Like a Mighty River; Reflections on Justice

“Let justice roll down like a mighty river, let righteous flow on and on.”
- From Let Justice Roll Down, by Chris Christensen

As you know, on Monday our country will observe its annual MLK Celebration. This affords us a perfect opportunity to reflect a bit on justice, and especially on our role in building a just society. I was once told in no uncertain terms that I should not speak on the Bible’s perspective on justice because it creates a conflict for those who don’t share it. I gotta be honest, to avoid the Bible’s demand for justice one would have to ignore a whole bunch of it, or willfully distort it. From David and the classical prophets to Jesus and Paul – cover to cover as it were – the Bible’s mandate for justice is both clear and pervasive.

This does not mean, however, that a predetermined, rigid understanding of what would constitute a just society is readily available. In fact, there’s a significant distance between God’s requirement that we work for justice, and how we will get there in our society. That distance should be full of prayer, soul-searching, study, and discussion with others; but in the end God’s appeal for justice is not political… it doesn’t align us with any political party or particular perspective. How much morality should we expect of corporations? We must talk about it. What is a fair wage for workers? Come, let us reason together. When does executive compensation outstrip workers pay to the point that it becomes exploitation? There’s no easy answer here, but the question demands reflection. Does our national assistance program help folk or keep them tied to the dole? Again, this question requires continual discussion and refinement.

God doesn’t require us to reach consensus on every aspect of such issues, but God expects us to examine them in good faith, and to reach decisions based not on resentment, reaction, or anger; but decisions based on concern for all, a desire for their well-being, and a willingness to take their needs seriously. On Sunday we will do some of this, along with prayer and praise.

18-40-275. What’s at Stake

I find it ironic that many of the people ridiculing the Occupy movement do so in defense of an upwardly mobile society in America. That is to say,in defense of  the ability to improve one’s situation the “old fashioned” way, by diligent effort.  That possibility is precisely what is at stake in our current situation. Given changes in technology, cultural mood, and concentration of financial power, the distribution of the “American Pie” has skewed beyond the realm of reason, at least in a society that ostensibly values equality of opportunity and social responsibility (i.e. making sure my exercise of freedom doesn’t oppress others). According to a just released CBO study, over the past 30 years the lowest income earners have seen their slice increase by 18%, middle income earners by 40%, and the highest level by 275%. The first two don’t fare very well when compared to cost of living increases over 30 years, while the highest level… well, you do the math.

The legitimate concern associated with the Occupy movement is not about entitlements, bail-outs, or other government hand-outs; rather, it is a concern about equitable distribution of legitimate earnings. As a Christian, I don’t care about the label “Occupy movement,” but I share a deep concern for equitable distribution.

Patience, Reason, and Compassion

In the immediate aftermath of the tragic shootings in Tucson, AZ last weekend, accusations began to swirl about who was to blame, or at least who might have contributed to the environment in which that heinous act was incubated. Ironically, this back and forth became as frenzied and accusatory as the ramped up rhetoric being lamented. From my perspective it was all for naught. Most of us were still in shock when the arguments began; most of us were left dumbfounded, seeking the time and distance needed to process such an event (It’s Friday and I’m just now able to write). Patience was called for; patience and the time to show respect for the fallen and gravely wounded, to pray for them and their families (including the family of the alleged shooter who were also victimized), and to regain our composure and begin to seek healing. There will be ample time to assess the effects that are even now rippling through our culture; ample time to assess the potential of vitriolic rhetoric to contribute to such a situation.

When that time comes, I don’t want to hear charges thrown and immediately countered by politicians, pundits, journalists, and other media types who have no expertise in the matter. When that time comes, I want to hear the voice of reason from social scientists of various disciplines who might enlighten us. I deem it likely that the level of angry rhetoric and lack of mutual respect that has characterized our culture in the recent past could, indeed, create an atmosphere in which such acts could be conceived and grow; an atmosphere in which they are given tacit approval. Once one has abandoned all sense of respect for the other, demonized them and their perspective, and begun to hurl crass and violence laced epithets their way, it becomes harder and harder to draw the line, and to forestall the transition in some minds from words to actions. How far does the fabric of civility have to unravel for such a transition to occur?

