I’m certain many before me have mentioned and discussed this but it appears appealing to churches to reign in their members is a dead end. It’s a follow the money thing. Pastors can’t risk offending the congregation because it jeopardizes the money coming in. The money supports their larger ministry which is in bed with their livelihood. They justify their silence because they feel the larger mission of the church is more critical, yet they lose their souls along the way. They also lose their ability to shepherd and disciple with any integrity. It’s a very American way to damage the kingdom, though 2000 years of church history suggests money has ruined the faith many times over.
I make a distinction between churches and church organizations. Barmen and Belhar are instructive. I've had some really good conversations with elders & deacons & pastors here and there, but yes, too many in alleged leadership aren't willing to risk the ire of certain congregants. There are however, communities that aren't willing to serve as the political capital of abusive members. we live in hope.
I support your efforts to garner the accountability. Your words are oft an encouragement to me and even more frequently a penetrating magnifying glass into my own motivations, blind spots and biases. Yes, we live in hope and for the one who is hope. Thanks for all you do.
I will add that I am the white daughter of a preacher man, growing up in the 1960's in the Mississippi Delta. My father and mother were activists during the Civil Rights movement along with being parish leaders.They were not loved by all. A few ministers stand out as speaking the truth here in Nashville: Rev. James Lawson, Rev. Ed Sanders, Rev. Sonny Dixon, Rev. Keith Caldwell, Rev. Clifford Smith amongst them. Interesting that those are all African American pastors. Rev. Becca Stephens, a white preacher, is a wonderful activist as well. So, I grew up thinking that is how churches and preachers worked. Their jobs were to call attention to the facts of inequality, white domination over other peoples, and reinforcing justice issues that involve the needy, the "other," those who have been cast out by society. When I hear about our governor, other white politicians and preachers who are complicit in this bizarre Republican strategy (to teach kids distorted history, to scorn those different from white heterosexuals instead of teaching acceptance and love), which targets school children and librarians, I either want to laugh them out of office, tell them they are truly naked, or help prompt everyone to vote and to vote for their interests - not just the GOP's crazed party and our society that developed a Trump. Let's confront those in power who are making decisions mostly based on the money they receive - and not on the will or the wisdom of the people.
Thank you for your words. I hate the need for protests like these but do look forward to being a data point at the next one? I will keep my ear to your substack, please do share.
David. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to Faith-fully and thoughtfully navigate these difficult days. I share your experience of grief and loss. . . I will try to be brief. Two thoughts.
First. Last month(?) I was listening to an online discussion "Upsetting the Powers, the Legacy of James Cone". These words from Dr. Adam Clark grabbed my attention: "Identity Structure is the Modern Idol. That is why it is very difficult for people caught in these type of identity-idol structures to change…it is not just a matter of Will, not just a matter of Intent… Your whole structure, your whole Self has been wedded to something that is death-dealing to others."
I found these words to be helpful. Not in that they offer a "solution" but that they offer insight into the systemic nature of the relationship struggles we are facing. . . Modern Idols, not made of wood or stone, are not easily broken.
Next. Appreciate and be grateful for (I know that you do) the actual bodies that stand WITH each other to speak FOR a better Way. . . of Peace, of Love, and of Non-Violence. The WAY of Jesus the Nazarene is a WAY that sets "households" against one another. Be grateful for Peter.
Grateful for you! And yes, we live in HOPE!
"Resistance is the protest of those who HOPE, and HOPE is the feast of people who resist" - Jurgen Moltmann
I stand in complete agreement with you.
Thank you.
I’m certain many before me have mentioned and discussed this but it appears appealing to churches to reign in their members is a dead end. It’s a follow the money thing. Pastors can’t risk offending the congregation because it jeopardizes the money coming in. The money supports their larger ministry which is in bed with their livelihood. They justify their silence because they feel the larger mission of the church is more critical, yet they lose their souls along the way. They also lose their ability to shepherd and disciple with any integrity. It’s a very American way to damage the kingdom, though 2000 years of church history suggests money has ruined the faith many times over.
I make a distinction between churches and church organizations. Barmen and Belhar are instructive. I've had some really good conversations with elders & deacons & pastors here and there, but yes, too many in alleged leadership aren't willing to risk the ire of certain congregants. There are however, communities that aren't willing to serve as the political capital of abusive members. we live in hope.
I support your efforts to garner the accountability. Your words are oft an encouragement to me and even more frequently a penetrating magnifying glass into my own motivations, blind spots and biases. Yes, we live in hope and for the one who is hope. Thanks for all you do.
I will add that I am the white daughter of a preacher man, growing up in the 1960's in the Mississippi Delta. My father and mother were activists during the Civil Rights movement along with being parish leaders.They were not loved by all. A few ministers stand out as speaking the truth here in Nashville: Rev. James Lawson, Rev. Ed Sanders, Rev. Sonny Dixon, Rev. Keith Caldwell, Rev. Clifford Smith amongst them. Interesting that those are all African American pastors. Rev. Becca Stephens, a white preacher, is a wonderful activist as well. So, I grew up thinking that is how churches and preachers worked. Their jobs were to call attention to the facts of inequality, white domination over other peoples, and reinforcing justice issues that involve the needy, the "other," those who have been cast out by society. When I hear about our governor, other white politicians and preachers who are complicit in this bizarre Republican strategy (to teach kids distorted history, to scorn those different from white heterosexuals instead of teaching acceptance and love), which targets school children and librarians, I either want to laugh them out of office, tell them they are truly naked, or help prompt everyone to vote and to vote for their interests - not just the GOP's crazed party and our society that developed a Trump. Let's confront those in power who are making decisions mostly based on the money they receive - and not on the will or the wisdom of the people.
Thank you for your words. I hate the need for protests like these but do look forward to being a data point at the next one? I will keep my ear to your substack, please do share.
Will do!
David. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to Faith-fully and thoughtfully navigate these difficult days. I share your experience of grief and loss. . . I will try to be brief. Two thoughts.
First. Last month(?) I was listening to an online discussion "Upsetting the Powers, the Legacy of James Cone". These words from Dr. Adam Clark grabbed my attention: "Identity Structure is the Modern Idol. That is why it is very difficult for people caught in these type of identity-idol structures to change…it is not just a matter of Will, not just a matter of Intent… Your whole structure, your whole Self has been wedded to something that is death-dealing to others."
I found these words to be helpful. Not in that they offer a "solution" but that they offer insight into the systemic nature of the relationship struggles we are facing. . . Modern Idols, not made of wood or stone, are not easily broken.
Next. Appreciate and be grateful for (I know that you do) the actual bodies that stand WITH each other to speak FOR a better Way. . . of Peace, of Love, and of Non-Violence. The WAY of Jesus the Nazarene is a WAY that sets "households" against one another. Be grateful for Peter.
Grateful for you! And yes, we live in HOPE!
"Resistance is the protest of those who HOPE, and HOPE is the feast of people who resist" - Jurgen Moltmann
I wish You luck and I did post it on my facebook