Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way.
I really hate the fake stuff I see done in the name of Jesus and Christianity. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no saint. I don’t do all the “right” stuff.
In fact, some days I get so overwhelmed by what I see, I don’t want to do anything at all. I’d rather hide, stay low, and keep out of the conversation.
Yet, what I often see disgusts me. Prosperity gospel, fraud, embezzlement, abuse, toxic masculinity, separation, marginalization, all in the name of faith. It can be too much.
For me, the good news was about freedom and compassion, justice and kindness. What masquerades publicly in American Christianity as faith often bears little resemblance to good news. There are days when the harm done in the name of faith is so overwhelming, I want to turn away from it all.
It’s because I read the good news in this manner that I can see our (my) deficiencies in practice. I can watch them unfold in real time. So, what’s the hope, the possibility, the progression?
I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t quite know. But, I’m not done trying just yet. In the maddening cycle of religious story and myth, there are glimpses of community and love and compassion. So, I lean into those, today and tomorrow.
How will you choose to lean into today and find the hope and compassion needed to build communities of good news?
Take a moment to share a reflection on how you’ll grasp at the hope you see below.
At this moment, I'm leaning into better health, reconnection, and possibility.
Trying to play more music as a means of keeping me connected to others.