Tain Hill Walk, Tain, Scotland 2019
(Photo krb)
I have been wondering, as I continue to read Brian McLaren's book 'Do I Stay Christian' what it is that I find uncomfortable about it. It isn't an easy book to read. It is the reflections of a progressive evangelical writer on, specifically, American Christianity and the impact of an increasingly extreme conservative political and religious environment and what that means for the wider church and world.
I don't think that so far, I have found anything that he has to say particularly new. The ground has been covered by any number of American religious writers and thinkers. This book, however, was written in the aftermath of the 6 January 2021 attempted insurrection. What appears to have happened was that a mob, which included a significant proportion of extreme right wing conservative Christians, formed the intention to assassinate the then Vice President of the USA.
I think that that is the problem for me. What is it that allows a person to call themselves Christian? I find it very difficult to associate the title Christian with any participants in the events of that day. But, here in Australia there seems to be a growing view among our people and specifically in politics, the church and the media that Christian Orthodoxy is this conservative right wing evangelical system of belief. Certainly, in politics there is a view that if you adhere to a certain set of conservative religious beliefs, you can behave however you wish, and God will still bless you.
Christianity is not, in the end, about subscribing to a particular set of beliefs. Like all other great religions of the world, it is fundamentally about how we live our life, how we relate to the mystery of God and how we relate to our neighbours near and far. Being Christian is about committing ourselves to Jesus' way of self-giving love for all.
Every blessing as you continue on your journey. May God bless you and be your companion on the way.
Peace, justice and blessings to all.
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