I was pleasantly surprised when I came across this link to nakedpastor on Critical Mass, written by Darren, who is a professed atheist. He gave me a wonderful birthday present and I am very appreciative. Thanks Darren! He critiqued my blog for my birthday. He’s a lover of single-malt scotch, specifically Laphroaig. I’ve promised him that if we should ever meet face to face, I’m going to buy him a glass. But it encouraged me in another way, and it has something to do with this:
I am a part of a community that has come to a place where those who are a part of it can be very honest. People in our community hold a variety of opinions. One can’t see the reason to be a part of the official church anymore, since it is one of the leading perpetrators of abuse. One doubt the existence of a god. One wonders if Jesus was just a man, and no more than that, and wonders, in accordance with Tom Harpur and company, if even the man Jesus existed at all. One can see no religious reasons to remain faithful to his wife, and figures divorce is a legitimate option. Another speaks openly about her gay orientation, though not without struggle. Another admits that even though he realizes the health-wealth gospel is wrong, he still clings to it because it helps him feel better. On and on. What a vast variety! And this is what I love.
This kind of community doesn’t happen overnight. It takes incredible energy, focus and attention to be authentic. Mostly, it is guarding yourself and others against judgement, condemnation and ridicule. It is providing a safe environment where people can express who they are and openly struggle and talk about these things. It cannot be manufactured. It cannot be programmed. It means being real, authentic, and gracious yourself. This is not a step to the real thing: a pious and healed people. This IS the real thing. This IS the goal. This IS the wholeness. Transformation of individuals and the community is the end. Don’t consider it the means to the end. Until you’ve settled this in your mind, transformation will be resisted, and neither you nor your community can ever be authentic.
The fine art photograph is the creation of my friend Howard Nowlan.
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Nice but if you want a good scotch, I’m recommending Lagavulin … along with a Cohiba Siglo VI.
“It is providing a safe environment where people can express who they are and openly struggle and talk about these things.” (NP)
So true…I see the need for this – I just lost 2 blogger friends over some of the dumbest things imaginable. I like the idea we want to get to transformation – change – and this is a process that requires us to be open about everything. I long for this but I am almost sure that is not going to be my luck in life.
I hope it will be societyvs.
Sarah
what about talisker!?
well everyone seems to enjoy them salty rich and peety! that’s the beginnings of community!
wise post, david.
That is God’s hospitality: the welcome that actively loves and receives us just as we are, despite every reservation, expectation or term we might set out, however strange we imagine ourselves to be, however far out we have been cast. That is Jesus’ hospitality, as he illustrates with seemingly every action, and nowhere more clearly than in his radical welcoming table fellowship. He invites lowly fishermen, unclean prostitutes, marginalized tax collectors, and insignificant widows to partake of the lavish feast he has come to offer all. And he does it to teach us a crucial lesson: God made us all and loves us all, and no more than those society casts out or sets apart. There are no limits to the love and justice of God. So, now having known the welcoming love of God, the Holy One seems to say to us, “Be released from your fear and scarcity, go forth boldly and share from the abundance you have received. Do not worry about who may be watching and what they might say. Do not worry about your dignity and do not set terms on your welcome.” God has graciously prodigally welcomed you, because it is in God’s very nature to seek out and welcome you home when you feel the least worthy of embrace.
Radical Welcome, p. 39
Rejoice because Jesus Christ has Risen! Maybe you don’t believe that because you weren’t there to see it neither was I. However I have seen my life turn around once I decided to Bring God ito mylife by Following the 7 sacraments of Christ. God is in those sacraments and when you follow them the evil darkness and hatred that we have inside is defeated. Peace and the Grace of God takes over and you are born again. If you are a athiest it is most likely that evil is in your heart and will make you say that you don’t need the 7 sacraments because the devil won’t like the taste of Christ. If you are a atheist you live in darkness where pain and worries drive you crazy due to lack of God. On the other hand those of us with God walk in piece with the Holy Spirit. I have seen it and am living proof comparing my life before and after. Repent and go to a retreat at your local Church and don’t listen to the words of Lost Godless people that are bound by the Chains of their Sins on the way to the Inferno.
…transforming as we speak (type)…
I too have a wonderful community in which I blog. Actually, like three communities. They are all like this. I think the world is ready for the leaderless church.
Jon – I always thought that if Cuba and Islay would partner, it would be like discovering the Garden of Eden.