Bishop David Kendall's Blog

I was ready to conclude that Jesus really has nothing to say to the elections in two weeks.  After all, what does he know and what could he contribute to the debates, ad campaigns, and mudslinging contests?  One group of people supposes that Jesus is pretty much clueless on all these matters.

Another group looks to Jesus for a kind of tipping point support.  The arguments are quite compelling as they are, but just to clinch matters, here’s a saying from the Bible, attributed to Jesus.  For them, Jesus spreads on a little frosting to make things sweeter.

A third group comprised of some of the most active currently on the political scene believe in absolute truth.  They also believe they have found absolute truth on most matters that are before an unsuspecting or deceived public.  For these activists Jesus steps up as the Ultimate Sponsor of their views.  He who is the way, the truth and the life obviously would vote this way or for this person.

For Christ Followers the first two groups have it all wrong.  The Lord and Master of all has much to say about almost everything.  If he is who we claim then we must not treat him as though he has only “religious” or “spiritual” advice for any who might be interested.  No, he is the smartest person we know.  As such, we who follow him should do just that—follow him and embrace his wisdom as he gives it and as it applies to whatever the issues might be.  We can count on him for more than an endorsement of our already good ideas.

For Christ Followers the third group is undoubtedly correct in that truth is, well, real or true—in some solid and objective way.  They are also right to insist that it is possible to know the truth, and they no doubt affirm that Jesus embodies truth and wants to lead all who will follow to the truth.  But we must take care that we actually follow him and must guard against remaking him to suit some party-line.   

I’ve thinking about what sort of Voter’s Guide Jesus would write for us and offer to us as we approach November 2.  Before I give you an outline of what I think might be on such a guide, let me warn you, that many will be disappointed by it.  They will be disappointed because the candidates and issues at center stage do not claim the attention and importance for Jesus that they may for us.  In reading a guide of his making, we will no doubt sense that he offers it with other priorities and concerns in mind than we often have when we think (or fail to think) about political, electoral matters.  You are warned.  So, here goes.

 First, two general observations about what would guide the specific items Jesus would recommend to the electorate.  To begin, I would not expect very many, if any, detailed action plans.  This is so for two reasons: first, the most important issues are complex and addressing them is often not reducible to one simple “action plan” (see below for examples).  Second, all the time Jesus is more interested in moving us to full maturity, to help us to grow up in him, to realize our full potential as children, servants and co-laborers with him.  Growing up and reaching maturity requires the ability to think, to choose courses of action, to develop/express faith, and to act on conviction–all of which works best when we do not see everything as clearly as we might hope and yet must act with courage and resolve.  Maturity and fullness comes most often in such ways. 

Second, I would expect a thorough going Kingdom Perspective since "the Kingdom " is the gospel summary of Jesus’ message and ministry.  A Kingdom Perspective embraces the whole world, and seeks his will done everywhere, not just here.  Further, his Kingdom is founded on righteousness, or justice, and love so that no one will go without, and no one will be deprived.  What this means, among other things, is that a partisan or parochial policy (addressing only a part to the neglect of the whole focus) will nearly always be incomplete and inadequate when assessed in light of Jesus’ Kingdom.  Consequently, policies that aim only or exclusively at one nation's well being will also fall short of a full Kingdom Perspective.    You can see by this Kingdom Criteria how complex matters really are.  For example, we must protect our borders—not only or primarily to defend our sovereign territory but also to defend people and families, but not in ways that make it impossible or unlikely to care for strangers and the oppressed, and not in ways that place our exclusive or primary trust in police or military protection apart from confidence in God’s word that in welcoming strangers we welcome him.  Another example that comes to mind would be war in general, and the war on terror in particular.  Kingdom people cannot be lovers of war and cannot commit to hawkish policies—period!  I am not saying that all who commit to the Kingdom of Jesus will be passivists and will disavow the use of force categorically.  I am saying that the use of force must not compromise other clear Kingdom priorities and values.  Force that is simply retaliatory or preemptive is on principle questionable for people committed to a Kingdom perspective.  Military action as a first response would be similarly questionable.  The disavowal of, or impatience with, diplomacy is likewise found wanting.  OK, so what more specifically would be on Jesus’ Voter’s Guide?

