Compassion and Interdependence - Thomas Merton

 

God Is Love = No Discrimination - Progressive Christianity

 

Dear Church, Refuse To Be In Denial About Racism - Melissa Stek in CRC Network

Until we can admit that we are people in need of recovery from systemic racism and white supremacy, we will never make progress in racial reconciliation.

I am a recovering racist, working to overcome the lies ingrained in me by white supremacy and a racialized society. The cultural messages I received were products of a racialized society, communicating to me the supposed meaning and value of whiteness versus colored-ness

I have always been a beneficiary of white privilege as a person that fits our culture’s physical appearance standards of “white.”

Until we can admit that we are people in need of recovery from systemic racism and white supremacy, we will never make progress in racial reconciliation; we will never heal the wounds and cancer of white supremacy.

The first step is to step out of our denial. It’s not enough for me to say, “I’m not individually racist,” and think that my work is done. 

We must be open to uncomfortable surrender to truth and reality in order to shake ourselves free from the lies we have absorbed about race and whiteness.

The full article is available here

God's Love Isn't Limited By Legal Status - Do Justice

Every human being is made in God's image. As a result, we are commanded to treat all human life with respect and kindness.

It is clear that God loves immigrants, who are among the most vulnerable members of society. An ancestor of Jesus, Ruth was an immigrant and benefited from God's concrete love through the laws that God gave to the Israelite tribes that made provision for the poor and the immigrant.

God's love for the immigrant is also revealed in the life of Jesus. In Matthew 2, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus took refuge in Egypt when King Herod ordered the mass execution of Jewish boys of a certain age. Their lives were at stake, so Egypt became their temporary home.

God's love extends beyond legal status or country of origin. God does not give us the job of judging whether anyone is worthy of  love. Every human being in God's image. As a result, we are commanded to treat all human life with respect and kindness.

Can we overcome our obstacles? Can we overcome our fears? Can we love like Jesus loved? God's love requires that we no longer hold the stranger at arms-length because of Jesus’ radical identification with the least of these.

The full article is available here

5 Things To Remember/Advocate for During “Border Crisis” & Budget Negotiations - CRCNA

The synod of the Christian Reformed Church in North America has long advocated for a fair and just immigration system that honors the inherent dignity of immigrants and refugees.

Members of Congress need to hear from the faith community.

With this in mind, we as the Church uphold these 5 important points to remember and advocate for in this time of “border crisis” and budget negotiations.

1. We can have a secure border and humane border policy.
2. We can protect the asylum-seeking process, which is legal.
3. We can invest in aid, development, and just solutions to migrations’ root causes.
4. We can continue to protect children.
5. We can find permanent solutions for Dreamers and TPS recipients.

Using our action alert, you can urge your Congressperson to ensure that:

• funding for border security will also protect the safety of and access to legal protections for immigrants and asylum-seekers; it is harmful and disingenuous to only be funding and talking about a border wall
• and that the truth is told about immigrants: immigrants are a blessing to our economy, public safety, and overall stability in the United States.  Changing our immigration system should reflect this truth by increasing paths to legal immigration, not creating harmful, inhumane deterents.

The full article is available here 

Holy Family 2x Fled Murderous Tyrants As Refugees

The Holy Family was twice forced to flee as refugees to get outside of a murderous tyrant’s jurisdictions. 

This fact debunks the common talking point that the Holy Family’s flight “wouldn’t qualify them as refugees” because they were “moving within the Roman Empire.”

2 years after Jesus was born, Herod the Great issued a command that all male children two years old and younger, in and around Bethlehem, are to be put to death (Matthew 2:16).

So Mary, Jesus, and Joseph flex from Bethlehem to Egypt, which was outside the jurisdiction of Herod.

After Herod died in early 4 B.C., they soon begin their travel back to Judea and Bethlehem. However, as Mary and Joseph approach Judea, it is discovered that Herod Archelaus, the eldest surviving son of Herod the Great, is the new ruler of the area (Matthew 2:22). Like his father, Archelaus ruled with tyranny and cruelty.

