Reading the New Testament with a focus on Jesus announcing freedom from oppression has recently come under attack. Liberation Theology, couples the proclamation of victory over sin and death, with the good news that God is sending mercy upon the poor. It should be no wonder such an approach is under attack by the wealthy in our society. The rich can offer their wealth as proof of God’s favor; and consider the plight of the poor as God’s judgment. But the New Testament, and particularly Jesus, does not support that approach.
Throughout the Advent Season, the people of the Christian faith will sing the song of Mary (recorded in the first chapter of Luke):
47. “My Soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in
God my Savior,
For he has looked with favor
on the lowliness of his servant…..
53. He has filled the hungry with
Good things
And sent the rich away
Empty”.
Although we hear how personal Mary’s response is to the announcement of Jesus’ impending birth; the Good News is for all the lowly. And later, Jesus himself will announce the same Good News when he says:
“Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the Kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied” (Luke 6:20)
The Gospels leave little doubt that the liberation of those trapped in poverty and hunger is the will of God. And that the disciples of Jesus are called to advance that cause. Remembering that Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Financial Recovery?
Have you noticed how well the financial recovery is going? Since the crash in 2007-2008 the stock market has bounced back to over 11,000. You may have also observed that there are nice profits for major corporations. These signs of recovery are made possible by the tax cuts enacted under the last administration; tax cuts and TARP (bail-out) also signed by President Bush. These financial institutions are leading the way in buying back their own stock; and thereby increasing the value of their personal fortunes.
One argument for the extension of the tax cuts is that the wealthy will spend their extra money on jobs for the middle class. Problem is that this is not happening. In fact, for the decade that these cuts have been in effect we have seen a net loss in jobs. Giving tax cuts to the wealthy in order to create jobs has been a disastrous deception. The top 2% of Americans is accumulating more and more of the country’s wealth. At the same time the majority suffer.
If the take-home pay of the middle class is increased there is no doubt that the money will be spent; and therefore circulate throughout the economy. The overwhelming majority of Americans are living (month to month) on their pay check.
The compassion of Jesus calls for an equal distribution of the blessings provided to this country. Only when all people are seen as brothers and sisters will the justice of God become our national policy. Gross inequality must be labeled what it is, "unjust". Jesus said: “No slave can serve two masters; for the slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Luke 16:13)
One argument for the extension of the tax cuts is that the wealthy will spend their extra money on jobs for the middle class. Problem is that this is not happening. In fact, for the decade that these cuts have been in effect we have seen a net loss in jobs. Giving tax cuts to the wealthy in order to create jobs has been a disastrous deception. The top 2% of Americans is accumulating more and more of the country’s wealth. At the same time the majority suffer.
If the take-home pay of the middle class is increased there is no doubt that the money will be spent; and therefore circulate throughout the economy. The overwhelming majority of Americans are living (month to month) on their pay check.
The compassion of Jesus calls for an equal distribution of the blessings provided to this country. Only when all people are seen as brothers and sisters will the justice of God become our national policy. Gross inequality must be labeled what it is, "unjust". Jesus said: “No slave can serve two masters; for the slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Luke 16:13)
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
“Working out your salvation!”
The phrase “work out your own salvation” (Phil. 2:12) caused some discussion in last month’s Bible study. As we near the commemoration of the Reformation, it seems appropriate to share some concerns expressed at that time. Since the Reformation was a battle for the Good News of salvation (made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus), it seems necessary to ask: “What work do we have to add?” And, “Isn’t what Jesus did enough?”
Indeed, Jesus’ sacrifice for the salvation for the whole world (and you and me personally) is full and complete. Paul, writing to the Christians in Philippi, is challenging them to live the salvation that is theirs. We too are called to live in response to God’s love by following Jesus’ way of compassion, grace and mercy.
The world is in grave need of compassionate Christians. Few Christians are a visible and vocal witness of accepting all people as their neighbors. Christians who will speak up for the oppressed by seeking equal access to food, shelter, and health care for all people seem few and far between.
Again, “Working out your salvation” is living in response to God’s love. It means, answering the call to love others as Jesus loves them. Secure in the assurance of forgiveness, the doors are open to our being a source of love, joy, and peace in our neighborhood, our community, and the world.