•  What (candidate, position or policy) best values and makes possible loving God with our all and loving others as we do ourselves?  (Seriously, now, consider this prayerfully and in community with other Christ-followers!)

 

• What (candidate, position or policy) offers Christ-followers the best opportunities to assist multitudes of others to consider following Christ as we do?

 

•  What (candidate, position or policy) offers the most hope for the poor of the world and why do you think so?

 

• What (candidate, position or policy) would seek the good as God defines it for people everywhere, such as justice, redress from oppression, freedom for captives of every sort?

 

• What (candidate, position or policy) shows the most deference for the most vulnerable?

 

• What (candidate, position or policy) reflects purity of heart and life, not only negatively in terms of avoidance of things that defile, demean and damage but also positively in terms of passionate pursuit of human well-being and wholeness wherever the humans happen to live?

 

• What (candidate, position or policy) advocates for and acts in the interest of biblical peace—shalom, not only conflict resolution and the overcoming of tribal/racial/ethnic divides but also the pursuit of conditions that encourage and resource human flourishing everywhere (think here of disparities of rich and poor, the many who are “have-nots” who go without adequate food, water, shelter, and care)?

 

• What (candidate, position or policy) would applaud and collaborate with those who have special concern and abilities to facilitate grace and kindness between parties who are estranged?

 

• What (candidate, position or policy) reflects a spirit or tone in their advocacy that offers the best chance of finding the good and the wisdom in alternate or even contrary candidates and views?

 

• What (candidate, position or policy) demonstrates an ability to stand on principle without demonizing those who disagree?

 

• What (candidate, position or policy) shows a willingness to sacrifice self or group agenda for the sake of higher common good?

 

• What (candidate, position or policy) best reflects the wisdom that human worth cannot be calculated at the cash register and viable human communities require ongoing self-restraint?

 

Obviously the list could go on, but this is enough to indicate the tone and tenor of the guide.  Now, please note that in all likelihood no viable candidate or party corresponds very well.  The electoral situation is indeed complex and murky.  As such, there is plenty of room for Christ followers to disagree and draw conclusions that are contrary to each other.  So what should we do? Withdraw and not participate?  Discern what corresponds most nearly?  Determine what items are most critical now and see where closest alignment is?  Collaborate with others in infiltrating all parties to work toward bringing all parties more into alignment with the Voter’s Guide in any way possible, so that no matter what party or candidate wins there is greater possibility that policies and decisions will be shaped more nearly in conformity to Jesus’ Kingdom? 

 

Well, yes, exactly!  You see the challenge and the possibility.  With eyes of faith and hearts set on the things that inflame the heart of Jesus you will see the possibilities.  And you will do something.

 

 

[Reader’s Alert: The following words are best understood by carefully following the article to the end and by allowing your mind to think along with the writer as he uses his terms.  There is a bit of fun and some pun in the writing, but the main points are of critical import to the mission of Jesus.]

Our God is "hetero" and undeniably committed to those who are “hetero”—absolutely no doubt in my mind.  He would vote “hetero” every single time, no matter what anyone says, thinks, or does, even if few or no others join him.  God is definitely pro-hetero.

I know I’ve got your attention now.  Some of you are sure you know what I’m saying.  You are right, partly.  You are wrong, partly.  And it’s where you’re wrong that must most challenge and change us.  Please, let me explain.

“Hetero” (it’s Greek) means other or different or unlike you and me, or whatever or whoever the point of reference happens to be.  God is definitely "hetero" in this sense.  God’s own self is "hetero." God is “holy” which means different, unlike other things and persons.  In God’s case, God is absolutely other, totally unlike any other thing or person.  Or, God is “hetero.”

The central doctrine of the Christian way of life stands or falls on this point.  The whole point is that the God who is totally other, unqualifiedly "hetero," became like us—which for him was to become "hetero" in still another sense, that is, different than he is otherwise.  Gospel writer John asserts that the Word (i.e., God) became flesh and lived where ordinary flesh lives.  "Hetero" became "hetero! 

