SHAME ON ME
Those who research such things are reporting that the percentage of Americans who are members of a Christian church has dropped significantly in the last several years. Even before our recent Covid experience, there was an expanding population of those who reported themselves to be “Spiritual But Not Religious.” When interviewed these SBNR’s frequently described their alienation from the church based on what they saw as members not living the faith that the church proclaimed. In essence, they saw the church as a hypocritical institution.
It is not uncommon to find many who are still members of a Christian church to also be disillusioned by the scandals and the signs of hypocrisy seen among many churches. This is reinforced by the frequent exposure of church leaders in activity that seems to be contradicted by the words of Scripture.
I also know of many pastors who struggle with the integrity of their faith. They have discovered either by talking to others or their own experiences, that if they try to share the radical standards that Jesus and the early church proclaimed, many members complain that they are stirring up conflict. The pressure to keep the peace seems to take precedent over some of the more radical teachings of Scripture.
LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR AND RACISM
While there are many examples, let me focus on the issue of racism and the racial divisions that are prominent in our headlines. Historically, it is shameful to read learned sermons by prominent pastors of the past twisting Scripture in a manner to defend slavery in our country. Somewhere I read the quote that racism is not defeated as we continue the struggle. Rather it just adapts to the new circumstances. We see that in the movement from slavery to Jim Crow laws, to the harsh prejudices that continue to be embedded in our societal structures.
I have been reading “White Too Long” by Robert Jones. In it he reports what to me are scandalous statistics that suggest that the non-Christians in our society are more open minded and loving towards their neighbor than White Christians. Even those who claim to be biblical literalists don’t hear Jesus’ command to love your neighbor as significantly shaping one’s behavior towards those who are separated by color.
I LOVE THE CHURCH
I have been an ordained pastor for over fifty years and served three churches during that time. I have seen the contradictions in our church structures and the rationalizations we have used to defend our behavior. BUT I CONTINUE TO LOVE THE CHURCH. Since I also don’t believe that Jesus was either naive or stupid when he formed the church, I have to wrestle with what God has in mind. How do we understand 2 Corinthians 12:9 where we are told that God’s grace is sufficient for (us) for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
As part of my struggle with that question with respect to the church and racism, I’m developing a multiple part video seminar about how the church can address racism. Here is a link to an introductory video https://successformulaclub.slack.com/files/U02N4B1KJUU/F0380SQ8YL8/v2_series_introduction.mp4
I hope you both love the church and struggle with how to respond to this issue that is tearing our churches apart.