Indeed, Jesus’ sacrifice for the salvation for the whole world (and you and me personally) is full and complete. Paul, writing to the Christians in Philippi, is challenging them to live the salvation that is theirs. We too are called to live in response to God’s love by following Jesus’ way of compassion, grace and mercy.
The world is in grave need of compassionate Christians. Few Christians are a visible and vocal witness of accepting all people as their neighbors. Christians who will speak up for the oppressed by seeking equal access to food, shelter, and health care for all people seem few and far between.
Again, “Working out your salvation” is living in response to God’s love. It means, answering the call to love others as Jesus loves them. Secure in the assurance of forgiveness, the doors are open to our being a source of love, joy, and peace in our neighborhood, our community, and the world.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Christian Words and Deeds
How are we to define what is Christian? How are we to describe the Kingdom of God? I hope and pray that we have enough trust to allow Jesus to do such defining and such describing. However, Christians throughout history have taken this task upon themselves.
Within most mainline denominations the faithful have depended upon the efforts of early Church Councils to define and describe what is Christian. In doing so we unknowingly slight the words and deeds of Jesus. The congregation I am honored to currently serve, regularly uses the Apostle's Creed as our confession of faith. In this statement, the words and actions of Jesus are relegated to a comma. It is found between "born of the virgin Mary" (,) and "suffered under Pontius Pilate"...
As our commission from Jesus is to "Make Disciples", we must fill in the blank! To follow Jesus, we must study the words and actions recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Here is where Jesus models the life of a child of God. Here is where Jesus proclaims the Kingdom he establishes in our midst. Bringing the Good News of the Kingdom to our neighbors and communities begins with our watching and listening to Jesus of Nazareth.
Within most mainline denominations the faithful have depended upon the efforts of early Church Councils to define and describe what is Christian. In doing so we unknowingly slight the words and deeds of Jesus. The congregation I am honored to currently serve, regularly uses the Apostle's Creed as our confession of faith. In this statement, the words and actions of Jesus are relegated to a comma. It is found between "born of the virgin Mary" (,) and "suffered under Pontius Pilate"...
As our commission from Jesus is to "Make Disciples", we must fill in the blank! To follow Jesus, we must study the words and actions recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Here is where Jesus models the life of a child of God. Here is where Jesus proclaims the Kingdom he establishes in our midst. Bringing the Good News of the Kingdom to our neighbors and communities begins with our watching and listening to Jesus of Nazareth.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Civil-Religion
On America’s secular calendar the 4th of July is “the nativity”. This is the celebration of the birth of the nation. The rituals of the civil religion of the United States are all on display in their glory.
Many people may not recognize that a civil religion even exists. Therefore, the songs, the official colors, the traditional practices and even the sacred scriptures are not always seen for what they are. I purposely used the liturgical term “The Nativity” to get your attention; and to start you thinking about the state having holy days and places.
In 1776 the American spirit was born! The idea of a Constitutional Democracy began with a Declaration of Independence. This parchment is among the sacred scriptures of a civil religion, held in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Once a year it is read in the public squares across the country. In these words are the following:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are endowed
by their Creator; with certain unalienable rights; among these are
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
The god of this civil religion may be concerned, therefore, if our lives were being threatened, if our liberties were being infringed upon, or if our happiness is not complete. Please note,the characteristics of Christian discipleship are not mentioned here.
In civil religion is found the invocation of a generic god in political speech and on public monuments. This reality has been growing in the second half of the last century. The words “under God” were not added to the pledge of allegiance until the mid 1950’s. And neither was “one nation under God” adopted as the motto of the United States until an act of congress in 1956. Along this same line the political speeches of our leaders did not conclude with “God bless you and God bless the United States" until within my memory.
The generic mention of a god in political speech does not constitute the recognition of the establishment of a religion, and is therefore constitutional. The President of the United States has often requested its citizens to "give thanks" or "offer prayers" without mentioning a deity by name. This is yet another sign of a vibrant civil religion.
A follower of Jesus may be led astray if he or she is not aware of this conflicting faith.
The source of the civil religion of the United States is not found in the Bible, but in the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Laws of the Congress. Jesus said: “Render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God!” Our Prayers, Our Thanks, Our Worship and Our Love belong to The Triune God, alone.