Throughout Jesus’ life he shows us how "hetero" God is.  He goes after those who are "hetero," so different, so totally out there, that they’ve nearly fallen or been pushed off the human stage.  Indeed, no one seems so “out there” that the God who is "hetero" can’t reach them.  Which is precisely what Jesus did, and does.  The entire focus of his life is to look for those who are "hetero," who are out of the norm, who no one pays attention to or bothers with.  "Hetero" people capture his heart and draw his love.  He came to seek and to save those who are most different than he—those "hetero" in a mega way.

And, followers of Jesus, God in the flesh, who is "hetero," follow.  They also are “hetero.”  They look for those different, on the edge, over the line.  That is what they were when Jesus found them.   That is what others all around them are now.  Therefore, that is what they now do—they follow, the ones who have been embraced by "the Hetero" who became "hetero" join him in seeking those who are different, “out there,” in whatever and all the ways that can happen. They orient their lives around the "hetero."  They learn to live as though it will kill them if those who are "hetero" don’t know about the One who loved them to death.  And in following a God committed to the "hetero," they experience the totally different (hetero) sort of life for which they were actually made in the first place.  What’s more, in the community of "the Hetero" who goes "hetero," yes, they focus on and reach for, and find ways to embrace others who seem "hetero" to them now.  [Note to selves: they do not tell them they are different; that their difference is killing them, that they are so out there they might fall off the edge into oblivion or worse, that the worst is yet to come—indeed the ultimately worse … No, many if not most of those who are "hetero" in this sense know something is missing and would be open if they could get a convincing hint that it could be different for them—"hetero" in another sense altogether!]  As a matter of fact, followers of Jesus join Jesus in seeking to orient most everything around the "hetero" persons out there.

Now, return to your first thoughts when you read “Our God is hetero.”  Think about those who would confess or proudly declare they are not hetero and in fact not being hetero is just fine, or even better than fine.  Think about them.  Are they not ironically among the “hetero” who seem out there to many of us?  In their celebration of “sameness” are they not really extremely "hetero" from our point of view?  For some who like to talk most often and most loudly about God and the Bible, are they not actually about as far out there as can be?  Of course the answer to these last few questions is “Yes!” 

As I write this I recall the huge stir created by the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas whose pastor Fred Phelps leads groups to demonstrate at the funeral of U.S. soldiers killed in action proclaiming that the soldier’s death is God’s punishment on America for allowing gay people in the military.  Other signs assure us that “God hates f___!” Whether Phelps and company have a constitutional right to protest in this way at funerals has now been taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court. 

In that climate, how will we answer the following questions?  What will we do to join Jesus in reaching toward those who insist they are not hetero, who prefer or can’t help but desire those of the same sex?  What will we do to these who are so different than we are?  Will we champion their basic human worth?  Will we affirm that they are made in God’s own image and may yet reflect that image in glorious ways?  Will we seek to be agents of life and peace toward them?  Will we refuse to make them our enemies—since Jesus never made such a move toward anyone?  When or if any of them declare us their enemies, will we do for them what Jesus did for people who only knew to call him an enemy?  Will we pray for them?  Will we seek to know who they are, where they’ve been, what is important to them?  Will we want to protect them from some who would harm them?  Will we abhor anything that would demean, dehumanize or demonize them?  Will we trust that the One who loves and embraces all who are hetero wants them to find what life can be in relationship with him?  Will we seek to see, hear, and understand them in the way Jesus does?  The list of questions goes on, but you get the idea.

 

 

Lots of feedback on the Mosque article.  But here’s the bottom line, we must decide whether we are really serious, as in lay it on the line, hoist cross on shoulders, follow all the way he leads, even if it leads to where he ended up.  We will  either seek to protect ourselves (the very opposite of salvation by grace through faith, by the way—at whatever phase of believing life you happen to be!) and our name and our reputation and our … whatever, or we will spend ourselves in confident trust that in so doing there will be "finding" that blows our wildest imaginations.  If it makes any difference we do have Jesus’ word on it.