We may find that toning down the rhetoric is called for; but if so, it will not be enough. The absence of vitriol in itself is no tool with which to fashion community, mutual understanding, and a resolution of the conflicts within which we are currently entangled. Only compassion can provide such a tool; only a conversation that begins with mutual respect, a genuine concern for the well-being of the other, and a willingness to listen deeply and sincerely stands any chance of untangling the twisted webs we have spun in recent days. May that conversation begin.

A Prayer for 9/11… Nine Years Later

It hardly seems possible that nine years have passed since that fateful morning, September 11, 2001. The sense of emptiness and devastation I felt then remain so vivid, so real. But the years roll by one by one; now nine have passed and much has changed in our world… or has it? Recent events have underscored the fact that the initial reaction of rage against all things Muslim – however misplaced – was no fear driven, emotional interlude soon replaced by a more reasoned assessment of the events. It seems that the insistence on viewing Islam as seamless and unleashing hatred on all is, if anything, stronger in our day. This breaks my heart, especially when the rage is unleashed under the guise of faith. Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida, for example, has vowed to burn hundreds of copies of the Qur’an in commemoration of 9/11, and will relent only if instructed to do so by God. Here’s a news flash, God issued those instructions 2,000 years ago in the life and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth who showed us how to follow the Spirit into light, life, and creativity and to leave the darkness – with its anger, hatred, judgment and vilification – behind. Jesus advised us to seek the light of God shining in the eyes of the other before determining how we will approach her or him. Jesus advised us to practice compassion, understanding, and cooperation with others so different from us in belief and practice that we can’t imagine how there could be common ground. Yet Jesus insisted that there is common ground – we are all children of God – and only when we choose understanding over prejudice, compassion over hatred, and cooperation over confrontation will we see that Jesus was right. I pray for that day, and offer the following prayer for 9/11, nine years later:

It was in large part the freedoms we enjoy in our blessed country that instilled such fear in a band of terrorists that they were driven to rage and destruction on September 11, 2001. On this ninth anniversary of our loss, God, grant us those very freedoms; grant us those freedoms not as an ideal we hold high like a torch, but as a lived experience each day of our lives that we hold out to others. God, grant us freedom from the fears that turn us against each other; fears that move us to demonize those we don’t understand and seek retribution for our loss. Grant us freedom from the hatred that burns away at our hearts, its billowing smoke shrouding our vision of anyone beyond ourselves. Grant us freedom from the need to judge, vilify, and condemn others. And grant us freedom to care for others even as we care for ourselves; the freedom to live in true community, dismissing the misplaced sense of autonomy and independence that drives a wedge between us and those Jesus calls the least of these, neighbor, outcast, stranger in our midst, friend. For in his eyes they are all one and the same… in his eyes we are all one and the same… in his eyes we are all one. God, grant us freedom and we will be truly free. Amen.

The Chasm Widens

At long last a broad swath of the Christian community has found something on which to agree. I speak, of course, of the reaction to the ludicrous attack on the Christian gospel by Glenn Beck. Widespread consternation and outrage have been expressed by conservative evangelicals, mainline protestants (many of whom are also evangelical, by the way), and Catholics alike. I have been reluctant to add my voice to the fray, primarily because I deem his unfounded yet highly imaginative assault beneath contempt, rising nowhere near the level of deserving a response. I suspect that most Christian leaders who have responded have felt such a tension, and were left, as I am now, with a bad taste in their mouth.

The anger will quickly subside, Beck’s allegations will not gain traction – this is, after all, just a flash in the pan – and (unfortunately) the widespread Christian response will not result in newfound passion for ecumenism. Thus, I am not overly concerned by his remarks. I am deeply concerned, however, because the exaggerated, irrational, and baseless nature of his comments reflect a widening of the chasm – euphemistically called a polarity – that exists between conservatives and liberals in our day. Such comments can only be made in such a caviler manner when the “other” has been objectified and dehumanized. When they no longer matter, one has no obligation to show constraint, or try to stay within the parameters of civilized discourse. If Beck is any indication, and I think he is, we are in need of serious bridge building.