Not a generic god of a civil religion.
Many people may not recognize that a civil religion even exists. Therefore, the songs, the official colors, the traditional practices and even the sacred scriptures are not always seen for what they are. I purposely used the liturgical term “The Nativity” to get your attention; and to start you thinking about the state having holy days and places.
In 1776 the American spirit was born! The idea of a Constitutional Democracy began with a Declaration of Independence. This parchment is among the sacred scriptures of a civil religion, held in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Once a year it is read in the public squares across the country. In these words are the following:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are endowed
by their Creator; with certain unalienable rights; among these are
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
The god of this civil religion may be concerned, therefore, if our lives were being threatened, if our liberties were being infringed upon, or if our happiness is not complete. Please note,the characteristics of Christian discipleship are not mentioned here.
In civil religion is found the invocation of a generic god in political speech and on public monuments. This reality has been growing in the second half of the last century. The words “under God” were not added to the pledge of allegiance until the mid 1950’s. And neither was “one nation under God” adopted as the motto of the United States until an act of congress in 1956. Along this same line the political speeches of our leaders did not conclude with “God bless you and God bless the United States" until within my memory.
The generic mention of a god in political speech does not constitute the recognition of the establishment of a religion, and is therefore constitutional. The President of the United States has often requested its citizens to "give thanks" or "offer prayers" without mentioning a deity by name. This is yet another sign of a vibrant civil religion.
A follower of Jesus may be led astray if he or she is not aware of this conflicting faith.
The source of the civil religion of the United States is not found in the Bible, but in the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Laws of the Congress. Jesus said: “Render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God!” Our Prayers, Our Thanks, Our Worship and Our Love belong to The Triune God, alone.
Not a generic god of a civil religion.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Remembering the Cost of War!
This week I received an e-mail encouraging me to observe Memorial Day by remembering the "cost of freedom". Immediately I reacted to this description of the intent of what began as "Decoration Day"
The first official Decoration Day happened right after the U. S. Civil War. Arlington Cemetery had opened and was the burial sight of thousands of fatalities from both the Union and Confederate sides of that conflict. It was representative of many sights, throughout the country, where the fallen had found their final rest. The original intent of Decoration Day was to remember where the fallen (of both north and south side-by-side) were to be found, and to never forget "the cost of war".
It is sad that today there is little distinction between Veteran's Day and Memorial Day. Both have been spun by the military to glorify the warrior; obscuring the reality that the graves of brothers fighting brothers decry the horror of war not the glory of it.
And as for the Christian, because the cost of our freedom is found only in the cross of Christ; may we always remember that "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed".
The first official Decoration Day happened right after the U. S. Civil War. Arlington Cemetery had opened and was the burial sight of thousands of fatalities from both the Union and Confederate sides of that conflict. It was representative of many sights, throughout the country, where the fallen had found their final rest. The original intent of Decoration Day was to remember where the fallen (of both north and south side-by-side) were to be found, and to never forget "the cost of war".
It is sad that today there is little distinction between Veteran's Day and Memorial Day. Both have been spun by the military to glorify the warrior; obscuring the reality that the graves of brothers fighting brothers decry the horror of war not the glory of it.
And as for the Christian, because the cost of our freedom is found only in the cross of Christ; may we always remember that "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed".
Monday, April 19, 2010
Tea Party of No!
Over the past year a group of people have come together to wave signs, to shout down politicians, and to announce what they are against. There seems to be one unifying issue, their dislike of the federal government. Behind this unity is fear.
Some fear the future financial stability of the country. Others fear the advance of federal programs to help the unemployed, the sick, the retired, etc. There are some who have a fear that their right to be armed with guns may be regulated.
Many fined cover for their position by calling any challenging approaches "unconstitutional". Others attack those who hold a different opinion as socialists,or fascist, or just generally "un-american".
The bottom line is that there is no positive message common to the Tea Party people.
It is easy to see that their fear has led them to build "straw men" who they can accuse, attack and generally use to justify their anxiety. Here we have a classic example of an anxious people, projecting their anxiety onto others. Here we have a classic example of fearful people telling everyone else that they need to be afraid too!