Joseph's fears about living within Judea are confirmed when God sent him a warning in a dream. The family continued their travels northward to their hometown of Nazareth (Matthew 2:22 - 23).

The city was part of Galilee, which was outside the jurisdiction of Herod Archelaus. Galilee was ruled by a another son of Herod the Great named Herod Antipas. This son had a slightly less violent disposition than Archelaus. (Citation: http://www.biblestudy.org/maps/the-journeys-of-mary-and-joseph.html)

It should also be noted that nowhere in Scripture is it indicated that Mary, Joseph, or Jesus were Roman Citizens. (Citation: https://historum.com/threads/is-jesus-christ-a-roman-citizen.134847/)

Advent Reflection: Who Exactly Is "God With?" - CRC Office of Social Justice

If the gospel of Emmanuel is to be good news to all things - then now is the time for that gospel to be proclaimed and lived like never before.

In Colossians, Paul writes that, in Christ, God is “pleased to reconcile to himself all things” (Col. 1:20).  All people, of course. But “all things” means a whole new ball game. The creation belongs to God, and he is reconciling all of it.

At this moment in history, this is good news like never before - and an unprecedented challenge. That’s because in less than 50 years, our earth has lost more than half of all of its mammals, fish, reptiles, and birds. They, who once flourished with their Creator’s blessing, have dwindled under the heavy hand of habitat destruction, pollution, and exploitation.

If the gospel of Emmanuel is to be good news to all things - then now is the time for that gospel to be proclaimed and lived like never before.

The full article is available here

4 Ways to Support Asylum Seekers at the US-Mexico Border - Do Justice

Many are wondering what Christians who are far from the U.S. southern border can do to seek justice and support the dignity of those who are migrating.

Here are a few ideas:

1) Contemplate/Meditate. If you’re wondering where you can find words to guide you in contemplation and meditation focusing on the “migrant caravan,”these words might help.

2) Learn. Watch and share this video, where CRC pastor Rev. Sandra Van Opstal interviews leaders who are on the ground in Tijuana (including OSJ’s mobilizer on the ground in Southern California, Vanessa Soltero Martinez).

3) Give. Organizations like Matthew 25 So Cal are working tirelessly to support leaders in Mexico and along the border. They’re seeking gifts that go directly to the migrants.

4) Advocate. Your voice is critical -- and it’s easy to raise it. Go to this action alert to learn more.

The full article is available here

Christian Humanitarian Group Responds To Trump Trying To Change US Asylum Law - World Relief

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1158

"To attempt to restrict the right to request asylum is both morally troubling and legally questionable,” said World Relief senior vice president Emily B. Gray. 

"Our staff have witnessed those seeking asylum being told to wait for several weeks before being allowed to lawfully present their claims at the port of entry, which is why some have availed themselves of the legal option of requesting asylum elsewhere, as explicitly permitted by U.S. law.

To attempt to restrict the right to request asylum is both morally troubling and legally questionable,” said World Relief senior vice president Emily B. Gray.

“While we call upon our government to follow U.S. law as it adjudicates each case, we also are mindful of the role of the church," said World Relief president Scott Arbeiter.

"Jesus instructs to love our neighbors, and he made clear in his parable of the Good Samaritan that the ‘neighbor’ whom we are called to love could specifically include a foreign traveler in need."

"We encourage Christians throughout the country to respond with Christ-like compassion to the plight of these individuals, and to advocate with our elected officials to ensure that life-saving asylum protections within U.S. law are not disregarded.”

The full article is available here

Religious Right's Disturbing Anti-Semitic Conspiracy Video: Attack On Christian Social Justice Organizations

The open letter linked to the anti-Semetic video was signed by Eric Metaxas, George Barna, Steve Largent, and Everett Piper, among others. 

President Trump's religious right supporters have just launched a new antisemitic conspiracy-theory video attacking Christian social-justice organizations.

