Coexist?

No doubt you have seen this around; the ubiquitous bumper sticker incorporates symbols of Islam, pacifism, male and female, Judaism, Wicca, Taoism and Christianity. On the face of it, “COEXIST” seems to be a plea for tolerance, let’s “get along.” Who can argue with that?

Well I hadn’t really thought about it until we read these words from John 14 last Sunday, “I am the way the truth and the life and no one can come to the father except through me.”(v.6). Since then as I’ve seen those stickers I’ve had second thoughts about whether I’d put one on the back of my car.

Of course we all need to be more tolerant; we live in a world that bears the scars of intolerance, discrimination, and hate; furthermore Classic Christianity has always asserted that there is truth in other religions, although it has not always acted as though it believed it. The Hebrew Scriptures were incorporated into the Christian Bible; who doubts that Mahatma Gandhi was a man of God or that the present Dali Lama is a very fine ambassador for the Spiritual life?

Christianity believes that all human beings are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). We can observe the wonders of creation and achieve some knowledge about God the creator (in philosophy this is called Natural Law). We can recognize a shared humanity and the desire of all people to seek something greater than ourselves.

However, being tolerant and recognizing there is truth in other belief-systems does not mean that Christianity accepts the notion that all faiths are equal. Our doctrine of the incarnation posits that in the history of the world, Jesus Christ represents the fullest expression of God we have ever seen and known. If that is not true then there is no reason for his crucifixion. We believe that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

Of course we need tolerance, respect and peace with everyone -- especially now. But we cannot reduce this desire to the glib assertion all faiths are the same and that all paths lead to God. They aren’t and they don’t. The idea that there is no exclusive Truth is itself a doctrine, one that excludes everyone except the universalist.

I fear that we are living in a world that is trading the old triumphalism (I’m right and you’re wrong and I’m going to make you pay) for a fuzzy relativism (truth is whatever works for you, dude). Personally I’m hoping there is some middle ground between these ways of thinking, a worldview that is tolerant and respectful of others but doesn’t shy away from proclaiming the Truth.

I hope that is what COEXIST is aiming for, but I’m not sure. Which is why the bumper sticker on the back of my car reads: 2013 World Champions, Boston Red Sox. That is TRUE!

As ever,

Jeff

Appreciation for What IS

Is the glass half empty or half full? Certainly an age old question. How do you see it? For most of my life I’ve been a glass-half-empty person; a born pessimist; with any issue, I would think: that’s less than it used to be; or what’s wrong?; this is the worst possible scenario; how are we going to fix this?; and so on. It got so bad that my staff at Christ Church Charlottesville, called me Mr. Glass-Half-Empty.

However I’m glad to report that in the last few years I’ve begun to see the glass differently. Age has helped, as have some areas of personal reflection and growth. These have lead to a growing appreciation for what is rather than what isn’t; being more positive about situations rather than only focusing on what’s wrong.

When I began my Transitional Ministry Training in 2007 I was introduced to Appreciative Inquiry Theory. The idea is that one always approaches one’s ministry as an Interim Rector with a lens of appreciation for what one sees in the life of the congregation. From my viewpoint there is certainly much to appreciate across the board at Christ Church; this is a very strong, vibrant, energetic, cutting-edge congregation. I have been especially impressed by music and worship in general; children and youth; pastoral care; missions and outreach. The facilities and the parking are top of the line. Even financial stewardship -- which is seen as an area of improvement here -- is stronger than most Episcopal Churches with which I have been associated. And I might add that I have experienced, as have so many others, the warm and friendly welcome from you as I have entered this
new role.

Yet the fact remains it is easy for a parish to get down on itself during a transition. Some can’t get over the loss of a Rector or a beloved Associate; some hold up a period in the past when things seemed to be better; in some parishes during a time of transition, parts of the system which had been held together fall apart and become conflicted. Yes, it is easy to see the glass getting emptier. The truth, of course, is that the glass is both half-empty and half-full; sure there are some losses but there is much to build on that remains here that are foundational. The positives here are far more prevalent. Please don’t fall prey to negative thinking.

The operative fact is God continues to move among and through the people of God here. Jesus Christ is the Church’s one foundation. The number one strategy moving forward should be prayer, prayer, prayer! In our personal lives (and corporately, as well) we need to bathe this church in prayer. The Spirit of God continues to move here, to inspire, challenge and comfort. Now is a moment to shift the parish’s focus to discerning what new life the Spirit of God wants to bring forth in our midst -- the new water that God is already pouring into your hearts and corporate life here at Christ Church. How will the glass be pouring over in abundance here? Yes, it will be different, but it will be full.

Yours in Christ Jesus,
Jeff

Charles Addams

At the end of one of my times serving as Interim Rector, a close friend gave me the following cartoon by the famous New Yorker cartoonist, Charles Adams. My friend said he believed the cartoon was the closest pictorial representation possible of the Gospel.

 

What do you think?

What caption would YOU give this cartoon?

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts,

Jeffrey