"…Neither is this Thou" (- C. Williams)

Just read an article on the Family Research Council and its ties to James Dobson’s Focus on the Family. They have a very fundamental epistemological problem: Their theological paradigm lands them on the science-denying side of the pursuit of religious knowledge… Their approach to biblical texts builds a house of cards that denies the obvious about the texts themselves. In the end, their attitude and efforts serve the spirit of the Pharisees instead of the spirit of Jesus. They then arrive at conclusions on ethical issues that bring their denial of science together with an untenable hermeneutics. The biblical texts cannot trump science and be epistemologically credible in our time. (These Christians give Jesus yet another ‘Copernican black eye.’ The earth revolves around the Sun, after all?) The result is interpretation that is life-diminishing. The better way of interpretation is in awe of creation, rather than afraid of what might be discovered. And so, it is open to life.

There was a fine church in a valley, among others in the heart of the town. Its pastor was a very good preacher, applied every text to the “now.” His views were a bit unusual; but his insights were very profound.

One evening there came a tornado, that flattened his church to the ground. One pastor  called it “God’s judgement. Another, “Satan’s work.” Still another said, “Neither God nor the Devil. It’s of nature, and nothing more.”

Next tornado was a disaster! All four of them died in the gale. They walked through the Gates of St. Peter, which was a surprise to only one. That one had a talk with St. Peter. And the Key-Bearer said to the one, “This is the task that I give you, since YOU know so well what God’s done. You must walk through the streets and discover… well, see what you find, that is all.”

Next day the one came to St. Peter, with a list as long as his leg. He said, “I’ve had many surprises. Thought I knew all God’s actions to date. Now I see I was wrong about many, and ask your forgiveness to stay.”

St. Peter was pleased with the preacher, and told him where rest could be had. “It’s a ward, not a room for you yet,” said the Saint. “Why a ward, not a manse,” he asked. “Because you have much to learn,” said St. Peter, “and do keep ONE thing in mind. In order to get any better, make no judgements about who else you find.”

Irony: A one- percenter received so many votes from people who are feeling deep frustration with a situation created by the one-percenters. Historically it has been a strategy of the patricians to keep the plebeians fighting among themselves, in order to distract them from the real roots of their angst; so the cycle continues. But only if we let it. Will we be pessimistic like the ancient Greeks, or proactive for PEACE WITH JUSTICE like people of hope?

Caveat: Like others I am groping for hope. As I pointed out in class on Wednesday, we white males cannot experience this moment of history as minorities do who have been victimized by us. I think we who see Trump and Pence as threats to what we value (shaped as our values are by Jesus of Nazareth), must rally with likeminded others. We must rally to our causes and pursue those causes with a non-violent, but confident fervor. Perhaps we should pray for another MLK, Jr. to arise to lead those efforts from a minority persepective. To quote HRC, “we are stronger together.” Let’s remember that Donald Trump did not win the popular vote. Additionally, only about a quarter of the country’s potential electorate voted for him. Give him a chance to lead? Yes. But abandon our values? Never.