It is time for a reality check. If anything is certain, people who are afraid of the future will always be anxious. They will react to change by saying no. (or even "Hell No!") Therefor, those who can envision a kinder and gentler nation will have to say: "get out of the way, if you can't lend a hand".
Some fear the future financial stability of the country. Others fear the advance of federal programs to help the unemployed, the sick, the retired, etc. There are some who have a fear that their right to be armed with guns may be regulated.
Many fined cover for their position by calling any challenging approaches "unconstitutional". Others attack those who hold a different opinion as socialists,or fascist, or just generally "un-american".
The bottom line is that there is no positive message common to the Tea Party people.
It is easy to see that their fear has led them to build "straw men" who they can accuse, attack and generally use to justify their anxiety. Here we have a classic example of an anxious people, projecting their anxiety onto others. Here we have a classic example of fearful people telling everyone else that they need to be afraid too!
It is time for a reality check. If anything is certain, people who are afraid of the future will always be anxious. They will react to change by saying no. (or even "Hell No!") Therefor, those who can envision a kinder and gentler nation will have to say: "get out of the way, if you can't lend a hand".
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Entitlement
One element of Jesus’ ministry that so radically departed from the accepted norms was his approach to people. All people were his brothers and sisters, and therefore the object of his love. The social and religious order of his culture recognized only the sons and daughters of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as those entitled (given the title) to be called children of God.
Within that family circle, only those who followed the rules and regulations of ritual worship and diet were entitled (given the title) “righteous”. Each entitlement opened doors to receiving promised blessings.
During the Lenten Season we acknowledge the radical Good News that is Jesus. Good News that, as members of the “human” family, God entitles us (gives us the title) objects of his love. As objects of God’s love, you and I and all people are those for whom Jesus was crucified.
It is important to understand that “entitlement” is not something created from within a person. Entitlement is pronounced upon a person from the outside. Yet, an individual is in the right to claim his or her entitlement. Although we may not be worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are in the right to claim our entitlement to the forgiveness for which he died.
And we can share this radical good news of entitlement because all people are objects of God’s love in Jesus.
Finally, followers of Jesus are to recognize all people as the objects of their unconditional love as well. Only through the Spirit of God can this love become a reality in their lives. May our words and deeds proclaim the love we continually receive from God.
Within that family circle, only those who followed the rules and regulations of ritual worship and diet were entitled (given the title) “righteous”. Each entitlement opened doors to receiving promised blessings.
During the Lenten Season we acknowledge the radical Good News that is Jesus. Good News that, as members of the “human” family, God entitles us (gives us the title) objects of his love. As objects of God’s love, you and I and all people are those for whom Jesus was crucified.
It is important to understand that “entitlement” is not something created from within a person. Entitlement is pronounced upon a person from the outside. Yet, an individual is in the right to claim his or her entitlement. Although we may not be worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are in the right to claim our entitlement to the forgiveness for which he died.
And we can share this radical good news of entitlement because all people are objects of God’s love in Jesus.
Finally, followers of Jesus are to recognize all people as the objects of their unconditional love as well. Only through the Spirit of God can this love become a reality in their lives. May our words and deeds proclaim the love we continually receive from God.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Compromise?
Included in our last Sundays readings was the famous chapter on love. In Paul’s letter to the congregation at Corinth, the apostle writes that “love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude, It does not insist on it’s own way.” Although love is set forth as an ideal, Paul’s teaching is not an ideology. It is a theology. And the theological theme is most clearly sounded in the letters of John, where we read: “God is love”!
This view of the way of God, and God’s people, is fulfilled in Jesus’ command to his disciples: "Love one another as I have loved you".
So what are we to think about Christians who arrogantly insist on their own way? Christians who follow an earthly ideology, and consider compromising their positions to be an abomination? What are we to say when a self-professed Christian obviously compromises discipleship to Jesus in order to follow, uncompromisingly, either a right wing or left-wing political ideology?
Jesus asks us to follow him. If we allow an ideology to have influence over our lives, are we not compromising our discipleship? Are we not allowing a politically allegiance to displace our allegiance to Jesus?
Christianity does call us to compromise. Jesus gives us the example when he compromised himself for our sakes. This is the example of love we are given. Too many are choosing a slavery to an ideology, and are seen as arrogant, impatient, and insisting on their own way.