The so-called "American Association of Evangelicals," which first emerged on the eve of the 2016 presidential election, alleges that Christian social-justice organizations are a part of "Soros's formula for killing America."

The open letter linked to the anti-Semetic video was signed by Eric Metaxas, George Barna, Steve Largent, and Everett Piper, among others.

If you don't have a weak stomach, you can view the video and letter here.

Finding the We: God’s Grace can Transform Environmental Racism - Do Justice!

The Christian Reformed Church is one of many denominations that has taken the symbolic action of repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery. The concrete actions required to undo its horrific legacy in our hearts, minds, and society require us to follow our faith into a very counter-cultural lifestyle. It takes conscious decisions every day.

The water crises in Flint and Detroit are more universal than we readily see. In mainstream U.S. culture, we view water as a “resource.”

Rather than a gift from God which is necessary for all of creation to flourish, or a living relative with which we share kinship in God’s creation, most of us view water as a commodity. However, we don’t just do this to water: we do it to people, and to entire communities.

Commodification of God’s creation and people in the United States and Canada has deep roots in the Doctrine of Discovery, heretical teachings pushed forward through Christian institutions to justify theft, slavery, and genocide in the colonial era by putting white Europeans at the top of a Church-sanctioned racial hierarchy.

Today, those of us born and raised in the United States too often unconsciously perpetuate the systemic racism and greed with which our continent was colonialized.

The Christian Reformed Church is one of many denominations that has taken the symbolic action of repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery. The concrete actions required to undo its horrific legacy in our hearts, minds, and society require us to follow our faith into a very counter-cultural lifestyle. It takes conscious decisions every day, and only by the grace of God can we change.

The full article is available here

Thoughts On John McArthur's "Social Justice & the Gospel" Statement - Daniel José Camacho

The statement on "Social Justice & the Gospel" by these conservative evangelicals needs to be seen for what it is; a misguided reaction - based on fear - which is intent on sacralizing the interpretations of privileged white men.

This statement attempts to bifurcate social justice concerns from the Gospel and paint these concerns as secular impositions on scripture.

This statement sees "intersectionality, radical feminism, & critical race" as ideological enemies of faith & as inconsistent with biblical teaching.

But what does this practically mean?

The result is smuggling in various prejudices and presenting them as purely "biblical.”

The statement on "Social Justice & the Gospel" needs to be seen for what it is; a misguided reaction - based on fear - which is intent on sacralizing the interpretations of privileged white men.

The full article is available here

'Whatever' Isn't An Option For Immigrant Children - Bethany Christian Services CEO Chris Palusky

"[Trump administration] actions are not consistent with the ideals of our nation. Instead, they undermine protections for vulnerable children."

Trump chief of staff John Kelly acknowledged in a recent interview with NPR that family separation “could be a tough deterrent” to illegal immigration.

In that same interview, the White House chief of staff argued that it wasn’t cruel and heartless to take children like Jose away from their parents because, “The children will be taken care of – put into foster care or whatever.”

Community organizations like Bethany stand ready to help these children find loving, temporary foster homes. We were disturbed, however, to learn what Kelly meant when he said “whatever”—and it isn’t what is best for children.

Citing an email sent to staff at the Pentagon, the Washington Post recently revealed that the Trump administration is preparing to hold unaccompanied immigrant children or children who have been separated from their parents at military bases.

These actions are not consistent with the ideals of our nation. Instead, they undermine protections for vulnerable children.

As Congress and the Trump administration consider actions to curb the numbers of children and families seeking refuge in the United States, I urge them to remember these immigrants have become integral members of our communities, our neighbors, and our friends.

The full article is available here.

Preaching Biblically About Justice Is More Dangerous In Trump Era - Diana Butler Bass

Even if a clergy person doesn't intend to be prophetic, if they are simply being faithful right now, Jesus’ and other Hebrew prophets’ words can't be contained - and may seem like a political attack to those aligned with or supportive of Trumpism.

Jesus -- and the Bible more generally -- say a lot of stuff that sounds political. About poverty, immigrants, outsiders, notions of ethnic superiority. About compassion and hospitality and justice.

