Non-Violent Resistance: Standing Fast and Going the Extra Mile

: You have knowledge that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say to you, Do not make use of force against an evil man; but to him who gives you a blow on the right side of your face let the left be turned. And if any man goes to law with you and takes away your coat, do not keep back your robe from him. And whoever makes you go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who comes with a request, and keep not your property from him who would for a time make use of it. (Matt. 5:38-42; Bible in Basic English)

I have had the privilege over the past few weeks, along with a group of others, to spend time with Dr. James Lawson, one of the great minds and heroes of the world. Recently Dr. Lawson challenged each of us to come up with a definition of Non-Violence for ourselves. He used as a text the words of Jesus found written in Matthew noted above. Here is my feeble attempt.

First of all when I look at this text I see, what seems to me, a great amount of strength is required to be non-violent. I say this because the goal of non-violence, as Dr. Lawson has explained it, is not simply the absence of violence but the transformation of the one committing the violence. The goal is a transformation in outlook, and attitude. The practitioner of non-violence must see him/herself as being the catalyst for the antagonist's conversion. The Apostle Paul articulated it this way:

"Don't mistreat someone who has mistreated you. But try to earn the respect of others, ¹⁸and do your best to live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹Dear friends, don't try to get even. Let God take revenge. In the Scriptures the Lord says, 'I am the one to take revenge and pay them back.' The Scriptures also say, 'If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat. And if they are thirsty,  give them something to drink. This will be the same as piling burning coals on their heads.' Don't let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good." (Rom. 12:20-21, CEV)

Having the ability to not retaliate in kind, to not try to get even, takes a great amount of strength in and of itself. It requires a degree of restraint that we do not often see or possess. What Jesus, Paul, and Dr. Lawson are talking about here is more than restraint, more than just passivism, or even pacifism. These men are challenging us to see our oppressor, that person or group that mistreats us, as needing redemption just as we do, and to see ourselves as the vehicle through which the epiphany takes place.

Non-violence has, at it's core, a genuine concern for the well-being of all persons. It sees all people as created by God, all possessing the "imago dei", and failing to perfectly reflect the image of God in which they are created. Non-violence stubbornly refuses to relinquish compassion, refuses to allow itself to become inhuman by acting in inhumane ways on inhumane thoughts.

This is how the practitioner of non-violence becomes the catalyst for change. When an individual or system imposes it's will in an attempt to force you to be complicit in acts of inhumanity non-violence takes the advantage, refusing to be moved, not striking back when struck, going the extra mile, caring for the needs of it's enemies, eventually, over time, "defeating the evil with the good".

Make A Difference . . . . . . . . For Life ! !

 

I’m Excited!

 
 

"asking all those who believe that pray can change things to pray for the exceeding unemployment rate. people are losing their jobs on a consistent bases but God is still Jehovah-jireh and he still has the ability to provide so for those who are unemployed don't give up God is still in control there is nothing to hard for God. "all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called to his purpose'" – Facebook status for Brian Cash

 

Brian posted this on facebook several weeks ago and I told him that I would be blogging about it. Brian is a colleague of mine at American Baptist College in Nashville Tennessee. An interesting phenomenon has been taking place on the campus this semester. More and more of the new "pastors" at the school are waking up to the reality that what is required in ministry is both prayer and action. By action I mean social action.

It is exciting to see this young pastor already grasping the connection between the God of heaven and the pain and suffering of God's creation here on earth. It is encouraging to see that he, along with others of my colleagues at ABC are understanding that, while God is concerned with your eternal security, He is not happy with the injustice, greed, cruelty, selfishness, inhumanity, and violence we inflict on each other on a daily basis. Not only is He not pleased He is taking action. The exciting change that is taking place is that we are recognizing that God acts with and through us!

It is us who must stand up for what is just and fair. It is us who must decide to call Presidents, senators, and congressional representatives, to account. It is us who must be the conscience of our society, and speak truth to power. It is us who must challenge the Sunday school classes, Bible study classes, and congregations we pastor to be vocal and active partners with God. Brian has been out there, battling for healthcare reform. He understands that a person's health is not a commodity to be bought and sold; valued by a number on the bottom line. He is not alone. There are others. A transformation is taking shape.

And I, for one, am excited!

 

Read the Dang Book!

A few weeks ago, I found myself standing on the steps of the Municipal Courthouse here in Nashville Tennessee. Inside the Nashville Davidson metro council meeting was about to begin. As it happened I was standing next to one of the council members, (who shall remain nameless) and he was approached by a gentleman who introduced himself as the pastor of a church belonging to a Christian denomination in Davidson County.

One of the issues on the agenda was a vote on a bill that would prevent the metro government from firing anyone based on their sexual orientation. First, let us be clear about the bill. The bill is a protection of the right to work for all, including those who are in same sex relationships or who prefer, for whatever reason, same sex relationships. The pastor wanted the council member to join in opposition to, and vote against passage of that bill. To his credit, the council member calmly and firmly let the pastor know that he would indeed vote in favor of the bill. Seeing that the council member was not going to waiver in his support of the bill, the pastor finally asked the council member if he would agree that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for homosexuality. I do not know if the council member is a theologian, a serious Bible student, or just someone with a keen sense of justice but he did not fall for the old Sunday school cliché. Out of respect for the fact that I was not an invited part of the conversation, I held my peace.

