I received an email this week from a church member, a leader, someone whom I have long respected, stating his concerns about the upcoming sermon series. As is his pattern, the note was thoughtful and respectful, but after seeing that I intended to speak on hegemony, guns, and Islamic extremism, he wanted to be assured that worship was not being turned into a political rally, especially if it tilted in a particular direction (you can guess which one!)
I assured him nothing could be further from my intent; but rather that by engaging the difficult topics our world faces, my hope is to claim what one person calls "the radical Christian center."
Talking to him was quite helpful. He said, "Many of us have seen politics, and sometimes even business and education, as a battle in which we are warriors. I'm fighting for the future of my country, maybe taking back my country or holding on to my country and the goal of the warrior is to get the other side to surrender."
After several exchanges, he suggested that as a Christian, it might be wiser to think of ourselves as "ambassadors for our ideas" instead of "warriors for our side." Ambassadors live in other peoples' territory. They sit down and talk to one another. They work together to find a way forward, hopefully for the betterment of the world, instead of seeking to defeat an enemy.
The image is not only wise; it's biblical. The Apostle Paul describes people of faith as "Christ's ambassadors, God making his appeal through us."
This weekend, we'll lay the groundwork for the series by engaging in some substantive theology that leads to very practical application. We'll also consult theologians, interview the principal of Highland Renaissance Academy about her work, ask God to bless hundreds of backpacks and enjoy great music.
As you prepare, you can read this passage and consider something William Sloane Coffin said about the church:
"Most church boats don't like to be rocked: they prefer to lie at anchor rather than go places on stormy seas. But that's because we Christians view the Church as the object of our love instead of the subject and instrument of God's. Faith cannot be passive: it has to go forth -- to assault the conscience, excite the imagination." (Credo, pp. 140-141)
See you this weekend!
