Our country is in a crisis. The church is in a crisis. There may be other countries in which both of these sentences are true, but certainly they are true in the United States. The church’s crisis is manifest in at least three ways. First, the rise of “Christian” nationalism, “Christian” partnership with white supremacy and authoritarianism, and “Christian” fear, bigotries, and hatred that have aligned with the radical right. Second (and related), the Christian support of neoliberal institutions and structures that are destructive to human life and human security. Third (and related), the loss of a compelling story to tell, the loss of reasons to give, the loss of demonstrating the radical love, justice, and peace of the Reign (“Kingdom”) of God inaugurated by Jesus. People are declining the invitation to give their lives to Jesus. Why would they? The church does not make talk about Jesus appealing, to say the least. Far too often, we do not walk what we talk—except when our talk is bigoted, fearful, and hateful.
In the second section of Mark’s story of Jesus (Mark 2.1—3.6), we are presented with five episodes that demonstrate Jesus’ true and powerful authority, in contrast to the weak and narcissistic authority of the religious authorities. The paragraph above notes a crisis of the church related to our lack of spiritual and moral authority (“authority” is one word for power).
In the midst of these episodes, Jesus uses two metaphors to indicate something of his power and the Reign of God he is initiating. He says, “No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.”
Jesus’ metaphors are meant to help us see that the Good News of God’s Reign (rule, or regime) is not simply some modification of the religious, cultural, social, and political forms we already have. God did not “tear open the heavens and come down” (Isa. 64.1) just to make us into reformists. Tinkering with sinful structures, whether religious, cultural, economic, or political, is, to say the least, not enough. Paul writes to the church in Rome, “Do not be conformed to this world… “Romans 12.1-2). Reforming is too much conforming. To be conformed to a deceitful world is to be deceitful. To be conformed to a inegalitarian world is to be an inegalitarian. To be conformed to a world filled with systems of oppression is to abide oppression. To be conformed to a violent world is to participate in violence.
And yet. We live in a world where small steps are often necessary. Where we shouldn’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Where we have to have patience and practice “a long obedience in the same direction” (Nietzsche). The early modern Reformers spoke of a “reformed church always reforming.” The Anabaptists said reform is not enough, but rather the church needed to be restored. There has always been a tension in the church between the wisdom of reformation and the Gospel call to rebirth, new life (cf. 2 Corinthians 5.17), and radical change. New wine must have new wineskins. Our Mark study group had a fun time discussing this tension. A tension that we cannot escape.
I am blessed to belong to the community of Jesus called Riverfront Family Church. It is a community where we struggle with this tension rather than ignore it. We strive to embody the Reign of God in powerful and authoritative ways that are compelling and healing. We strive to embody Love for everyone. We strive to share the new wine of the Gospel and to be a new wineskin for it. As I write this, I do not mean to engage in self-congratulation. We embody failings too. Perhaps we are not as radical or loving as we claim to be, or not as consistently so.
But it is a powerful measure of grace for me to belong to a community such as ours. I believe we strive in the tension, seeking to be agents of God’s Good News in the world. Riverfront feels like new wine to me, still fermenting…
Thank you for reading,
Michael
As progressive Christians at Riverfront Family Church, we recognize and embrace the Baptist tradition's strong belief in the separation of church and state. This principle, rooted in our Baptist heritage, holds profound implications for our faith and the way we engage with society. In this blog post, we explore why Baptists have historically championed this concept and examine its significance for progressive Christians like us.
A Legacy of Religious Freedom: Baptists have a rich history of advocating for religious freedom, recognizing that true faith must be freely chosen and not coerced by the state. Our commitment to the separation of church and state is a testament to the belief that religious expression thrives when the government refrains from endorsing or interfering in matters of faith.
Protecting the Autonomy of the Church: Separation of church and state safeguards the autonomy of the church. By remaining independent from political influences, the church can maintain its prophetic voice, speaking truth to power and challenging societal injustices. This principle allows us at Riverfront Family Church to pursue our mission with integrity and engage in progressive social advocacy without compromising our spiritual convictions.