Nothing is more egregious to me than when someone uses the Bible as the basis for a position that is exactly the opposite of what the book is about! It pains me when people try to use God's Word, as I believe the Bible is, to justify oppression, bigotry, intolerance, and discrimination. Today, in pulpits throughout Metro-Davidson County, this kind of message is being preached and taught. It was not long ago that some of these same pulpits preached that Blacks "bore the mark of Cain", and not long before that, "slaves obey your masters". The problem is that all too many just do not read the dang Book!

So what does the book say? The Book says, "The LORD said, "Abraham, I have heard that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah are doing all kinds of evil things." (Gen. 18:20) Note the book says ALL kinds of evil things, not specific evil things but ALL kinds. What this means is that the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was not because of any one specific thing, but all kinds of evil things. Now I know that Jude writes, "We should also be warned by what happened to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and the nearby towns. Their people became immoral and did all sorts of sexual sins." However, Jude's words do not single out homosexuality. Rape is a sexual sin. The only indication of homosexuality in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah is in the account of the men who visited Lot. If we say that this account is what proved they were homosexuals and thus were destroyed by God, then what if they had accepted Lot's offer of his daughters? If they had gone ahead and raped Lot's daughters, would that have been ok? Would God have not destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah still?

When you read the Book you understand that what really pissed God off was a cowardly pack of people trying to use intimidation and fear to take advantage of someone they perceived to be powerless. That is why later on in the Book God says to his own people in Jeremiah, "And you prophets in Jerusalem are even worse. You're unfaithful in marriage and never tell the truth. You even lead others to sin instead of helping them turn back to me. You and the people of Jerusalem are evil like Sodom and Gomorrah."(Jer. 23:14) Again in Ezekiel " As surely as I am the living LORD God, the people of Sodom and its nearby villages were never as sinful as you. They were arrogant and spoiled; they had everything they needed and still refused to help the poor and needy." (Ezek. 16:48, 49)

What I really wish, however, is that my so-called Christian brothers and sisters, especially those who lead congregations, would just take a moment or two just to think through what they are saying. Take the time to read the Book with a heart of compassion, and not eyes of condemnation. Stand for the truth of the Book. Stand for integrity, honor. Build people up not tear them down. Have the courage to stand for right, and righteousness alone if necessary. Don't settle for being a part of the Sodomite mob.

Make A Difference . . . . . For Life.

History, Who’s Story, Our Story

Facts are not history. History is the events that occur with relation to the facts. This is why we can speak of different "versions" of history. Facts are highly subjective. What becomes, or is established as, fact is based solely on what can be agreed upon. History then is subject to the facts, which is in turn subject to agreement, which is in turn subject to a whole host of variables, not the least of which is, who is doing the agreeing.

In a jury trial, the facts may lead a jury to conclude that someone committed a crime and thus convict that person. Once convicted that person is said to have a criminal history. The facts of the case became "facts" because, for whatever reason, the jury agreed with the prosecution. If the jury finds the person not guilty it is because they did not agree with what was presented as "fact" by the prosecution, or they agreed with a different set of facts presented by the defense. In either case, so much of history is personal.

In 1960 in Nashville, and across the nation, Jim Crow in one form or another was the status quo. Students from what are now American Baptist College and Fisk University, under the training Rev. James Lawson and Rev. Kelly Miller Smith, lead the struggle to change the status quo. The facts can be agreed upon because they are provable. The history, however, can be entirely different depending on who is telling the story. Conservative, oppressive, supporters of the status quo of the time would tell a story of rabble-rousers, impatient negroes who insisted on change now rather than being patient and allowing change to come in its own time. Some, who would profess a knowledge of, and a relationship with the Christ of Christendom would tell a version of history that portrays a group of theology students who, though perhaps well intended, had lost their way spiritually and become overcome by the "cares of this world". "It was not the place of religion to get involved in political affairs," they would say. Progressive, supporters of justice and equality would tell a story of courageous young men and women who joined together and offered their very bodies for the cause of progress and justice.

Today there is almost unanimous agreement in this country that the current healthcare system does not work (fact). Nearly 50 years after these young students, future religious, community, business, and political leaders decided that is was not only their time, but their responsibility to act; people of faith still struggle with the question of whether or not to get involved. Too many of our religious leaders are content to emphasize the vertical relationship between God and man. They want to make sure that we know that "I" am blessed and highly favored; God's got my back; if my breakthrough hasn't come yet . . . it is coming! Enlarge my territory, bless me indeed! This malady afflicts not only popular, well-known prosperity preachers. All too many of our local churches, and aspiring young ministers are afflicted by the "not my place, not my fight" theology that attempts to separate the sacred from the secular.

Those of us who profess faith in the God of the Judeo-Christian tradition must ask the question, "Do I believe in the creation story?" If we believe in the creation story, then we have to believe that the secular cannot be separated from the sacred because from the very start, the secular is created by the sacred! If we believe in the God of the Judeo-Christian tradition then we believe that everything (including the government) exists by His power and permission. Thus, not only can the secular not be separated from the sacred, but also it is in fact subject to the sacred. If then we truly believe we are who we say we are; if we really believe we are each the imago dei; if we truly believe that we are corporately the Corpus Christi; then it is not only right for us to act, it is our responsibility to act. This is our place. This is our struggle. "
We live in this world, but we don't act like its people ⁴or fight our battles with the weapons of this world. Instead, we use God's power that can destroy fortresses. We destroy arguments ⁵and every bit of pride that keeps anyone from knowing God. . ." (2 Cor. 10:3-5, CEV)

That is the history of those students in 1960 Nashville. The question of our day is, "what history will we make?" Will we stand by and do nothing, say this is not our concern, not our struggle? On the other hand, will we act; will we get involved and make our voices heard? We make history everyday. The question is what history will we choose to make today? To not decide is to decide.