What can we do? In my estimation only one thing. We can refuse to take the bait, continue to respect each individual – including Glenn Beck – listen across the chasm, and invite dialogue. Jim Wallis has taken this tack toward Beck, and it has been a breath of fresh air. There is no guarantee it will work, but at some point someone has to say to the widening chasm, “This far, no further.”

Haiti: Needs too Devastating to Ignore

By now everyone is familiar with the images from Haiti; the victim yet again of natural disaster. The pain, the suffering, the sheer human pathos they reveal are almost overwhelming. In fact, I have been in communication with the Executive Director of Week of Compassion, our denomination’s Disaster Relief and Recovery Agency, and she is by her own account devastated by what she has seen. Make no mistake; this lady is a seasoned veteran. She has been on the ground in war torn Bosnia. She’s been in Darfur. She’s been in Congo. She has seen at close range, in short, more human tragedy than one body ought ‘a have ‘t reckon with in a life time. And she is overwhelmed by the human tragedy in Haiti. The message to me is as clear as it is urgent; it’s time to act; it’s time to make a concerted and extended effort to bring relief and compassion to the people of Haiti.

Why? You ask. Why should we offer relief to the Haitians? After all, it has been noted by a prominent radio talk show host that we’ve already given them enough through our taxes. Why do more? And after all, it has been pointed out that the Haitians sealed their fate centuries ago when they made a pact with the devil to rid their land of the French. So why interfere with divine retribution? My response is simple; because they need it. That’s the only reason Jesus of Nazareth looked for in his ministry among us; and we who walk in his shadow should follow suit.

So look for me this weekend preparing health kits to be distributed to the Haitians. And look for me to write a check post haste to Week of Compassion to help in its Haitian efforts. And you can join us. On Sunday, January 17, at 12:30 pm; we will accept materials and assemble health kits here at OPCC (7600 W 75 St; just west of Metcalf in Overland Park). Lunch will be served, so bring your good will, your offering of compassion, and a willingness to work. Why? Because the Haitians need it.

Christmas and Healthcare

Any time the conversation turns to some aspect of the social safety net, such as unemployment benefits or health care, many folks tend to become testy and resentful, assuming that those who need such a safety net are too lazy to work, lack proper ambition and drive, and simply don’t deserve assistance at the expense of those who have worked so hard for what they have. To be sure, there have always been and always will be those who will work the system – any system – to their benefit; there have always been and always will be those who will exploit the good will and compassion of others. Were I to assess such situations in term of merit – what people strictly deserve – I suppose I would conclude that people such as this don’t deserve a safety net. Walking in the shadow of the Galilean, however, and learning from his life and teaching, I find that I can’t think in terms of what people deserve, but am compelled to think in terms of what they need.

Viewed from this perspective, the question of safety nets becomes simpler. There are clearly those who have significant needs through no fault of their own: children, abused women, the disabled, and more. There are many who have needs through no fault of their own, but they share a common bond with that minority of the marginalized who threaten social assistance by their abuse of the system, those who become the poster children whose image taints the larger view of all those on the margins of society. That common bond? They need assistance from their society. For me, as a Christian, it’s that simple.

As we attempt to discern who should be covered by health insurance during this holy season; I propose that we reflect, firstly, wearing blinders; that is to say, not knowing where we stand in the social pecking order – affluent or unfortunate, diseased or whole, accomplished or impoverished – and knowing that the decision we eventually take will affect us in significant, if unknown, ways. Secondly, I propose that we reflect not on the basis of what people deserve, but on the basis of what they need. Do so, and we may find ourselves with a Merry Christmas indeed.

Reflections on Memorial Day

It’s amazing to me just how much of life is spent on automatic pilot; walking about heedless of the people we are with, the needs and opportunities of the day, and reacting to situations on the basis of long held habits that require no reflection or personal investment. They are deemed appropriate simply because we have conformed to them for so long. They ‘feel’ right, whether they are or not.

As we approach Memorial Day, it occurs to me that we approach holidays in this manner. We readily remember the pleasurable aspect of these special days – the picnics, recreation time, ball games, and often spirits of one sort or another – but so easily forget the reason these days were consecrated – or set apart from other days – in the first place.

