In the news lately, I've heard the word Christian a lot. And not just because of the death of Pope Francis. Because the Trump administration is basing his policies on "Christian Nationalism" and its Project 2025, the media is rightly focused on the religious motivation behind their policies. Still, it's hard to hear the word Christian and faith to justify the cruelty and chaos of deportations, and the rejection of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Our new "Affirm" series asked the question
"Why is it that the word Christian, which should stand for people of extravagant
grace and generosity, who are abundantly loving, who are associated with
acts of courage, justice, and compassion, has become synonymous
with butthead?" (Phoenix Affirmations by Eric Elnes)
In the absence of a strong, positive, clearly articulated Christian alternative to such religious extremists, it's easy to get the impression that Christians don't have much to do with Jesus anymore. Given the recent media coverage, the general public starts believing that Jesus might actually agree with the extremists and wants nothing to do with people who think like that. I do appreciate when media sources try to make the distinction between fundamentalist/evangelicals and Mainstream Protestants or progressive Christianity but I fear the differences are lost on most of those outside the church.
So, in this series, we're focusing explicitly on the Affirmations that depict a far more tolerant, joyful and compassionate face of Christianity. They reflect commitments to environmental stewardship, social justice, and an openness to other faiths (thanks Jerry for that sermon on pluralism Sunday). They are biblically based, even in their assertion that the Bible should be taken seriously and authoritatively but not literally.
The NH Council of Churches is also working to clearly articulate a Christianity based on loving God and neighbor. They've created a series of yard signs (contact the office if you want to put one up in a high-traffic area).
We invite people into this joyful and daring path of Jesus.
RevKelly
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