 

Make Difference . . . For Life!!

Know Your Role!

I spent last week in Maine organizing in support of healthcare reform. If you have been following this blog you know that healthcare is an issue I am particularly interested in. This week I want to talk a bit about something else. I want to talk about something that happened to two of my friends. I had a great time in Maine and met some wonderful people, all of whom I am not ashamed to call friends, and I hope they feel the same way.

One night at dinner one of my new found friends told us that she had a problem with the church because they had rejected her because she had gotten a divorce. I was reminded of a friend of my parents who was a great teacher in a "Christian" school. She too was rejected and was fired when she got a divorce. What pains me about these instances is the fact that both of these women are really wonderful, caring, individuals, who love the people of God just the way Jesus loves them; and yet someone chose to use "religiosity" to reject and exclude.

Those of us who put on the mantle of "Christian" must be very careful not to use the Bible as a tool to hurt and abuse. Far too often we take on responsibilities that have clearly not been given to us, and for good reason. Jesus says clearly that it is not for us to decide sheep or goat status, wheat or tares. We are not adequate judges. The people of Jesus' time illustrate for us why we are not fit to judge who is approved or who is not. Time and time again Jesus had to point out that the religious leaders of the day were so focused on the letter of the law that they missed entirely, the spirit of the law. That is why Jesus could say to the woman whom the self-righteous religionists tried to shame and embarrass, "go your way".

Jesus uses the Sermon on the Mount to highlight the contrast between just superficially keeping the letter of the law, and actually living in the spirit of the law. Jesus is more concerned that we build real lasting loving relationships, especially in our marriages. Legalists (keepers of the letter of the law) somehow think that because you get a divorce you are a bad person; but if you stay married to your spouse and abuse or neglect them physically, verbally, or emotionally that's ok. You can stay as long as you are not "divorced".

When we use the scriptures to accuse, and exclude it is anti-Christ. Christ breaks down the whole law and the prophets for us in a nutshell; LOVE! Does our treatment of others, especially those inside the church, reflect love? Jesus says that following the Law can be broken down into to simple commands, 1) Love God with all you've got, and 2) Love your neighbor (that's everybody else) as you do yourself. Everything else rests on these. Love, then, is the law's fulfillment.

Knowing these two women as I do, I can say that in this they are more "Christian" than the so-called "Christians" who tried to reject and exclude them. I have seen first hand how these women love God and put into action their love for neighbor as self. These are the true Christians regardless of what "the church" might say. One who could have stayed at her desk job, she did not have to leave the comfort of her surroundings to go walk miles knocking on doors, running errands, making signs, all to help others get healthcare that she already has. She didn't have to but the love of God and for neighbor would not let her NOT do it. The other a well qualified teacher, who could easily have landed a teaching position anywhere, and at better pay, made a conscious choice and sacrifice to teach in a "Christian" school. Her primary interest was not in self but in helping others. These are the marks of true Christianity.

We love God when we keep his commandments, his commandments are summed up in, and rest on love. Let us love not in word only, but in deed and truth.

Make A Difference . . . . . . For Life ! ! ! ! !

What Is The Point?

Recently I read an article (Bishop Jakes counsels patience in economic 'sorrows') that concluded with one of my favorite passages of scripture; John 10:10, the one quoted in the title of this site. The article was an interview with “Bishop” T.D. Jakes. There were several issues discussed in this interview on which I would like to weigh in. In the interest of time and space, I will limit my comments to only one area: wealth.

I would like to take this opportunity to consider the following exchange from the article:

Q. So there's no contradiction in being a rich Christian?

A. "You're going to have Christians who are successful and Christians who are not. Just like you have Muslims who are successful and Muslims who are not. We're not a monolith. There are so many factors besides whether someone is Christian. Are you educated? Are you entrepreneurial?"

It is unfortunate, almost to the point of being tragic, that the “Bishop”, with over 30,000 members, does not take the opportunity to emphasize that success for a Christian is totally different than success as the “world” (our society) sees it. This would be an opportunity for the Bishop to let it be known that the point and purpose of the gospel story so not about personal, property, prestige, or power; that being a Christian who is successful is not about your education, or being “entrepreneurial”.

Personal prosperity is not God’s primary concern. I know that might be uncomfortable for some, and it might sound like I am saying that God does not care. I am not saying that God does not care. What I am saying is that the God that informs my worldview is the same God that the “Bishop” quotes (loosely) when he says in the interview, “Christ came into the world that we might have life and that we might have it more abundantly.” That God is the God of whom I speak. The abundant life that He speaks of is not one of personal prosperity. God is not concerned with increasing the size of our wallets, our bank accounts, or the number of our material possessions. The abundant life is not about getting closer to the 1% of the population that controls 80% of the wealth. God is not interested in making you a successful part of a greedy and selfish society that seeks profit for profit’s sake.