Faithful discipleship to Jesus is based on compromising self-interest for the love of others. Isn’t it?
Think about it.
This view of the way of God, and God’s people, is fulfilled in Jesus’ command to his disciples: "Love one another as I have loved you".
So what are we to think about Christians who arrogantly insist on their own way? Christians who follow an earthly ideology, and consider compromising their positions to be an abomination? What are we to say when a self-professed Christian obviously compromises discipleship to Jesus in order to follow, uncompromisingly, either a right wing or left-wing political ideology?
Jesus asks us to follow him. If we allow an ideology to have influence over our lives, are we not compromising our discipleship? Are we not allowing a politically allegiance to displace our allegiance to Jesus?
Christianity does call us to compromise. Jesus gives us the example when he compromised himself for our sakes. This is the example of love we are given. Too many are choosing a slavery to an ideology, and are seen as arrogant, impatient, and insisting on their own way.
Faithful discipleship to Jesus is based on compromising self-interest for the love of others. Isn’t it?
Think about it.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Taking History Seriously?
Believe it or not, someone is taking history seriously. Well, to be honest, that may be jumping to a conclusion. But, this week the Texas State Board of Education began hearing testimony concerning a new social studies curriculum for Texas classrooms.
According to the Associated Press; "Much of the conversation ahead of the hearing has turned on how much emphasis will be given to the religious beliefs of the nation's founding fathers, with some activists lobbying to promote and highlight their Christianity." Former board Chairman, Don McLeroy, is quoted as having said: "I don't see anyone wanting to say that this is a Christian nation or anything like that. The argument is that the principles on which (the nation) has been founded are biblically based."
Mr. McLeroy makes a good point. Although I think he is wrong saying that no one wants their kids to be taught that The United States is a Christian nation; to say our founding fathers were Christian (and mean that they believed and confessed Jesus The Christ as their Lord and Savior) would not be honest to history. Also, to say that the Constitution establishes a Christian nation (and mean that the ways of Jesus are promoted as the way of the United States) would be just as dishonest to historical fact. None the less, the reality that Washington, Adams, and even Jefferson embraced the morality of the Bible, as a valuable guideline for a "moral society" cannot be denied.
It will indeed be interesting to see where the School Board lands in approving it's curriculum.
There is one more thing; The Board will also be asked to reconsider mentioning makeup entrepreneur Mary Kay Ash, of Addison, Texas, more often than Christopher Columbus. This really hits the issue of what in history is of value to the student's future. If we ask their likely employers they will probably pick Mary Kay. She provides a recent example of individual business skill worthy of praise, And She is a fellow Texan in whom they can take pride.
----A book for your consideration: So Help Me God; by Forest Church, Harcourt Books.
According to the Associated Press; "Much of the conversation ahead of the hearing has turned on how much emphasis will be given to the religious beliefs of the nation's founding fathers, with some activists lobbying to promote and highlight their Christianity." Former board Chairman, Don McLeroy, is quoted as having said: "I don't see anyone wanting to say that this is a Christian nation or anything like that. The argument is that the principles on which (the nation) has been founded are biblically based."
Mr. McLeroy makes a good point. Although I think he is wrong saying that no one wants their kids to be taught that The United States is a Christian nation; to say our founding fathers were Christian (and mean that they believed and confessed Jesus The Christ as their Lord and Savior) would not be honest to history. Also, to say that the Constitution establishes a Christian nation (and mean that the ways of Jesus are promoted as the way of the United States) would be just as dishonest to historical fact. None the less, the reality that Washington, Adams, and even Jefferson embraced the morality of the Bible, as a valuable guideline for a "moral society" cannot be denied.
It will indeed be interesting to see where the School Board lands in approving it's curriculum.
There is one more thing; The Board will also be asked to reconsider mentioning makeup entrepreneur Mary Kay Ash, of Addison, Texas, more often than Christopher Columbus. This really hits the issue of what in history is of value to the student's future. If we ask their likely employers they will probably pick Mary Kay. She provides a recent example of individual business skill worthy of praise, And She is a fellow Texan in whom they can take pride.
----A book for your consideration: So Help Me God; by Forest Church, Harcourt Books.
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