Hope, in Perspective (by Becky Garrison)
Here in Manhattan, the city streets hum with hope following the announcement of the first African American to be nominated for president by a major political party. According to news reports, similar scenarios are taking place across the world. As we celebrate this historical moment in electoral politics, Sarah Cunningham, author of Dear Church: Letters from a Disillusioned Generation,
When we market ourselves as the hope of the world, or when we believe that other humans hold the hope of the world for us, without proper acknowledgement of Christ as our source, we foster disillusionment.
So how do we keep this hope alive should one’s preferred candidate not win the coveted presidential prize? My prayer is that regardless of who resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, we can keep singing a hopeful tune. As I've reported elsewhere on the blog, I keep seeing glimpses of the kingdom here on earth that are led not by polticos but by ordinary radicals who are transformed by the words of Jesus Christ. My buddy Shane Claiborne reminds us all, "No matter who is elected on Nov. 4, what matters is how we live our lives as faithful Christians on Nov. 3 and 5."
Sara Cunningham concurs with Shane’s assessment:
We Christians were never the hope. Yes, we were and are carriers of the hope. But we ourselves are only reflections—often dim reflections—of the hope we internalize: Jesus Christ.
In his latest book, Surprised by Hope
The kingdom will come as the church, energized by the Spirit, goes out into the world, vulnerable, suffering, praising, praying, misunderstood, misjudged, vindicated, celebrating: always—as Paul puts it in one of his letters—bearing the body of the dying of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed.
So, as we see hopeful signs all around us, let us remember that as Christians our declaration of hope lies ultimately with the Risen Christ.
Becky Garrison will be featured in the CD 2007 Soularize in a Box, along with N.T. Wright, Rita Brock, Richard Rohr, Brenann Manning, Ian Cron, and others. Check out The Ooze (www.theooze.com) for more information.
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Comments
Thank you Becky for this important reminder
Posted by: meurig | June 6, 2008 3:22 PM
Amen.
Posted by: DC | June 6, 2008 4:03 PM
If what you say is true:
"When we market ourselves as the hope of the world, or when we believe that other humans hold the hope of the world for us, without proper acknowledgement of Christ as our source, we foster disillusionment."
and I agree, the majority of today's churches who vy for membership to fill their coffers are sure fostering a lot of disillusionment!
Deacon & Usher were here....
Posted by: Deacon & Usher | June 6, 2008 5:42 PM
The Wright quote says it all.
Posted by: George De Vries, Jr. | June 6, 2008 9:06 PM
Great thoughts!
Yeah, and the problem with placing too much hope in politicians is that - most of US aren't people God has called to be politicians.
But...we ARE called to be faithful and a light - in whatever God has called each of US to be.
God doesn't see world leaders as more important or more influential that any of us. He sees each of us as just as valuable as a tool in His hands.
And yes, we are just clay vessels. It is what we carry inside that is so special - Jesus Christ.
Posted by: Amazon Creek | June 7, 2008 1:14 AM
Excellent post, Becky. A great caution, corrective, and challenge. Thanks for helping us keep things in perspective.
Posted by: craig | June 7, 2008 2:10 AM
After growing up in the UCC church I was proud to see Barak Obama accomplish as much as he did. Most of us are not offended that he publicly left his congressional membership. As a very misunderstood denomination, most of us knew that the country would reject us and force his hand. We do not take it personally and we are still delighted with what he has accomplished.
As UCCs we have a wide range of views and respectfully disagree with one another often in love. This is odd to many people of faith. Our congregations are small democracies not top down autocracies.
National Politics is not always so charitable when it comes to tolerance and trust.
As one of the earliest denominations established in this country we have a long history of not endorsing politicians. And even more importantly we are offended by the idea that any politician would speak for or try to influence leaders of the church. In fact it would be laughable if one attempted to do so. It would be like herding ants.
The history of our ancestors has made us appreciate separation of church and state. However, this basic distrust of politicians does not keep UCCs from thinking deeply about the application of Gods message in our communities. Even here there is great diversity of expression from church to church and member to member.
As members of the blessed community, we have on occasion come to the aid of those who have suffered for being on the wrong side of politics.
Becoming involved at a political level as a person of faith is only one of the many ways we can influence the world as inspired leaders in our communities. But when inspired to do so,we don't expect our church families to follow us into this path. We must step out on our own. And as you have seen it is certainly not for the faint hearted or anyone with out a good hearty sense of humor.
Mr. Obama knows perfectly well that as much as we take pride in him as UCCs, we will also become some of his toughest critics.
Posted by: Ms. Cynthia | June 7, 2008 5:35 AM
Great review. N.T. Wright's Surprised by Hope and George Barna's/Frank Viola's Pagan Christianity? both changed my thinking in a huge way. Wright showed me that my views on heaven were more influenced by pagan thought than the Bible, and Barna showed me that my views on church were more influenced by pagan traditions than the Bible. It's been a year of great change in my life. Thanks again for this review.
Posted by: Thomas | June 7, 2008 8:33 PM
Thanks for the reminder Becky. I sometimes fail to remember that it's not all up to me and get pretty discouraged, even in a large church.
Press on.
Brian Jones
Posted by: Brian Jones | June 8, 2008 2:13 PM
I have just received news of the passing of an old friend of mine. Becky, your message of hope was most welcome at this moment. Thanks.
Posted by: Jeff S. | June 10, 2008 6:53 AM
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