Bishop T.D. Jakes is basically saying that this thing about God is personal. People have their own personal issues in their lives and the church’s role is to deal with those personal issues. The church should be a place where I can come and get hope and healing for my personal situation, where I can find relationship with God and he will fix me. I will be blessed and highly favored of the Lord.

When we approach our relationship with god in this way we miss what god is doing in the world. God has always been active in the history of the world. He has put himself on record as taking a stand against injustice, oppression, greed, and dishonesty among other things. When we come to God as the healer of our troubles and the fixer of our problems, we simply come asking what God can do for us. In so doing we miss the other side of the coin, what we can do for God.

To be sure, God does heal, and save; he brings us out of situations, and changes our lives. However, the real transformation is an inside job. The change is an internal one. Thus, Jesus can say, “You must be born again” something different, someone different, must be created in you. Hence, the apostle writes, “If anyone be in Christ he [she] is a new creature”. This internal change brings with it a challenge, the challenge of the announcement of Jesus, the law in a nutshell.

Now I know you are asking, "What the . . . .?"

Consider this: “So he tried to test Jesus by asking, ’Teacher, what is the most important commandment in the Law?’ Jesus answered: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets [c] are based on these two commandments.” (Matt. 22:35-40)

This is the Law in a nutshell. Love God with all you’ve got, AND love your neighbor as yourself. This is the Law that Jesus came “not to destroy, but to fulfill”. It is in living out this law to the best of our ability that we prove ourselves disciples of Christ. This is the law of the kingdom, that kingdom that we pray for "on earth, as in heaven". When we become a part of this new family we are challenged; not to just take our blessings and squirrel them away, we are challenged to act, to move, to care, and to share.

Bishop Jakes may say that people “come to church to be uplifted, not enlisted.” I say that Jesus draws us to himself to be uplifted AND enlisted. He calls us to step up, reach out, join Him and . . . .

MAKE A DIFFERENCE . . . . . FOR LIFE!!

I Plead the Pledge

I attended a rally for healthcare last Thursday (Health-care rally hits Nashville rush hour). This was not the first of such rallies I have attended. What was different about this one for me was the presence of a small, but vocal, opposition. As both groups where side-by-side on the same side of the street it was easy for me to be standing right next to some from the opposition. For about 90 minutes, we held up signs, chanted slogans, and encouraged passing vehicles to honk their support for our opposing positions. What was most interesting, and encouraging to me was the fact that during that time those of us who where the closest to the opposite group engaged in conversation.

I was engaged in a dialogue with a young man named Eric, from Alabama. In the course of conversation, Eric came to agree that the status quo is not acceptable, and that government regulation is needed. I was excited and pleased that we could carry on civil engagement. One theme however, that continually ran through the conversation was the idea of personal responsibility to the community. Repeatedly this young man kept saying to me, "I don't want to have to pay for someone else's healthcare."

Let us put aside, for a moment, the fact that we are already paying for other people's healthcare, in the form of higher insurance premiums and insurance fraud on the part of doctors and hospitals. Put aside the argument, and a good one, that we pay for other peoples police protection, fire protection, we pay for the healthcare of police officers, firefighters, all government employees, as well as the military, all elected officials, and all the people currently in prison. Forget the fact that we currently pay for the healthcare of the elderly and those with incomes below the federal poverty level. All these are great arguments for a healthcare policy that ensures that every citizen has access to affordable quality care. Nevertheless, I don't want to go there!

I want to go with my flag waving, patriotic, freedom loving, "give me liberty or give me death", tea bagging, anti-healthcare reform, fellow citizens to the Pledge of Allegiance. "I pledge allegiance to the flag . . . and to the republic . . . one nation under God. I will argue that if this country claims to be a godly nation, indeed "one nation under God", then it has an obligation to affirm the humanity and worth of every one of its citizens.

These words, "one nation", are about community. They are about the "E Pluribus Unum", (from many, one). Living out the true meaning of these words is the strength of our community, and our nation. One nation, not individual fiefdoms, one nation; not separate groups of Republicans and Democrats, one nation; not white, black, red, brown, and yellow, one nation; not liberal and conservative, gay and straight, one nation. "One nation under God", if we really live it, not just say it, we will find our strength. We will find community. We will find the willingness to care, and to share.

When we actually live these words, "one nation under God", we will begin to operate in God's economy and not in "Trickle Down" economics. When we live these words, "one nation under God" we operate in an economy and indeed a value system that places people ahead of property. "One nation under God" means I AM my brother's keeper, I am the Good Samaritan. One nation under God means when you hurt, I hurt. One nation under God means "I" can't but "we" can. One nation under God means your health matters to me. It means we are in this together.

In the debate over healthcare reform in this country . . . I plead the pledge.

Make A difference . . . . For Life!!!

At Least He Told The Truth

I read a report online at Tennessean.com about a meeting at a church in Madison, TN last week. The report (entitled Alter Call Confronts Worries of Christian Conservatives) described the meeting as an "old-fashioned God and country revival". The report goes on to note that there was an alter call at this meeting. "But", the article says, "the 600 or so Christian conservatives gathered for "A Call to Arms," organized by talk show host Ralph Bristol, weren't asked to give their heart to Jesus. Instead, they were asked to sign up for conservative causes like the Tea Party Nation and the Eagle Forum, and to donate to charities like the Nashville Rescue Mission. The report quote's one attendee as saying, ""Tonight we are doing a different kind of altar call," he said. "Tonight's altar call is not for God. It's for country."