Years ago, you could preach on any of these passages and people wouldn't like such sermons, but they didn't take them personally. They often simply chose to ignore them. 

But now? They get downright angry. 

In this time of Trump, the words the Bible contains about justice have reclaimed their power. They sound like they were intended to sound; a forceful critique of exploitative, oppressive and corrupted politics.

And even if a clergy person doesn't intend to be prophetic, if they are simply being faithful right now, Jesus’ and other Hebrew prophets’ words can't be contained - and may seem like a political attack to those aligned with or supportive of Trumpism.

I personally know a half dozen clergy who have lost their jobs over a sermon preached or a prayer prayed -- one that was interpreted as an attack on Trump or thought to "divide" a congregation.  And I know countless more who have been instructed by bishops, supervisors, senior clergy, or church boards to preach and pray on NOTHING that could even be construed as vaguely political.

Most of this is to placate conservative donors to religious organizations. But some is to protect the clergy.

The full article is available here

Some Ways To Determine If Your Christianity Has Been "United Statesified" - Benjamin Corey

The powerful influence of U.S. culture has, for quite some time, seeped into the Christian faith to the point where, in too many instances, we have an entirely new product - and one we'd do well to dissect.

While the word “Christianity” seems to refer to a single religion, the reality is that many cultures have succumbed to a process of syncretism where there are actually many, many forms of Christianity that look nothing like the original picture on the outside of the box.

The United States is no different. The powerful influence of United States culture has, for quite some time, seeped into the Christian faith to the point where, in too many instances, we have an entirely new product.

Instead of Christianity as it was passed on to the disciples and early church, we have a church culture that is a uniquely U.S. version– and one we’d do well to dissect.

Here are some ways to tell if your Christianity has "United Statesified."

The Early Church's Pacifism, Nonviolence, and Shared Economy Seems Foreign
From a U.S. mindset, original Christianity and the first Christians appear nuts: they were universally nonviolent (against capital punishment, abortion, military service and killing in self-defense), and rejected individual ownership of property in order to redistribute their wealth (Acts 2:44-45, Acts 4:35).

Your Chief Concern With Islam Is Warring Against It, Not Being Loving Like Christ
If your initial posture toward all Muslims is that of viewing them as a threat to do battle against instead of viewing them as people Jesus has commanded we radically and self-sacrificially love, you're not operating out of the chief calling of a Christ-follower; to love others.

If You Want To Cut Programs Of Social Uplift/Justice In Favor Of Charity Only
A value of the political ideology of many U.S. Christians is small government and that taxes are wage theft.  A Christian value is the elimination of poverty.  Though those who subscribe to the aforementioned political ideology also acknowledge that poverty should be dealt with, they often express that it isn't the job of the government to deal with it, and that church-distributed charity could solve the problem.  Even though that is empirically untrue, studies have shown that many average U.S. Christians don't give money to charity or even tithe to their church anyway.

You Say "We're A Nation Of Laws" About Immigrants vs Citing What Bible Says 
The Bible has plenty to say on immigrants, and consistently lists them as one of the vulnerable groups of people that God-followers are to care for.  While government does have a right to determine who can enter a country, the primary posture of a Christian should be that of radical love towards immigrants and refugees of every type.

If You Think Stopping Gay Marriage & School Prayer Are Most Pressing Issues
Culture war issues reliably drum up financial and ballot support for conservative candidates, but what of the primary admonition to Christ-followers to love our neighbors as ourselves.  In a globalized society, every creature dwelling on the earth is our neighbor. 750 million people around the world don't have access to clean water. 805 million people are chronically malnourished. Human-caused climate change is harming the planet that we're called by God to steward. 

Clearly, legislating marital opinions to achieve Christendom hegemony and attempting to enforce state-sponsored religion through school prayer - which is detrimental to both the state and to religion incidentally - are not the most pressing issues we face today.

