Eric commented on the post below that includes the section on Extreme Diversity. re-reading it once again, it is truly an important section of this striving to be and to embody authentic church.
Movable Theoblogical: The "Basics"
The world has told us that we are "opposed" to one another because of our differences, but this is an illusion. We are liberated as we come to know each other more deeply and are able to transcend the illusion of "opposites." Reconciliation requires finding common ground on which we can both transcend and embrace our differences. The authentic church provides that common ground.
The "pieces" that make a whole people are found scattered amongst us, it seems. This is what I gather from the message of the above. The idea that we cannot do it alone is to bring home the truth to us that we not only need companionship and support, but those "other" experiences that bring us closer to knowing all of God's family; all of God's people.
Dear Dale,
I certainly hope my question to you earlier today wasn't perceived as rude. As I said, it was meant "respectfully." I must confess a degree of confusion regarding the silence I've heard in the face of it. But perhaps I'm just being impatient.
You are talking a great deal about welcoming "the other" and about "extreme diversity." These are good things. But "the other" is right before your very face—RIGHT NOW.
I AM "the other."
And as "the other," I am nonetheless a sincere seeker. Right now I'm simply trying to get an honest answer to a serious question regarding just how far the "extreme diversity" you write about really goes.
I would appreciate an answer.
This is not a whim on my part. I have been a seeker for a VERY long time, and in that time I've earned a post-graduate degree in theology from a protestant seminary and a bachelors degree in theology from a Roman Catholic university—and still I find myself relegated to the periphery of the Church, if not most often rejected outright.
Why? For the simple reason that I discovered—while in seminary—that I am gay, AND I thought it was important NOT TO LIE about it. (I have never been promiscuous, nor has molesting a child EVER once even entered my consciousness—nor have most of the many vicious stereotypes that go along with the label, "gay." In fact, I have been in the same committed, monogamous relationship for the past 15 years.)
In my rather extensive "scenic tour" of the Church I've found Christian churches to be LESS interested—more often than not—in Jesus' extravagant inclusiveness and MORE interested in narrow dogmas. This has been disappointing—even from many who talk a good talk. From what you write, I can tell that this situation, as I've described it, is not entirely unfamiliar to you.
"Foxes have holes. Birds have nests. But the son of man has nowhere to lay his head." I think I understand something of what he meant; at least a little bit.
The words I read on your website are good ones. I simply want to know to what extent you mean them.
I'm not asking for you to publish my question on your website; as I said, I'm not trying to cause trouble. But I would appreciate SOME response, even if it's just "Go away." (As I've said, I've gotten rather used to that by now…)
Sincerely,
Brett
awakenedinseattle AT gmail.com
Certainly, and I think that this is probably meant to be implied in that the "we" is the church - the body of Christ--- which , by its attributes as that body, include and affirm and are moved by differences. The theology of the Church of the Saviour over the years has always stressed the "in Christ" aspect of what makes the people of God a chosen people.
Reconciliation requires finding common ground on which we can both transcend and embrace our differences. The authentic church provides that common ground.
I think the only clarification I would make to that is that it is not we who transcends our differences, but it is Jesus Christ the mediator who transcends our differences for us, as all difference is in God.
Peace,
Eric
You have quite an interesting—and inspiring—website here, I think. I definitely resonate with what I'm reading.
Having said that, I want to ask a couple of questions. (I am sincere and quite serious here; I am not a "troll" trying to stir up trouble. And I intend to ask what I'm about to ask respectfully.)
When I read about the "extreme diversity" you write about, I am inspired. I like what you say about welcoming "the other"—both "the other" within our communities as well as "the other" within ourselves. What's more, I agree with "extreme diversity" being part and parcel of Jesus' original message. But I do wonder exactly—concretely—what you're envisioning here. How far does "extreme diversity" go?
Here's a very concrete example of what I'm wondering about. Gay people have become a lightening rod today for the so-called "religious right"—sort of a "line in the sand" for them on just how far the boundaries of "diversity" can go within a Christian context. Do you envision "extreme diversity" as extending even as far as gay folks?
As I ask this, I recall how a recent set of television ads by the United Church of Christ was deemed "too controversial" to air by the major broadcast networks. Why? Because "a church" welcoming "everyone" as they intend to do—even gay people—was a message of tolerance too great for network television! (Remember the brouhaha over the inter-racial kiss on Star Trek in the '60's?)
If I were gay, would I be welcomed into your midst?