Now, before we begin to wag our heads and recall the words of the old school hip-hop song, "things that make you say hmmm", I would like to recognize that at least this man told the truth. For once someone from the fear mongering, exclusionary, radically reactionary, anti-Christ, right wing told the truth. It is not about God, it's about country. The agenda of the organizers of this meeting where not at all concerned with the principles of justice, equality, and true peace. Their interests are in maintaining the status quo, and in today's political climate that means continuing the regression toward a society as divided as it was before the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Nashville sit-ins, and the march on Washington. Their agenda was not for the dismantling of unjust laws and sentencing guidelines that inequitably target poor and minority populations. No, that would be God saying, "Make sure that the poor receive equal justice in court" (Ex. 23:6, CEV). Their agenda is one of fear and antagonism towards non-citizens of this country using half truths and innuendo. God's agenda on the other hand is, "Do not mistreat or abuse foreigners who live among you. Remember, you were foreigners . . .." (Ex. 22:21, CEV). So when this person said it's, "not for God. It's for country." If nothing else, the first part was true.

Unfortunately in all too many pulpits in the Bible Belt including here in Nashville not enough is being said to combat this erroneous teaching. Too many Christians are being fooled into believing that because someone throws out a word about "family values", or ties someone or group with another religion that that person is on the side of right and righteousness. Just as "freedom is not free", so too truly serving Jesus, and being yoked up with him is not simple. It is a challenge. If we are to be truly on the side of right and righteousness, then we cannot simply turn our backs on individuals or groups. Jesus challenges us to be proactive, "Treat others as you want them to treat you." (Mt. 7:12, CEV) This present tense proactive, this is not a statement of reaction, but of action! The challenge for those who would be on the side of right and righteousness is to apply this 'Golden Rule' as it was given; without qualification.

The command to "treat others the way you want them to treat you" is not limited. It is not limited to just the people you like, or just the people who like you. It is not limited to the people who go to your church, or those in your denomination. Notice that Jesus just left it open like that. He gave us this very simple rule to live by yet we find it so hard to do. Before we throw our energy into any "cause", or support any political position, maybe we should take a moment to hold it up to that measure, 'does this reflect treating others the way I want to be treated?'

Honest answers to this question will enable us to move in a more Christ-centered direction and

Make A Difference . . . . . . . For Life

Yes Mr. Cooper, “It is a moral imperative.”

Tennessee Congressman Jim Cooper wrote an editorial in the Tennessean newspaper the other day explaining why he feels compelled to vote a "Reluctant No" to the healthcare reform bill, H.R. 3200. While the overwhelming response to the congressman's editorial are opposed to his position, and I agree with most of them, I would like to use this space to talk a bit about the five words in the editorial that I most agree with. "It is a moral imperative"

How immoral is it to say to 46 million people without any healthcare coverage at all, and another 50 million who are under covered (which means they have some type of health insurance but cannot afford to actually need to use it) " I know you need help . . . just wait". How immoral is it that this government, is willing to go into debt and move immediately to provide assistance to failing financial institutions, and automotive manufacturers, yet when it comes to helping almost 100 million citizens it wants to say, "we cannot afford it."

The founding document of this nation, The Declaration of Independence, states that this government is founded on the principle "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." The document goes on to say that, "to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men . . ." So there we have it! The very founding document of the United States says that the reason for the existence of the this government, the reason Jim Cooper's job as U.S. Congressman was created is to secure men and women's God given rights. The question then becomes, "is access to quality healthcare a right or not?" If it is not a right, then the ability to go to a doctor and receive the best available care when you are sick or injured is a privilege. If it is a privilege then it is reserved for the privileged. If it is reserved for the privileged then our current system of providing healthcare needs no reform. If, on the other hand, quality healthcare is a right then there is much to be done and government has a responsibility to do it.

I would argue that healthcare is a right. It is included in the Declaration when it talks about having a God given, unalienable right to life. Here is where I would expect to have the cooperation of the Moral Majority, the Christian Coalition, and even the newly formed, Faith and Freedom Network. If good health is a God given right then the purpose of government is not to debate its economic impact, but simply to "secure" it. When Thomas Jefferson wrote these words he intentionally used the word 'secure' and not 'procure'. Jefferson was talking about God given rights; unalienable rights; rights that each person has at birth, by the very fact of their birth, rights that are unalienable; they cannot be denied or limited. In other words the right to life in its fullest is already given, each person already possess it. That right does not need to be procured. The responsibility of government is to "secure" it, to keep it safe.

Our current healthcare system is little more than Jim Crow. The difference is that people are denied services not based on color or race, but because of economic station and political privilege. Those who oppose healthcare reform now are not unlike those who opposed the dismantling of Jim Crow. The words are almost exactly the same. "We know the way it is isn't right. We agree with you and really want change too. Just not right now." To this we say like, Congressman John Lewis said over 40 years ago to those in Nashville who wanted to change Jim Crow "but just not now". "If not now, when?" If history has taught us anything, it has taught us that,

"Somewhere we must come to see that human progress never rolls in on the wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless efforts and the persistent work of dedicated individuals who are willing to be coworkers with God . . . it is our experience that the nation doesn't move around questions of genuine equality for the poor . . . until it is confronted massively, dramatically in terms of direct action." – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The reality of course is that the difference between what can and cannot be done is most often a matter of will more than any other single factor. When Congress (including Congressman Cooper) has the will to act morally, change will come. History has taught us that this will not happen until we, the people of the United States of America, make it happen. History has further taught us that it is those of us who have been touched by the teachings of Jesus, rather than just the teachings 'about' Jesus, who must take the lead, consider it, confer, and speak up!

