Waiting for change

"We are the ones we have been looking for." While I have forgotten where I first heard this quote, it is mildly reminiscent of Gandhi’'s better known, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Both quotes relate to our need to take initiative. Our hunger for change always begins with a self-analysis. Alongside the question; "“what can be done" must come the question; "“what can I do?"” So often, someone observes a problem in the world and complains about it. But from a spiritual perspective, insights are given to inspire us toward change, not merely to whine about "how no one is doing anything about it." Jesus said his disciples would do greater things than he himself had done. This seems impossible, so many never try. Many fail the first step of active faith by not believing in themselves.

When we feel something needs to be done and wonder why no one is doing it, it's time the voice of the Spirit calling us to action. Awareness begins the process for change. But it is only a first step. More is required for the journey. Often believers stop short of action and are satisfied with mere insight. Or they wait for someone else to come and tell them what to do. Without any personal risk or involvement, there is no real advancement. Knowing the answer and not acting upon that information in more that being irresponsible. At best, it is childish. At worse, it is a denial of true faith. Unless we hear, understand and respond to a call to action, we seal our fate to live in an unchanged world.

Thank you my Muslim friend

An interesting question was offered by one of my Muslim friends to the members of the Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass at our monthly meeting this morning.  She wanted to know if there was a consistent statement being made by the Christian community regarding the release of The Da Vinci Code and its view of Jesus.  A few predicted responses were offered around the table.  “Most know it’s a work of fiction,” said one.  Our Catholic member reminded us that even as an act of fiction, The Da Vinci Code builds some of its argument on selected scriptures, historical artifacts and famous locations.  He feared, even as an act of fiction it could lead astray many who were poorly informed.

 

What intrigued and nearly overwhelmed me was her reason for asking.  Her curiosity about reaction from the Christian church was important because this was a hot topic in her American Muslim community especially in light of the defamation of the prophet Mohammed in a cartoon that set off world wide protests so violently that many lost their lives.  In fact, she heard of a group of Canadian Muslims who have planned protests of the movie because of its portrayal, in their view, of prophet Jesus who is revered in the Qu’ran.

 

She was not advocating such action but wondered if the Interfaith Alliance, charged with the fair and equitable defense of all faiths should make some kind of response in support of Christians.  I was deeply touched by her sensitivity and concern to the fair representation of my faith.

 

Which leads me to the need for Christians especially, but really members of all faiths to develop a thicker skin.  As the dominant religion in America, we who are Christians gain creditability when we suffer for our convictions with grace and civility rather than demanding any fair treatment.  I applaud any critique to my deeply held convictions, even those of a fictional nature.  Only in sincere challenge do I gain any growth.  Yes, there are gross exaggerations in The Da Vince Code.  But there are also some legitimate points worth considering.

 

What makes the church is not our avoidance of conflict, but our handling of conflict.  Jesus assured us, “in this world you will have trouble.”  It’s how we face the trouble that determines our witness.  When a book or a movie or even a scientific theory easily threatens us, we are not showing the world our faith but only our fear.

Interfaith Alliance Statement on 10 Commandments Display

Recently the Lexington City Council was given a set of "historical documents" including the 10 Commandments to post on city property. This effort was a "gift" from a group called "Body of Christ Ministries." Obviously, for those paying attention this is a Trojan horse ploy to circumvent the First Admendment by classifying the 10 Commandments as something other than a religious document in order to seek their civic endorsement. Of course, one wonders why a group of elected city officials should decide what is historical and what is religious. More importantly, once we elevate the "historical" significance of the 10 Commandments what is next? By extension, shouldn't they be more than just a note of history but a substantial influence in the formulation of our laws. Why then, can you violate at least 7 of the commandments and not be penalized by force of law? Such is the sticky nature of mixing too much religion with politics and why a different and more complex approach must be advocated as given by the following statement written and approved by The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass:

Mayor Teresa Isaac

Lexington Fayette Urban County Council

Dear Mayor Isaac and Council Members:

Like many in Fayette County, we were surprised to read the recent story regarding the proposed “gift” to the city of “historical documents,” including the Ten Commandments, intended for display on public property. It is our obligation as citizens, as well as our responsibility as leaders and members of various faith communities, to remind you of the importance of maintaining the neutrality of government in regard to matters of religion.

“Historical documents” shared by all our citizens are appropriate for display in public spaces. The display of religious documents is not appropriate for public spaces as it might imply a government endorsement of a particular religious tradition. The display of such religious documents is appropriate for houses of worship and other private spaces at their owners’ discretion.

