“LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR AND ALL THAT…” 7/23/08

by Steve

In the June 23 edition of Newsweek, there is a wonderful column by Jimmy Doyle.  Doyle, once Roman Catholic, talks about his reasons for leaving his church and becoming Episcopalian.  In his own words, Doyle describes himself as “gay as a handbag since birth,” presumably his major reason for seeking acceptance among the Protestants. 

When I turned to the Episcopal Church, I saw a Christianity that was alive and evolving, one that delighted in difference and saw God’s creation in many things, including women and openly gay men serving as priests and bishops.  I saw a chance to get past the separation and sanctimony of the more vocal Christian presence in American society, and a challenge to get to the more nuanced and tricky teachings of Christ — loving your neighbor and all that. 

Those of you who know me personally know how deeply those remarks resonate within me. What Jimmy is experiencing in the Episcopal Church is what is going on all over America in progressive churches.  Eugene Peterson captured it perfectly in his rendition of Hebrews 6:1:   “Let’s leave this preschool fingerpainting stuff and get on with the grand work of art!”   In other words, It’s time to leave the baby food behind and get to the real meat and potatoes…adult food for adult minds.

If we can accomplish the great shift from the religion about Jesus to the religion of Jesus, I think we will be right where He wants us. 

Filed under: Blogging Toward Sunday

2 Responses to ““LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR AND ALL THAT…” 7/23/08”

  1. Lori, on July 30th, 2008 at 11:58 am Said:

    Steve, I believe that your last sentence sums up a great deal of “issues” for Christians!
    Perhaps it is a new paradigm for some, but moving toward being “OF” Jesus instead of being “right” about Jesus would certainly free up a great deal of energy!
    How can we be “of” Jesus? I believe that by being a living example-looking for ways to be compasionate, forgiving, letting go of our “wealth” you spoke of in Sunday’s sermon, and praying, praying, praying, we will without effort exhibit an example of who Jesus is calling us to be within the kingdom of God.

  2. Steve, on July 30th, 2008 at 5:42 pm Said:

    Lori…seems to me that you are right on track! Our first task is to be “in relationship” to the God Jesus revealed, then out of that relationship will flow the fruits of the Spirit…love, peace, joy, etc. As THE SHACK taught me, it’s all about letting God live through us, incarnating God, like Jesus did.

    Thanks for the response!

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