When we do this, we fulfill our responsibility not just to be unspotted by the world but to leave our mark on it and . . .

Make A Difference . . . For Life!!

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A Brief Consideration of the Word: “From”

The English word, 'from', is a preposition. It denotes separation, as in "get away from me. Stay away from there. The word can also denote origin, as in "I am from Philadelphia" or, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Related to origin, the word from has also been used to indicate causation, as in, "that stain is from ketchup", or "the fermentation comes from the leaven." This being the case I wonder what Jesus' little brother James meant when he wrote, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27, NKJV)

I believe some see James' words here as a warning to the church to be separate from the world. Some take this along with James' later words that "Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (James 4:4, NKJV) and use it to argue that Christians should have no part in the affairs of this world. This demonstrates, they believe, that Christians are to be separate from "secular" cares and issues of the world. This has resulted in a worldview that attempts to separate the spiritual realm from the physical realm. The silence of many of our churches on the pressing issues of the day would seem to suggest that this is indeed, how they feel. How often do we come across "blessed and highly favored" Christians who are non-committal when it comes to taking a stand against poverty and the oppressive systems that perpetuate it.

Many see this as a call to personal piety, a challenge to live a sinless life. They see James words here as calling Christians to stay away from the defiling practices of the world. We should be beyond reproach in our speech and action. Some would say that we are to be so pure as to be unassailable even by the very world we would not have as friends. We are to be beyond reproach! While I believe that these understandings of James' words make it easy for Christians to live peacefully in an oppressive and unjust society, I have a different understanding of what the Lord's brother is saying to the church.

What James is really calling the church to do is not be separate but different. James is saying in essence, "Don't let the world put its mark on you". Pleasing God is not about the tongues you speak in, it is not about the buildings you build, it is not about, "enlarging my territory", or just being concerned about my own small little world. Pleasing God is about living in this world like those who know and follow the one who "resists the proud". The religion that pleases God, that form of worship is not about three services on Sunday, or waiting for your "breakthrough". James' admonition is not to let this world's materialism, and classism creep into your churches and your theology. Do not let the world put its mark on you!

James actually challenges us to put our mark on the world. James calls us to action, to look after, to be proactive in helping the poor, the disadvantaged, and the disenfranchised. James challenges Christians to see these people not as "them" but as "us". The challenge for those who really want to please God is to do more than just sing Zion's songs, and shout, and be "slain in the spirit". Our challenge is to act, our challenge is not only to be unspotted by the world, but to leave our mark on it. It is no wonder then why James makes his great argument about faith without works being dead.

No the word "from" is not about separation here. It is about action, it is about standing up to the status quo and being willing to reach out and

Make A Difference . . . . For Life.

W.W.J.D.? Ask The Good Samaritan!

I took some time out of my day today to attend a rally for Healthcare Reform in Nashville at the offices of Tennessee’s two U.S. senators. Among the many posters and hand bills there was one that had the now familiar letters WWJD, “What Would Jesus Do?” Well for those of us who claim to carry the name of Christ that is a pertinent question. If we are to truly follow in the footsteps of the master, it behooves us to know, “What Would Jesus Do”. For the answer, we can look to Jesus’ own words in the parable of the Good Samaritan.

No doubt you know the story, but let me summarize. A man is on a trip and gets robbed and injured in the robbery. A preacher and a deacon each pass him by without offering to help at all. A third person, totally unrelated to the injured man, comes by and immediately offers assistance, takes the man to get medical attention, and assumes financial responsibility for his care. When it comes to the battle over healthcare reform Christians can draw much from this parable.

First, we cannot ignore the issue. We can not simply go on with our everyday lives, seeing what is going on and doing nothing. The two in this parable do just that. They walked past the injured man. Jesus challenges all of us who say that we belong to him, that we follow him, not to turn a blind eye. We can not just go on with our daily routines as if there are not issues that need our attention. Few of us today hear this story without shaking our heads at this preacher and asking, “How could he just walk right past the man and not do anything?” Yet how many of us are just too busy, have something else to do, or are just really not all that concerned about 46 million people who can’t go see a doctor for regular checkups, have no primary care physician, and are at the bottom of the healthcare service ladder. How easy is it for us to go to church on Sunday for a few hours and then spend the rest of our week focused solely on our own little world? Do we allow ourselves to get so caught up in praise, that we forget to serve?

Second, we cannot avoid the issue. If we shake our head at the preacher who walks by the man, we are down right indignant at the deacon who sees the man and crosses to the other side of the road, attempting to create some space between himself and the man’s need. Do we do that? Do we create space between ourselves and the needs of our fellow human beings by attempting to separate the spiritual and the secular? When we suggest that “as Christians” we should not be involved in “secular” matters we say to our fellow humans, “Our God cares about your soul, but your body belongs to the government, or your boss, or the insurance companies, or whoever.” We cannot separate ourselves from the great issues of justice, equality, and civility that face us as a nation during these historic times. We cannot cross to the other side of the road and create a divide between ourselves and the needs of society. If we are Christ’s then we are the conscience of our community, our city, our state, and our nation. There is simply no avoiding it! 50 million people in this country work and pay for healthcare and yet still cannot afford to get sick!

