As a youth, I often avoided discussion of my faith outside of the church for fear of judgment and derision. Talk about faith and politics seemed precarious, like navigating a mine field.
I am still hesitant to talk about my beliefs publicly, but also acknowledge I have a voice to share. I fostered this voice as an intern with the Church of the Brethren Office of Public Witness in Washington, DC. I learned about social issues our country faces alongside reading what scripture and the statements of the Brethren faith spoke to these issues. It was a new way to understand and witness my faith.
Upon further reflection, I have lived out my faith publicly in the past, only through actions. The Church of the Brethren places an emphasis on service because of our relationship to Christ. Growing up Brethren, I sorted clothes for the community thrift store, collected cans for the local food pantry, raised money for charitable causes such as Heifer International, and traveled abroad a few times on service mission trips.
Today, I understand that my theology needs to be public, in word and deed, because of the principles Jesus of Nazareth embodied in his ministry. Jesus also formed a close community of friends to live out these characteristics and moved their message out to the world in spite of resistance. This community is now known as the church and is likewise called to move outward. The Christian voice, when true to its highest ideals and aspirations, benefits the public sphere and the health of all creation.
I acknowledge a concern that the church will become controlled by the forces of the state when religion acts politically, as I have heard several members of my denomination express. Historically, this Brethren concern came out of extreme persecution by the political powers in Europe and the religious powers which dominated it. In America, the state is separate from religious power, but still represents people who are religious. As citizens, we have more freedom to practice our religion. As disciples following in the way of Jesus, we also have a responsibility to witness God’s yearning for reconciliation and peace for our neighbors. And besides, there are already other religious voices reverberating in the public sphere.
The religious right, such as the Moral Majority, control the public discussion by pushing their particular view of Christianity. They view America as God’s chosen nation as a democracy that is morally superior, a view which has often been used to justify military operations overseas. At the same time, I hear conservative voices saying we need to uphold tradition and social stability. Moral ground is shifting under society as post-modern philosophies and global perspectives fill in social discourse.
At the same time, I have concern that theologically liberal Christians, in seeking to change the social order and “keeping up with the times,” are often are tempted to forget what keeps them grounded. One temptation is to seek a faith of individual convenience and only what “feels good”. I understand that personal empowerment is a part of the religious process, but only seeking individual interests over the common good further divides society. In doing so, they may also dilute the message of the Gospel, or step away from valid principles of tradition that help us deal with life’s difficulties. At its best, the Church serves as a community to sort out differences that find “a third way” to live into.
As Christians, we need to build bridges rather than widen divides. I agree with essayist bell hooks in that, “A love ethic emphasizes the importance of service to others.” As mentioned earlier, the Church of the Brethren places an emphasis on service to others arising from our relationship to Christ. Being Holy Week, I am reminded that my denomination practices Love Feast, a reenactment of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples and partaking of communion with them. Both are modes of faith in the Brethren tradition that follow a Christian love ethic, transforming our lives inwardly so that we are empowered to love outwardly. Likewise, it is through these communal practices of faith that provide the best means for bridge-building within society.
I continue to grapple with faith principles and how they respond to social issues as seminary student. Yes, there is despair, sin and evil in the world. Human lives are at stake with issues such as war, poverty, growing debt, and environmental destruction. We need a Savior to redeem our troubled existence. Yet, Christ also came so that we have hope in the new creation. As people of Christ’s peace, we need to speak for the dignity of all people and work through diplomatic means. Our position also compels to look at what traditions of the Christian faith we find misguided or oppressive to the flourishing of all life. After a period of discernment we must correct our course to change toward a better direction.
God ultimately leads the future. As followers of Christ, we are called to be a part of that in-breaking hope through this example of self-giving love. I firmly believe that if we keep centered on the agape love that Christ proclaimed, and stay disciplined within the Holy Spirit, we cannot be corrupted by the political systems of this world. More importantly, glimpses of the Kingdom of Heaven through church activity become visible. People need to hear words of support and moral direction. Not everyone will agree with the message, but there are others who will find new life in it. The hope for whole living outweighs the risk of resistance. Let us remember, especially at Easter, that the risen Christ is walking among and ahead of the church today. I follow boldly as I am called to give a faithful voice in the public square.
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