Shades of Gray

As our nation approaches a presidential election, our worship team considered a variety of topics we might explore for a September sermon series in '08.  

When I turn on the news in the evening, whether it is CNN or MSNBC or Fox, or another media outlet, almost always I find the discussion and opinions on "both" sides of the issues, be it immigration, health care, drilling for oil or almost any other controversial topic, unhelpful.  Almost all the "talking heads" providing their limited expertise make the issues seem one way or another, black or white.  In fact, in this election, the discussion is often literally about black and white, young or old, evangelical or atheist, citizen or immigrant.

That's why our worship team chose to build a series of sermons and worship experiences around "Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White: Thoughts on Religion, Morality and Politics" by Rev. Adam Hamilton, the pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Kansas.   

In the book, Hamilton suggests that the culture and political wars haven't yet found a middle way.  As the book jacket notes:  He believes that thinking persons of faith can model for the rest of the country a richer, more thoughtful conversation on the political, moral and religious issues that divide us.  Hamilton rejects the easy assumptions  and sloppy analysis of black and white thinking, seeking instead the truth that resides on all sides of the issues and offering a faithful and compassionate way forward.

A few weeks ago, a man who identified himself as conservative theologically and politically visited our church.  After the visit he contacted me to ask a few more questions about our church.  Even though he believed himself to be more conservative in his beliefs and style of worship than our congregation, he was very impressed with the warmth those around him expressed, the friendliness, and the obviously long list of outreach projects into the community. He told me he felt that people at QQUMC are passionate about reaching people who don't know Christ.  

As we talked I told him that I also believed members of our congregation try very hard not to divide people by labeling them according to what they believe.  There are people in our congregation who are left of me and to the right of me.  There is no way there cannot be theological diversity in a congregation where many of its members come from traditions that are not United Methodist.  Many of our new members in this growing congregation come from a wide variety of theological backgrounds (from Unitarian to Church of Christ), and I hope we help facilitate their journey of spiritual growth and maturity.

That spiritual growth and maturity, I'd like to think, is partly about learning to "see the gray" in the world.   When I was growing up, friends in more conservative church traditions would tell me to share with them what I believed in one or two sentences.   That was difficult.  The United Methodist Church has an entire book, "The Book of Resolutions" that is added to and changed every four years at our global General Conference.  These resolutions state what the church believes about issues and concerns taking place in the world.  They are especially important because they are based, best we can, on a biblical foundation, but they address contemporary issues the Bible does not always address.  Thus, for United Methodists, it is hard to say in a sentence or two what we believe.  We have lots of beliefs that are not easily categorized in a black and white world.

I hope you'll join us for all the Sundays in September (or virtually!) and bring a friend as we discuss what it really means to be liberal or conservative, what is spiritual maturity and the ability to see gray, how should one's faith come into play when approaching a presidential election, what is a worthy vision for America, and what is the radical center?

Most of you know, I'm pregnant with triplets.  So far, all is well.  Thank you for your prayers for our health.  Pray also that the world in which we live, so polarized by black and white opinion, become a place where Christians, especially progressive Christians and conservative Christians, can listen to one another, where progressive Americans and conservative Americans can hear the truth in what each is saying.  

And I hope my friend who identifies himself as conservative will always feel welcome in a church that is known for welcoming everyone, just as Jesus instructed us to do (Matthew 13:44-47).  God may do the sorting, but that is not our task as the church.  Our task is to open the door wide!  That's the kind of church and world I want for all my children and all God's children.

Peace,

Rev. Betsy