Finally, we must be proactive, the parable does not say that the Samaritan responded to a plea for help. Rather it says that he saw the man and went to him, he was proactive, he saw the need and was moved by the spirit of compassion within him to act. It is that same initiative, motivated by Christian compassion that should move us to reach to our fellows, put our shoulders to the yoke, and work together to the bringing down of strongholds.

As we follow to the example of the Good Samaritan when looking for the answer to the question, “What Would Jesus Do?” we evangelize in ways words alone could not fully do. We demonstrate, in a tangible way, that we serve a God that is loving, caring, and actively involved in the affairs of humankind on the side of justice, equality, and peace.

That is how we Make A Difference . . . For Life!!!

Get In The Game

Another news article came to my attention today. This one is from The Tennessean, Nashville's local daily newspaper. "New gay rights push targets Metro Nashville policies" is the article and link if you are interested. The article is about an "ordinance being discussed [that] would be limited to protecting Metro employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity." After reading the article I went through the comments. Several people identifying themselves as Christian voiced their opposition to the measure based on the moral authority of the Bible. It truly pains me to see the name of Christ, and the Bible used in this way. My comment was this:

"The issue here is that people who are in same sex relationships should not be discriminated against for that reason. We must be very careful when we call ourselves Christian in one breathe, and argue against fair treatment for all in the next. When we call ourselves Christian then we place ourselves on the side of the Christ. From that perspective, the perspective of Christ, we are challenged to view the world and the people in it, the way God sees them. The very words and actions of the Christ we follow encourage us to a more tolerant, loving and inclusive path. The Jesus of the gospels did not and would not diminish anyone's humanity, even pointing out that God makes the sun shine on both the just and the unjust. From the parable of the Good Samaritan, to healing lepers by actually touching them, a close reading of the Gospels will reveal a Jesus whose condemnatory remarks were for the religious conservatives of his day, who had turned God's spiritual honey into religious vinegar."

At issue in this debate is not the morality of homosexuality, simply the rights of these individuals as citizens, equal citizens, of the city of Nashville. That is not to say that Christians should be uninvolved. We are not suggesting that because this is not a debate about personal morality and practice we as Christians should not engage the debate. On the contrary Christians should be very much engaged in the debate! The debate, while not one of personal morality, is a moral debate none-the-less.

The debate is about the morality of the government, and by broader implication, of the society, and culture by which that government is made up. Will the government be inclusive, or selective? Will it live up to it's stated, and implied responsibility to protect and serve all of it's citizens or only some. Will it turn a blind eye toward alienation, and disenfranchisement? Or, will it turn a deaf ear to calls for treatment based on judgementalism, prejudice, and misguided religious fervor? In this debate Christians must not only be involved but must take the lead!

It is our duty to follow in the footsteps of the Master, to speak truth to power, even if that truth is an uncomfortable one. We cannot sit by quietly, or even worse yet take sides with the very same "powers and principalities" that the Master decried in days when he walked this earth in bodily form. We, who believe in a risen, living Jesus, must be willing to be yoked up with Him in the battle for justice and equality for all.

Our position and responsibility as Christians is clear, we cannot sit on the sidelines, we cannot support the status quo, we have to stand up for what is right from the viewpoint of the Christ we serve and in so doing . . .

Make A Difference . . . For Life!

What God Is He Talkin' 'bout?

I was checking my email the other day and I noticed an email in my inbox with the subject "DON'T BUY PEPSI IN THE NEW CAN!!" I was immediately concerned as I have noticed the new styling of the Pepsi logo and personally I think the change is refreshing. While I don't drink Pepsi often, I must confess that every now and then I do partake. That being the case, being one of the 46 million or so people in this country without any health insurance at all, I was naturally concerned that there was some new health scare surrounding the 'new can'.

Imagine my shock (and relief) to learn that the reason for the urgent alert not buy Pepsi in the new can was because the producers of Pepsi, to quote the email, "has a new 'patriotic' can coming out with pictures of the Empire State Building , and the Pledge of Allegiance on them. However, Pepsi left out two little words on the pledge, 'Under God.' Pepsi said they didn't want to offend anyone. " The email goes on to say, "So if we don't buy any Pepsi products, they will not be offended when they don't receive our money that has the words 'In God We Trust' on it." It is amazing to me how righteously indignant "patriotic" people become over words on a can, or printed on a piece of paper.

The question comes to mind, "What God?" What God is this person espousing who is more concerned with what is written on a piece of paper, or stamped(or not) on a metal can, than what is actually happening in the lives of people. Certainly not the God of the Bible. Not the God who judges the rich and powerful even of the very nation He called peculiarly His own. Hear the words of the prophet Micah. "Doomed! You're doomed! At night you lie in bed, making evil plans. And when morning comes, you do what you've planned because you have the power. You grab any field or house that you want; you cheat families out of homes and land. (Micah 2:1-2, CEV) " This is the response of the God of the biblical tradition. The God and father of the Christ we profess is not at all concerned with words on a can. Rather He is intimately concerned, and involved in how we live out His principles in our everyday lives.

