BLOGGING TOWARD SUNDAY…

When I hear the name Desmond Tutu, I automatically perk up and tune in, because there are few human beings in this world more deserving of my respect and admiration. Archbishop Tutu and his daughter, Mpho, have co-authored a new book titled, made for goodness. While others have written books in the same vein, arguing for the basic goodness of humanity over the seemingly ever-present evil, few have done so having experienced as much evil as the Tutus. The Archbishop himself has been deeply involved in the struggles of South Africa, Sudan, Rwanda, and Northern Ireland, to name but a few. His daughter works with AIDS victims, rape and child abuse survivors, and homeless people.

So what do the Tutus mean when they assert, in spite of their experience, that “all people are fundamentally good,” and that we are all “made for heaven”?
(I’m sure this book will get them in trouble with many conservative Christians, since my own preaching of the same idea often lands me in hot water as well). Let me allow the Tutus to speak for themselves:

What do I see in the heart of humanity and in the sweep of history that confirms my conviction that goodness will triumph? This book is my answer. We can face evil squarely because we know that evil will not have the last word. Ultimately, the reality of heaven cannot tolerate the existence of hell. Even our worst enemies are God’s beloved children. What kind of God could endure the sight of God’s own children screaming in eternal pain? If we believe in the good God, we must believe that we all all made to inhabit heaven. We are made for goodness.

So many people who are hurting, poor, dispossessed, down on their luck, depressed, etc., need to hear this good news. To some, it would make all the difference, and give them the hope for themselves and the world which is so desperately needed. It’s my job, and yours, to help spread the word!

Filed under: Blogging Toward Sunday