So the point in the article was much larger than building a physical structure at or near ground zero.  The point is we must “redeem the time” (see Eph. 5:16 is where the idea is found).  But that meant something quite different to Paul than is popularly understood.  It doesn’t simply mean, “Mind your p’s and q’s because the time is short and Jesus is soon to  come!”  It means we use our time redemptively.  It means we look for inroads which redeeming grace may take straight to the heart of people or the center of groups or the focal point of some process or dynamic.  It means that we choose our battles well—we don’t spend most of our time, energy, and Jesus’ reputation arguing about who is right or how they are wrong, but demonstrating the way of Jesus.  Jesus’ way wasn’t through argument, though of course on occasion he confounded those who challenged him and his positions (as should we on occasion). His way was through declaration—I am the way, the truth and the life … he said; in the context of a life that brought precisely that way, reality and life into the light for all to see.  If the light does not shine, it isn’t light.  If the way won’t work, it doesn’t matter what anyone says about it.  And, if it’s not real, authentic, it’s only a matter of time before everyone knows.  But if it IS, if HE IS, then bring it on, and those at all open will embrace his way with joy. 

So, back to Ground Zero, a lot of people want to fight about this, just as many wish to fight over anything that arouses interest or that could become part of someone's ideological arsenal.  But Christ followers must be smarter than that.  We must not be suckered into thinking that we can play by their rules and win kingdom victories.  Such ends never justify such means.

Instead, let’s trust the Christ we follow to show us how to respond in redemptive ways.  Let’s seek ways to put him on display.  Let’s show Jesus to people on all sides of the controversy.  Jesus does not hate.  Jesus does not fight fire with fire.  Jesus does say here are the things that matter.  Come and see how and why they matter.  Let’s walk awhile and see what happens.  What’s to lose?  Just come and see. That’s how it began and when empowered by the Spirit of Jesus that’s basically how it spread from just a few to a world-wide presence in an historical blink of the eye.

So, church, let’s embrace our redemption in Christ, realizing that it is so comprehensive that it also includes time itself.  And let’s make every moment count, especially those moments when a lot of people are paying attention who will invariably make minor things major and major things minor, unless Someone shows them better.  We are the ones through whom Someone works.

Yes, I’m serious.  Let them build it.  “It” refers to the Mosque, which is actually a Muslim Community Center, near to (as in a couple blocks from) Ground Zero.  I would, in fact, say that Jesus would tell us, “Let them build it.”

My understanding is that they have a “right” to do so.  The would-be builders have made plans that are legal and within bounds of local zoning and other pertinent ordinances.  I also understand the strong sentiments that fuel the arguments against building this Muslim community center there.

To some who lost loved ones on 9/11, and to many others who identify deeply with their loss, this building feels disrespectful.  Some of them suspect a connection (they might even call it a necessary connection) between the 9/11 attacks and the Muslim religion.  For them the building feels like treason—aiding and abetting the enemy.  More than a few see such a building on that site as a threat to their own faith in Christ, a striking reminder that Islam is on-the-grow worldwide.  For many the thought of this building feels like tearing open a wound that had not quite healed completely.  The newly opened wound would not only hurt but reawaken the terror, fear, and anger with a vengeance.

Still, I suggest, under these circumstances Jesus would say, “Let them build it.”  Here’s why I think he would.

The Muslim religion, even when it becomes aggressive evangelistically or otherwise, poses no threat to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.  His followers should not belie this fact by reacting in fear.

The hurts and wounds we sustain in this life, even when inflicted by terrorists, can be healed completely through the loving care of the Great Shepherd of the flock.  It is by his wounds that we are healed—we and potentially all others.  Those of us who have received a measure of such healing must point others to the only One who can heal the deep wounds of a 9/11 and any other holocaust they’ve experienced.

In fact, the Lord Christ loves all people and wants them to draw near.  Wouldn’t a community center surrounded by and interacting with people of Christ’s way offer an excellent opportunity for Christ to be lifted up?  And you know what happens when Christ is lifted up!  So, rather than protesting the construction, wouldn’t it be most consistent with Jesus love to plan missional interaction precisely in his name?  Why not see in this an open door for those who would lift Jesus up?

Indeed, there are other reasons why I can hear Jesus saying, “Let them build it,” reasons that cohere with Jesus’ character and his calling upon us.  Jesus calls his own to bless rather than curse, to reconcile with any who would be our enemies, and to pray for those who refuse to reconcile and prefer to remain at odds.  He calls us not to retaliate, not to do to them what they would do or have done to us.  Instead, to treat them as we would be treated.

