Matthew's
blog, "Managed Decline or Rejuvenation," sparked a quantity and
quality of responses that we don't often get here on the Sustainable Good blog
(although we would love more!) This topic obviously lets loose quite a
bit of emotion and passion from many people -- the young, the middle-aged, the
old, the optimistic, the frustrated, the ones who are both optimistic and
frustrated. The hope is that we continue this discussion -- on this blog
and other places where we meet because dialogue is always the beginning point
for sustainable change. Here are a
few of my disjointed views on the matter:
I am one who believes whole-heartedly that spiritual discipline and a deep sense for social justice go hand in hand. I try not to be too dogmatic about this, but I can be -- only because I believe that Jesus lived his life with the same message of equality and radical compassion. Even the first Christian church was founded on similar social values that went against mainstream culture in order to serve the poor. Unfortunately, mainline Christian churches have been in decline for decades now because they have been too intimately attached to society's status quo – Community of Christ is no exception.
Are
there more young adults than people of other ages who have similar beliefs?
I don't know. I do know there are many people my age (I’m 29) who don't share my values and there are
many who are not my age who feel just as strongly as I do about their sense of
calling toward a more just and whole world. Maybe we shouldn't put an age limit
to those of us who feel passionate about belonging to a spiritual and religious
community that upholds historical accuracy, radical discipleship, courageous
and prophetic calls for action, and spiritual discipline.
Many of those who commented on Matt’s blog told him that he and other young adults should become more active in the congregations. I agree that we must invest our own time and energy in the church if we expect change. Waiting for change to happen before we step foot in the door goes against what this blog is about – which is involving ourselves in sustainable change here at home. But I also share Matthew’s (and others’) sense of discouragement from the church leaders’ seemingly stuck position on peace and justice issues (e.g. what happened to the peace and justice team at HQ? Where is their leadership on issues they say they care about? What are they doing to take care of the earth, stop the death penalty, prevent war, care for immigrants, and acknowledge the GLBTQ community?) Change must come from both sides.
And here’s how to do it:
#1 We must be truthful.
#2 We must be bold.
These things aren’t easy – let’s dialogue and form community around what these two things mean to us. I think they have potential to inform the advocacy work of both Outreach International and Community of Christ.
I must admit that I struggle with what this looks like for me as an individual and as a member/elder/employee of the Community of Christ. Let’s continue to dialogue -- but in the meantime let’s also work to reduce global poverty, become more educated on current events and social issues, and build communities that embody wholeness and courage. That's what this blog is all about!
-Karyn Wingard-Manuel
Karyn, most excellent reflection on this exciting blog. Obviously Matt has opened dialogue on passionate issues that many are struggling and resonate with. I often think, as much as the church WANTS to act boldly, often cannot/will not because of the fear of capsizing. But how do we follow Christ's teachings and remain true to our calling as prophetic (both leadership & membership) if we are always trying to maintain stability in a safe harbor? Sometimes we lose by moving ahead, but mostly we gain and we become stronger as we grow in new directions. Perhaps the way to do it is Outreach's (and Obama's and Margaret Mead's) way - with a small group of concerned citizens who build relationships of mutuality with little more in common than a desire for justice and a better future. And as you say, with truth & boldness. May we be bold enough to take on the challenge.
Posted by: Diane Sadler | February 03, 2009 at 10:01 PM