As if we don’t already have enough problems in this country, the last few years have seen us slipping closer and closer to becoming a “post-truth society.” Facts just don’t seem to matter anymore.
Today's news is full of statements that say Christianity is dying and that is a good thing. Can't we believe in a larger vision without losing Church and Christianity that continue to bring solace and community to so many?
Dear Reader,
The Christianity that many who read this newsletter know is one that has been expanding over time. We’ve embraced new ideas and released older ones, our understandings becoming less fixed, less exclusive. But we have watched, too, as conservative expressions of every faith have become increasingly dogmatic or entrenched in concepts that are, in our eyes, restrictive and judgmental of others.
Humanity itself is on the verge of its own demise; some scientists say we may have only eighty years before we become our own ghosts. Many who are familiar with fundamentalism may recognize and resonate with “end of times” theologies, strengthening Christianity and other religions in their most dangerous iterations as we burn our only home to the ground. Arguing a progressive form of religion against dogmatism will be of little use in these crucial years.
Rather, let’s slip under the fences built by the divisive belief systems of faith to join one another in a common field that unites us: a place where the values of justice and love, courage and gentleness, en-coeur-agement and hard work thrive and are welcome. These concepts affect us all, regardless of our religious or non-religious beliefs.
You are already very skilled at engaging beyond Christianity. Unless your understanding requires you to witness it regularly, continue, as you have been, tucking Christianity away into church events where it is welcome and expected. Leave it there and begin bringing values into more significant places in your relationships and conversations.
Ultimately, this is what I have to say to you on this matter: If you would save your belief system before you would save your neighbour, then I cannot help you. But if you would change your belief system to save your neighbour, then put your energy into saving your neighbour now and let Christianity fend for itself. It is, literally, now or never.
~ Rev. Gretta Vosper
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