Brothers and sisters, the world waits for the people of God to demonstrate they really are and what they’re about.  The world waits to see that we are about the very God whose image Jesus reveals and reforms in us.  The Muslim world waits too.

And, Jesus also waits. 

Wouldn’t it be one of the most stunning God-things ever, if on the very soil made holy by the innocent suffering of 9/11 the soil became holier still—by the Holy One showing up in and through his own?  Imagine if on the front row of this Holy Debut there were Muslim peoples—who, by the way, believe there is only one true God, who believe Jesus was (at least) a prophet with important teachings to observe, but who had no idea how the one true God has determined to show himself.  At least, they had no idea until one day when hanging out at the community center put them in position to see and know and LIVE better.

Someone told me of a recent twitter to CNN that said, “Nazis burn books not Christians!”  Of course, the tweet came in the midst of the Florida pastor’s on again, off again plan to burn copies of the Qur’an.  “Nazis  burn books not Christians!”

It’s a great tweet and sound bite, in a way.  But it misses a more important point.  The Nazis claimed and sadly enjoyed the sanctions of the church.  To much of the world, in fact, when the Nazis burned the books Christians struck the match.

Today that is the impression much of the world has of our way of life as Christ-followers.  And still more sadly, that is the way we Christians are leading such people to think about Christ our Lord.  We Christians become complicit in slandering the name and nature of Jesus Christ when some of us in His name burn books that others consider holy.

Thus, the true follower of Jesus the Christ will abhor what the Florida pastor proposes.  To burn the Qur’an as he proposes slanders the name of Jesus.  To burn the Qur’an violates the spirit of Jesus and the teaching of Jesus—do to others what you would have them do to you (we would be grieved and shocked if Muslim people burned the Bible!); love those who hate you or insist on being your enemies (love does not fight fire with fire); pray for those who persecute you or oppose you (who discerns the presence of the Holy Spirit in such a deed?) and the list goes on and on.

To burn the Qur’an as our pastor friends has considered doing violates the mission of Jesus.  If Jesus came not to condemn the pagan and unbelieving world, why are some of us doing just that?  Jesus condemned some folk, but they were not the “pagans,” but the people who claimed his Father as their God, the people who actually killed Jesus in the name of his Father!  But there's no hint whatsoever that Jesus found fault with the teachings or doctrines of other religions.  Rather, Jesus announced the good news and then demonstrated enough of its reality that people flocked to him.  Why can’t the church do it Jesus’ way?  Why can’t the church follow its head—Jesus? 

To burn the Qur’an as our pastor friend suggests violates the mission of Jesus in another way.  Around the world the Spirit of Jesus is calling many people who are Muslim in culture to become followers of Jesus.  It is even happening in the U.S.  Many stories could be told.  To burn the Qur’an is to disarm Jesus’ apostles to the Muslim world who seek to lead people to him from within their Muslim cultures.   To burn the Qur’an is to arm some within the Muslim cultures with “evidence” that Jesus’ way is simply a disguise for the Western world’s corrupt values and practices.  And to burn the Qur’an is to place Jesus’ apostles to the Muslim world in danger.  If some Christians in the U.S. burn copies of the Qur’an today, perhaps as a result some Muslims burn live Christians somewhere else in the world.  The blood of both the persecuted and the persecuters are on such “Christian” hands!

Friends, it is simply wrong in every way.  Followers of Christ would sooner burn themselves than participate in slandering the Name and subverting the Spirit and Mission of Jesus. 

Followers of Christ should encourage the reading of the Qur’an, and especially the sections that speak of Jesus and that admonish its readers to follow and practice the teachings of Jesus (which the Qur’an does) and then should be ready to step up and say to anyone who would listen, “Say, would you like to know more about this Jesus of whom your Holy Book speaks?”

Followers of Christ, let’s step up.  Let’s ask this kind of question.  Let’s trust what the Holy Spirit is doing.  Let’s complement and contribute to the mission Jesus has going among people everywhere, including in Muslim communities.

Let’s follow Jesus!