My most recent blog post referencing Black Lives Matter elicited quite a response on Facebook. It was interesting to read the comments of others – many of which were very thoughtful but most of which missed the point entirely. My interest is in how religion intersects with life in all its big, bold reality. Those who commented on the post certainly demonstrated that racial discord is on everyone’s mind. I appreciate those who shared their thoughts.
But here’s the rub. Yes, we ALL know how bad things are and everyone has an opinion about the racial turmoil reverberating throughout the land. But what is the Church – your church – my church – your pastor – my pastor – your faith – my faith – doing about it? How is the Gospel being proclaimed in a world that’s tearing itself apart?
The simple answer is, “It’s not.”
At least, not much.
I gag whenever I watch a church service on TV. Have you ever heard Joel Osteen preach about the sin of racism and the economic and other injustices that come with it? Or is he more about how you can be a happy-go-lucky positive person through faith in Jesus? And what about John Hagee and the other doomsdayers out there? They point to racial unrest and all the associated violence as signs that the Rapture is near and – thank God – all us good Christians will soon be evacuated from this awful world.
And then there’s YOUR church, if you have one.
Anything on race coming out of the pulpit? Any special classes or discussions about how Christians can be a balm in the Gilead of racial hatred? Any social justice committees working on ways to address legislative bodies that might be able to affect change in the economic collapse that has hurt black people more than any other ethnic grouping of people? Any outreach to form a relationship with another congregation whose members are not “like us”?
My daughter – whose own musings on these kinds of issues are very wise – made this observation:
So I haven’t been the best churchgoer through the summer but just so happens we’re getting ready to start a whole series where our ministers will be answering our Bible questions. So I am now that parishioner to ask the difficult questions. I have been saying for a while we needed to stop pointing fingers and start talking to each other, but how/where do you begin to make a difference?
I think asking that very question: “…how/where do you begin to make a difference?” – is the very first question we should ask of ourselves, our churches and our pastors.
Why not ask your pastor a question like that this week?
“How can WE make a difference?”
I find there are some who do not want to hear about race, racism, #Black Lives Matter-the movement from the pulpit. They feel it is “too political” is the criticism I have heard. I do it anyway but am keenly aware of just how uncomfortable this important issue is to some.
For myself, I do not believe Church is a place to come (or see on TV or Social Media) to be solely content, peaceful or made to feel good. Certainly that is not the model we received in the scriptures about Jesus’ Church. Rather the call to gather at church is to point out and talk freely about inequities in our global society that can be made better if we practice love (agape), respect and inclusion of people who walk different paths. We worship God through the example of the life of Jesus the Christ, right? Jesus was not a comedian (though funny sometimes) nor did he place a lot of stock on being the most popular preacher in town. Jesus, from what I understand wanted justice for folks in need and for us to experience the presence of God in our lives. Together.
Beautifully said, Carla. And people should know that Greendale Peoples Church has had a longstanding friendship with Peoples Community Church in New York. Being “together” overcomes a lot of barriers and creates deeper understanding. Yay Pastor Carla and Greendale!