Preserving Religious Pluralism: The separation of church and state fosters an environment of religious pluralism, where diverse beliefs and practices are respected and protected. As progressive Christians, we value inclusivity and recognize the importance of a society where people of all faiths or none can coexist harmoniously. This principle encourages us to engage in interfaith dialogue, respect other religious perspectives, and work towards a more inclusive and just society.
Safeguarding Democracy and Civic Engagement: The separation of church and state is fundamental to a healthy democracy. It ensures that no single religious group dominates the political landscape or infringes upon the rights of others. For progressive Christians like us, this principle allows us to actively participate in the political process, advocating for social justice, equality, and compassion while upholding the values of love, mercy, and humility.
Embracing Faith-Informed Social Justice: As progressive Christians, we are called to embody the love of Christ by actively addressing social injustices. The separation of church and state empowers us to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote equality, human rights, and environmental stewardship without the constraints of partisan agendas. It allows us to work alongside diverse groups and build coalitions in pursuit of a more just and compassionate society.
The Baptist tradition's strong belief in the separation of church and state aligns closely with our progressive Christian values at Riverfront Family Church. It grants us the freedom to express our faith authentically, engage in social justice advocacy, and foster a more inclusive society. By embracing this principle, we honor our Baptist legacy while staying true to our progressive convictions, working towards a world where love, justice, and compassion prevail.
In recent weeks, the West Hartford community has grappled with the presence of panhandlers in public spaces. The initial response, posting "No Trespassing" signs, brought to light important questions regarding compassion, poverty, and social justice. As followers of Christ, it is crucial for us to delve deeper into these issues and consider how His teachings guide our response. In this blog post, we will explore the multifaceted nature of the problem and emphasize the importance of addressing poverty and homelessness with Christ-like compassion.
The Uncomfortable Truth:
Acknowledging that panhandlers can make us feel uncomfortable is the first step towards understanding their plight. However, we should reflect on why this discomfort arises within us. As followers of Jesus, we are called to embrace the discomfort and actively address the poverty and homelessness challenges present in our community. Christ's ministry was centered around compassion, and by following His example, we can work towards meaningful change and foster empathy within our midst.
Avoiding the Criminalization of Poverty:
Labeling individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty as trespassers on public property criminalizes their state of vulnerability. As believers, we are called to love and embrace the marginalized, not perpetuate injustice. Jesus Himself reached out to those on the fringes of society, offering them healing, hope, and acceptance. We must remember that each person is a child of God, deserving of dignity and compassion. By standing against the criminalization of poverty, we can demonstrate Christ's love and advocate for social justice.
Challenging Stereotypes and Misconceptions:
It is essential to challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions that surround panhandlers. While it is true that some may exploit the kindness of others, it is not our place to judge the authenticity of their need. Jesus often challenged societal perceptions and offered grace to those who were deemed unworthy. As we encounter individuals in need, we should approach each encounter with open hearts and minds, seeking to understand their stories. Jesus teaches us to extend love and mercy to all, leaving judgment to God.
Promoting Sustainable Solutions:
Merely attempting to eradicate panhandling through signs and policies without addressing the root causes of poverty is a short-sighted approach. As Christians, we are called to seek sustainable solutions that address the systemic issues contributing to poverty and homelessness. Jesus taught us to care for the least among us, urging us to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and provide for those in need (Matthew 25:35-40). By investing in initiatives that offer affordable housing, job training, mental health services, and addiction support, we reflect Christ's love and help individuals regain their dignity and independence.
The recent situation in West Hartford surrounding the "No Trespassing" signs presents us with an opportunity to examine poverty and homelessness through the lens of Christ's teachings. As followers of Jesus, we are called to respond with compassion, empathy, and justice. By embracing the discomfort, challenging stereotypes, and promoting sustainable solutions, we can embody Christ's love and create a community that reflects His teachings. Let us remember the words of Micah 6:8, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." May we answer this call with open hearts and a commitment to transforming our communities through the power of Christ's love.
Thoughts?
