.