Thank you, Jim, for your post. I feel for your Venezuelan friends who are fearful because of the actions of the US government, just as I am personally aware of immigrant individuals - including Christian brothers and sisters - who are suffering and living in fear as a direct result of US immigration policies and actions.
It is so good, and important, for all of us to hear your reminder of a third way, that it is possible to oppose regimes like that of Chavez/Maduro and oppose the Trump administration’s interventionist actions in Venezuela (and elsewhere). Your comments highlight this third way, the way of the Prince of Peace, the Gospel.
At the same time, I would not say that Christian’s letter is not Gospel. I think it is also important for all of us to be reminded that contexts, writing styles, and audiences differ. I have experienced that in some settings, undocumented immigrants ask that we privileged North Americans speak broadly, not specifically, out of concern for their safety.
I sometimes wish - in regard to political and social issues - that I were more proactive and clear and prophetic in proclaiming the Gospel. At times I and others like me may come across to others as inadequate, vague and perhaps even as lukewarm. Yet I’m also confident that I and many others like me - each of us in our contexts and with our styles - are nonetheless faithfully proclaiming the Gospel and standing up for the God’s kingdom of righteousness and peace. Let’s support one another as we do so.
You're correct that we must all begin with ourselves. But we must also lead others, both in the church and in society. I'm very glad many find Obama's tweet helpful, and to be much more than just "nice sentiment." The original quote from Nelson Mandela was based on the harsh reality that many learn from a young age (sadly, often from parents and perhaps also their church contexts) to hate people of other races rather than to love them. Obama is pointing to Mandela's very hard work of forgiveness and reconciliation, personally and nationally.
Posted in: A Pastoral Statement on Venezuela, Justice, and Truth
Thank you, Jim, for your post. I feel for your Venezuelan friends who are fearful because of the actions of the US government, just as I am personally aware of immigrant individuals - including Christian brothers and sisters - who are suffering and living in fear as a direct result of US immigration policies and actions.
It is so good, and important, for all of us to hear your reminder of a third way, that it is possible to oppose regimes like that of Chavez/Maduro and oppose the Trump administration’s interventionist actions in Venezuela (and elsewhere). Your comments highlight this third way, the way of the Prince of Peace, the Gospel.
At the same time, I would not say that Christian’s letter is not Gospel. I think it is also important for all of us to be reminded that contexts, writing styles, and audiences differ. I have experienced that in some settings, undocumented immigrants ask that we privileged North Americans speak broadly, not specifically, out of concern for their safety.
I sometimes wish - in regard to political and social issues - that I were more proactive and clear and prophetic in proclaiming the Gospel. At times I and others like me may come across to others as inadequate, vague and perhaps even as lukewarm. Yet I’m also confident that I and many others like me - each of us in our contexts and with our styles - are nonetheless faithfully proclaiming the Gospel and standing up for the God’s kingdom of righteousness and peace. Let’s support one another as we do so.
Posted in: Nice Sentiment, but Not Quite True
You're correct that we must all begin with ourselves. But we must also lead others, both in the church and in society. I'm very glad many find Obama's tweet helpful, and to be much more than just "nice sentiment." The original quote from Nelson Mandela was based on the harsh reality that many learn from a young age (sadly, often from parents and perhaps also their church contexts) to hate people of other races rather than to love them. Obama is pointing to Mandela's very hard work of forgiveness and reconciliation, personally and nationally.