The full article is available here

How Christians Should and Shouldn't Speak About Creation - Brian Zahnd

Instead of saying un-Christian things like, “This world is not my home,” “It’s all going to burn,” and “Environmentalism is idolatry,” listen to how wise Christians have always spoken about Creation.

This year Earth Day falls on a Sunday.  So I thought I’d say a few words about how Christians should and shouldn't speak about Creation.

First, Christians should never say…

"This world is not my home."
This world is our home! And it’s the locus of God’s saving work. The blessed hope is not “we’re going,” but “Christ is coming.” Our eschatological hope is resurrection, not evacuation. The risen Christ is not a ghost, he has flesh and bones; he eats fish and honeycomb.

"It’s all going to burn."
What a horrible, ghastly thing for a Christian to say! Especially when it’s given as an excuse for justifying environmental exploitation. In Christ we have a hopeful eschatology that says, “It’s all going to be renewed.” (And if you want to work from 2 Peter 3:10, say, “It’s all going to be refined.”)

"Environmentalism is idolatry."
Never say that. Instead say, “This is my Father’s world.” In giving humanity “dominion,” God made us park rangers of Planet Earth. Environmentalism isn’t idolatry — it’s the original vocation given to humanity. Environmentalism isn’t idolatry — but greed is! In Revelation we’re told that God will judge “those who destroy the earth.”

So ...

... instead of saying un-Christian things like, “This world is not my home,” “It’s all going to burn,” and “Environmentalism is idolatry,” listen to how wise Christians have always spoken about Creation.

• The first step for a soul to come to know God is contemplation of nature.
  –Irenaeus (120–202)
• The whole earth is a living icon of the face of God.
  –John of Damascus (675–749)
• If we learn to love the earth, we will discover what it means to be truly alive.
  –Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)
• A wrong attitude toward nature implies, somewhere, a wrong attitude toward God.
  –T.S. Eliot (1888–1965)
• How we treat the earth defines the relationship that each of us has with God.
  –Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (1940–)

The full article is available here

CRC Has Been Welcoming Refugees For Decades - Immigrants Are A Blessing Not A Burden

Ways U.S. Churches Can Welcome Immigrants - Christian Reformed Church of North America

In the Bible, strangers are often used by God to bring blessing. Immigrants today are a blessing to our congregations, communities, families, economy, and country. They are created in the image of God.

And God expressly, and repeatedly, commands us to welcome the stranger. This resource shares ten ideas for showing hospitality and experiencing the blessings immigrants bring.

You can preview and download the resource here

Update From CRC Team at COP23 Climate Change Negotiations - Stephan Lutz

“Sustainability” might be a modern term, but it’s an ancient value.

Elders have long taught youth not to take more than is needed, to live in harmony with one’s surroundings, to protect the soil from wind and water erosion, and to protect creatures so they can continue to reproduce. Before the advent of sustainability coordinators, math, and science, citizens of our world were already implementing widely effective methods to use resources without depleting those resources or causing permanent damage.

I am currently representing World Renew and the Climate Witness Project at COP23 in Bonn, Germany. It is exciting to be here. Being with thousands of people from all over the world, coming together from all walks of life to stand in solidarity about an issue that is affecting the entire world, is an awesome thing. You realize that you, as an individual, are one of many with the same passion, and that each of us are one small but crucial piece of the puzzle.

Each of us has our own unique contribution to make to the bigger picture of defending vulnerable people and preserving God’s good world. It’s a very humbling experience!

The full article is available here

Interfaith Coalition: No Principled Basis For Trump's Travel Ban - Religion News

A coalition of Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Jews say Trump's travel ban is “anathema” to their shared belief in religious tolerance.

They say the order “selectively targeted” six Muslim-majority nations cited in State Department reports on terrorism but excluded at least two Christian-majority nations — Venezuela and the Philippines — that meet the same criteria applied to the Muslim countries.

While not contending that those two countries should be included in the ban, the coalition argues that the order violates the Constitution’s establishment clause, which calls for the government to not favor one religion over another.

The full article is available here