Our nation’s founders knew from hard experience the importance of a healthy separation of “church and state.” Moreover, our nation’s history has demonstrated that government is more open and religion more vital when that separation is maintained.

As you consider receiving and displaying these documents, remember that you represent all the citizens of this great city, and that among those citizens are persons of many different faiths, all of which are essential to our nation’s past and present. We strongly urge you to reject any “gift” that would undermine our cherished freedom of religion and the separation of church and state upon which our freedom depends.

Respectfully,

Rev. Michael L. Ward, President

The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass

Also signed by:

Dr. Greg Earwood, Baptist Seminary of Kentucky

Rev. Mark Johnson, Central Baptist Church

Holly Shipley, Faith Lutheran Church

Deacon Mark Stauffer, Catholic Diocese of Lexington

Jenny Sutton-Amr, Islamic Society of Central Kentucky

Richard M. Renfro, Humanist Forum of Central Kentucky

Rabbi Marc Kline, Temple Adath Israel & LFUCG Human Rights Commission

Dr. Lisa Davison, Lexington Theological Seminary

Lance Brunner, Lexington Shambhala-Buddhist Meditation Center

Richard Mitchell, Lexington Friends Meeting (Quakers)

Rev. William B. Kincaid, III, Woodland Christian Church

Avinash Sathaye, Bharatiya Temple and Cultural Center (Hindu Community)

Rev. Gerard Howell, Baptist

Endorsed by the Board of Directors of The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass, May 17, 2006.

May wisdom guide all our intentions as well meaning as they may be.

United 93

This past weekend I saw United 93, the mildly controversial movie about the ill-fated terrorist attack on the U.S. Capital on that terrible day when 3 other hijacked planes successfully hit their intended targets.  The early conventional wisdom believed the movie was released too early while emotions were still too raw and was a ploy to profit from the misfortunes of others.  After it premiered, critics applauded its fair and accurate treatment of a day that changed America.  This movie was a riveting behind the scenes account of our living history and a tribute to the courageous character of a handful of Americans when faced with an unbelievable and frightening challenge.

After the movie was over there was a stunned silence from most in the theater.  A few sobs could be heard in the darkness until one person began wailing uncontrollably.I remember feeling extremely frustrated and angry. How could this have happened? How could we have been so woefully unprepared? How could these fellow citizens have lost their lives so tragically?

September 11 was a day we were shaken to our core and left questioning many of our treasured assumptions about the scope of freedom. We realized that we could not be isolated from the problems in the larger world. We were not exempt from the absolute and random senselessness of terror from a foreign threat. The scope and success of this plot convinced middle America that no one was safe.  All it took was being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But now, in the span of a typical college career (for those on the five year plan), I wonder if we have fallen back into another false sense of security? Do we feel we have averted this threat from ever happening again? Are we any better prepared if it did?

The movie provided a jolt back into those shocking days when we woke from our slumber . As I left the serene setting of the plush Cinemas, I realized, in a very small way, I was experiencing what citizens of Baghdad, Tel Aviv and Dahab face in real time with far more regularly. I appreciated again how privileged I am to live in relative peace. My virtual experience with terrorism produced real emotions that could hardly compare to the bona fide feelings of rage, anger, revenge and fear that will occur when terrorism hits my street and kills a member of my family.

The movie was helpful for me as a harsh lesson in both the challenge and the calling for all of us who are called Christians to transcend sectarian divisions. When faced with evil, do I lash out in kind or do I reach out with compassion to any who hurt in the world. Violence will always produce more violence or as Jesus as said, “those who live by the sword, die by the sword.” I wonder if our nation’s soul has become any more compassionate; any more forgiving; any wiser since those terrible days of September 11, 2001? Have we graduated at all or are we just fifth year freshmen?

We can retreat to live in the protected isolation of our affluence. We can hope against hope that we have conquered these threats to our prosperity and security. We can numb ourselves through pleasure and entertainment. We can allow others to fight this battle for us, those who are usually the poorest and most desperate. Yet, to me this is a more vulnerable place to live. Just like that crisp autumn morning five years ago, in a moment’s notice, our hopeful bubble is popped.

September 11 reminded us that life is precious and time is short. On September 12, 2001 and the few months that followed, we Americans reached out in unity with our fellow citizens. We were committed to work for the common good. We sought to develop our faith and mature the best that was within us. We determined to love our family more sincerely and straighten our paths toward better living. How easy it has been to go back to the comforts of old habits and empty promises. Maybe it’s better to exchange the idea, “it’s too soon to remember” with “it’s too soon to forget.”