The God of the Biblical tradition would have us not buy products of any business that pays it's CEO millions of dollars every year, yet lobby's against a living wage for the workers who actually produce the goods and provide the services. Don't buy? Not because the words "under God" are missing. Don't buy because the glass ceiling still exists for women and minorities. Don't buy because working conditions in third world sweatshops are not addressed and improved. Don't buy because prices are unnecessarily inflated producing record profits in a time of global economic crisis.

The question for those of us who profess to love the Lord is, "What God are we serving?" Are we serving a God who is simply content with lip service, words on a can, or printed on paper? Or are we serving a God who will stand against injustice, abuse of power, unethical business practices, and corporate immorality?

Take counsel, consider, and . . .

Make A Difference . . . For Life!!!

May I Suggest A Different Jesus?

So I read in the news the other day that the Southern Baptist Convention is "refocusing". The article (Southern Baptists Refocusing Membership) points to a decline in the membership numbers as the primary reason for the "refocusing". The article says that one of the things currently being considered is the conventions vocal stance on what it calls divisive political issues. The suggestion seems to be that the convention not be quite so vocal. I would like to suggest a different approach to the issue. I would like to suggest to the convention, not that it be any less vocal, but that it would just as vocally promote a different Jesus.

Whereas the Jesus of the convention has traditionally been exclusionary, condemnatory, and complicit with the culture of domination, oppression, and injustice; I suggest the Jesus of the Gospels. I suggest the Jesus who Himself says, "God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!" (John 3:16-17, CEV) I suggest a Jesus who is just that inclusive! EVERYONE inclusive! I suggest a Jesus whose very purpose is salvation and NOT condemnation.

I would suggest a Jesus that is vocal and involved in affirming the full humanity of all persons. A Jesus that would not have anyone's rights denied, or abridged regardless of their race, social standing, national origin, economic status, or even whom they choose to be their mate. I would suggest a Jesus who is not only welcoming, but who is comfortable with those who have long been considered unworthy, and "other", just as they are. I suggest a Jesus that is not afraid to break with tradition when is comes to traditional roles of women in society (including the church).

This Jesus, this inclusive, life affirming, and vocal Jesus, is the Jesus of the Gospels. This is the Jesus of John 3:16-17, and of the Great Commission. This is the Jesus that challenges us to take His yoke and,

Make A Difference . . . . For Life!!

The Silence Is Deafening

The silence is deafening. As the debate over healthcare reform in this country grows hotter, the silence from the organized church, those of us who say we follow the God of the Bible, is blowing me away! Why is it that we are leaving so much of the talking to the politicians, special interests, lobbyists, and the healthcare industry itself. What is really upsetting to me is that many of the voices that are being heard are those that pervert justice, morality, and ethics with their very words. When I hear people talking about being concerned about the "quality of care" or the "denial of services" as a reason for resistance to change I am reminded of the society Jesus found himself in when He walked this earth in the flesh. He described not the people, but the social, and religious system this way, " Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: " 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." (Mark 7:6, NIV) Jesus points out here that there is a disconnect between words and action. If we understand the biblical "heart" to be the seat of motivation, then there is not only a disconnect between the words and the action, but there is a disconnect between the words and the very MOTIVES!!

My daughter told me the other day that it is not easy being a Christian as a young person, but it is worth it! I agree. It's not easy to be a Christian young or old! Being Christian requires following in the footsteps of the Master. Speaking truth to the lies even of the powerful. It means challenging the powers and structures that be with the truth of the Gospel that speaks life for everyone to it's fullest. Being Christian requires articulating the reality that millions of people in this country are already being "denied services" because their insurance has reached it's limit, or the insurer has decided not to pay. Millions of people in this country receive poor "quality of service" because they have no insurance because they work at jobs that, for one reason or another, don't offer health coverage or offer it but the premiums and co-payments are so high it is not realistically affordable. No being Christian is not easy because being Christian requires caring. It requires caring not only for me, mine, and those like me. being Christian requires caring for people who I don't know, it requires caring for people who are considered less than or different.

I also agree that it is worth it. Because even though being Christian requires being willing to stand, speak, and act in opposition to the forces of evil, injustice, and oppression; when we do, we can:
Make A Difference . . . For Life!

Make A Difference . . . For Life

The purpose of this blog is to highlight the need for the people of God, the true “Jesus people” to be actively involved in the work of salvation and evangelism. This work goes on not only in the struggle for the souls of individuals, but also in the struggles against the forces and systems that would prevent everyone from having life in its fullest.

Our challenge as followers of Christ is to make His dream a reality. History has shown us that a theology that does not reach out and touch people in the places where they live and hurt has very little true evangelistic power. Evangelism that speaks to soul salvation, while remaining silent on issues like, housing, education, and employment opportunities, just to name a few, is evangelism that ignores our personhood, the very reality of our humanity.

We serve a resurrected Jesus. Jesus is not still dead and buried in the tomb but He is alive. As such He is not standing idly by watching the events of human history unfold. Rather, He is working in and through those of us who are willing to be co-laborers with Him, take His yoke, and bear our cross.

It is my prayer that this blog will stimulate thinking and action to the end that, as friends and coworkers with Christ, our words and actions will bring hope and healing and in the final analysis, make a difference. . . . . . . . . . . . .For Life!