I suggest that we make an effort to be fully present this Memorial Day; to remember and hold in honor those who gave their lives in our defense. This is, after all, what Memorial Day is about: reflecting on the nature of freedom and its price, and offering blessings for those who have served in our defense. In my estimation, one of the gravest mistakes of the Viet Nam era was blaming the troops for a war many abhorred. They were not to blame for the war, but were treated as if they were when they came home. I suggest we remember the difference between the individuals who serve and the ends to which their commitment is employed. Most serve out of love of country and family, and serve nobly. They need our blessing, they need our thanks, and they need our renewed efforts to resolve the strife they are forced to engage in a peaceful manner. This Memorial Day I will give thanks for those who have gone before us in defense of freedom; and I will pray for the day when their services are no longer needed.

November 4, 2008: Memo to Our Next President

It’s now almost 2:00 pm on Election Day, and I feel a sense of limbo.  The frantic pace of campaign ads and news has ceased, Americans in record numbers are voting even as I peck away at my computer keyboard, and now there is nothing to do … but wait.  I have my favorite, of course, and I really want him to win.  But regardless of the outcome of the election, I have hopes and dreams for our country; challenges that will face our next president, whoever he may be.

 

I hope and dream of an America without polarization; that great divide that has separated our people for too long, paralyzing our efforts to offer equality, justice, and opportunity for all.  Please recognize, Mr. soon-to-be President, that ultimately it is not issues that suffer from partisan politics, religious and philosophical ideology, and dogmatic intransigence. Rather, it is people, a large swath of our society, who suffer needlessly while waiting on us to make decisions that will seal their fates.  The New Testament Gospel writer Matthew liked to refer to these unfortunates as the least of these.  We argue endlessly about the nature and extent of their rights, all the while missing the essential message of Jesus of Nazareth; to wit, don’t ask what they deserve, but only what they need.  Will you do this, Mr. soon-to-be President?

 

I hope and dream as well of a truly post-racial culture that not only recognizes but celebrates the strengths of diversity and variety.  Many await the outcome of this election in fear that should the wrong man win, there will be a violent outcry from extremist groups who cling to the notion of racial (sic) superiority.  Others fear that should the wrong man win, minorities will sense their place in our society diminished, with equally violent results.  I fear that we will continue to see our society through ethnically divisive eyes – black, white, brown, or other – creating chasms from the accidents of nature ; identifying with “my people,” and my people only; limiting the reach of reason and compassion to the circle of those who look, think, and act “like me.”  Mr. soon-to-be President, you will not represent an ethnic majority or minority when you swear the oath of office; rather, you will represent “we the people” in all its brilliant diversity. Will you represent all of us, Mr. soon-to-be President?

 

I have hopes and dreams for our country, and tomorrow will not be too soon to breathe life into them.  We will look to you, Mr. soon-to-be President, to lead us toward such dreams.  Will you?

Faith and Partisan Politics

I continue to be surprised and concerned by voices coming from all over – print media, emails, blogs, word of mouth… you name it! – insisting that any true Christian will vote for ________ (fill in the blank) in the upcoming election. 

 

If this election is a litmus test of faith I have only one thing to say; count me out!  The faith I know through Jesus the Christ has no litmus tests, and certainly not the arrogance and audacity to insist that only those who think like me are truly Christian.  We need to come to an understanding of what humility and cooperation mean. We need to come to an understanding of what an election means …and what it doesn’t mean. 

 

“We the people” will decide the upcoming election without divine intervention or endorsement.  Jim Wallace got it right when he affirmed that God is neither a Republican nor a Democrat.  To that I would add that God is certainly not in the business of “fixing” elections or holding doom and gloom over our heads should we fail to anoint God’s “chosen candidate.”  As I said, “We the people” will decide the upcoming election, and because of the wonderful freedom we enjoy – freedom that stems directly from our Christian faith and tradition – each of us will be able to vote our conscience without fear of reprisal or rejection.  I encourage you to vote your conscience and not to let anyone (including me) dictate what your conscience says.