Probably the criticism I get most as a preacher (and on this blog) is, “why are you so negative? We know there are problems in the world, but we can’t do anything about that. We come to church to feel better.”
I certainly understand that feeling. John the Baptist used to be my least favorite figure in scripture. I like happy thoughts as much as anyone, but here’s the problem. Our current level of consumption as a nation has put us on a collision course with catastrophe that no pleasant words can prevent. We either change course or we will bring enormous suffering into the world. When I look into the faces of our children I am overcome with grief for the world we are giving them. Would we rather be comfortable in worship, than be transformed into agents of their best interests?
And, in looking at our own children, I cannot help but think of the children of the world our nation puts in harm’s way. Who will be their voice in a nation that does not want to hear? If we realized they have the same worth as our own children, would be not be crying from the roof tops?
So some weeks I do sound a bit like John the Baptist. I am not trying to make people feel bad, but I still believe there is a chance to save our planet if we are willing to change ourselves. The Hebrew word for “repent” simply meant to “turn.” Feeling quilty wasn’t the point, the point was to change direction.
I have no idea whether it is too late to prevent climate disaster, but I do know that choosing to join the struggle for the earth, for the animals and for our human family, will give us noble lives regardless of what happens. I do not see this position as pessimistic, it is simply the reality we have inherited. I do not mean to be negative, I just believe our chances of facing this crisis are infinitely better with our eyes wide open.
Seems like I remember one minister’s quip was that the job of a minister is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
Jesus never closed his eyes to the problems of the day; neither should we. Perhaps giving us a sense of purpose to bring heaven to earth should be the way to make us “feel better.”
I think that was Reinhold Niehbur Jim.
You know I love ya Jim! I don’t see you as negative, just pessimistic at times. Understandable but a little disheartening. Hard to celebrate what we novices see as small victories…because to you, and probably rightly so, its never enough. I just want a day or two to celebrate in my naiveté before you predict the next shoe that will fall.
Suze, the way I see it, our situation is hopeful if we radically change, and pretty hopeless if we do not. I don’t know it that qualifies as pessimistic or not.
Were the prophets negative? Maybe it’s not the message but how we receive it. Do we have hope for the change required? 11/14/13, 09:36 CST
Bob, That’s a good way of putting it. Our hope is in change. Thanks. Jim
Jim,
I agree your observations and comments are a good dose of reality, not pessimistic. Whenever you give expression to the prophetic voice, you run the risk, as you well know, of being labeled a pessimist or doomsayer just as the prophets of old.
In the light of many preachers and churches who’ve sold out on that radical political figure, Jesus, and his core message, it’s no wonder many folks go to church to feel better and have their comfort- able lifestyles confirmed. Same with America. Here too the prophetic voice is hardly heard, much less expressed even in a whisper. If it is used to tell people what they need to hear, about the problems of social injustice in our world or the consequences of climate change., it’s either ignored, or tuned out, or made into a joke, or converted into a political slogan to throw good politicians out of office.
It’s unfortunate. And it’s unfortunate people don’t see resolving problems of social injustice and climate change–if it’s still possible to reverse the course we’re on–will make us feel better about ourselves, our nation and the world in a healthy and wholesome way. But it is what it is. So stay the course.
Walt, I think you said it better than I did.
Jim,
Thank you! Perhaps this time. However, I find you to be an excellent writer and speaker. You have very good insight into the core message of Jesus and other world religions. You have the ability to cut through all the crap the church layered on Jesus’ message, as best as we can understand it, to lay bare “truth” for us and challenge us to face it. Sometimes such “truth” is comforting but more often painful. Yet, as you know, I, and we, grow more through pain, mistakes and failures than we do through comfort.
Also, Jim, I find your messages challenging and refreshing. They’re like a breathe of fresh air in face of the pablum often offered by preachers in our day. Far too many today seek to soothe, tell folks what they want to hear not what they need to hear. and align themselves with the religion of the American way of life to increase membership and maintain the palatial palaces many have created. You are one of few preachers I find today who are willing to put themselves “on the line” as Ron Heifetz would say. You are one of the few who have the courage and integrity to retain the prophetic voice while presenting us with the richness of Biblical literature, including the core message of Jesus re: inclusive love and his incredible concern for the poor and powerless. So I’m grateful for your insights and messages, with the latter often containing the prophetic voice. Thank you!
Walt, thank you. I feel very fortunate to be able to share these conversations with such kind and smart people.