In 1992 when the UCC church I served became "Open and Affirming" (welcoming LGBTQ) we re-wrote our "welcome" statement, adding sexual orientation to things like race, ethnicity, "all sorts and conditions of humanity" (our way of talking about social class). Our welcome to all was followed by, "and we call all to the cost and joy of Christian discipleship." Our attempt to address acceptance as a starting, but not ending, point.
Residing in the Mainline Christianity world, this resonated with me deeply. I had already read Hauerwas' chapter in "Jesus is Everything," so your own thoughts helped it to gel in my mind. This has been of one of my great challenges in being part of the United Methodist clan, and often I find myself at odds or in tension with the current thought leaders. But this is where God put me, so I work within the tension in the same way I work within the tensions of our current social and political climate of the United States.
The image of fire is helpful- present in so many parables and descriptions of God’s presence and love. To step into the love of God is to welcome his consuming fire, which doesn’t just forgive the sin in us, it purges it, so that we can enjoy what Jesus offers: loving as he has loved us.
In 1992 when the UCC church I served became "Open and Affirming" (welcoming LGBTQ) we re-wrote our "welcome" statement, adding sexual orientation to things like race, ethnicity, "all sorts and conditions of humanity" (our way of talking about social class). Our welcome to all was followed by, "and we call all to the cost and joy of Christian discipleship." Our attempt to address acceptance as a starting, but not ending, point.
Residing in the Mainline Christianity world, this resonated with me deeply. I had already read Hauerwas' chapter in "Jesus is Everything," so your own thoughts helped it to gel in my mind. This has been of one of my great challenges in being part of the United Methodist clan, and often I find myself at odds or in tension with the current thought leaders. But this is where God put me, so I work within the tension in the same way I work within the tensions of our current social and political climate of the United States.
Good stuff! Love Hauerwas. And deeply appreciate your writing.
The image of fire is helpful- present in so many parables and descriptions of God’s presence and love. To step into the love of God is to welcome his consuming fire, which doesn’t just forgive the sin in us, it purges it, so that we can enjoy what Jesus offers: loving as he has loved us.