a revolution of hope, peace and change
i’ve been looking at two ideas put forth in mclaren’s book, “everything must change,” in response to a theocapitalist society. i.e., an economic structure where capitalism is king, where we look out for number one - either as a country or as individuals - and where we are deaf to the cries of the people that this hurts.
the two ideas being 1). the idea of jesus as a rebel, dedicated to bucking the socio-economic norms of his day, and seeking to lead us today in our quest to do the same and 2). the idea that these actions will lead to a revolution of hope. here mclaren tackles an idea that may sound hokey and superficial on the surface:
“it’s clear .. that we will not be complacent. … instead we will tell the truth about systemic injustice, as jesus did, and defect from it at every opportunity.”
mclaren goes on to say:
“more and more churches, thankfully, are showing a concern to show kindness or compassion - helping the victims of injustice through trips, giving to social needs and so on. but the number of individuals and churches focused on doing justice remains disproportionately low. depending on how you look at it, that could be an indictment, or an opportunity.”
i hope we take it as an opportunity because, as mclaren hypothesizes, if we don’t achieve a revolution on terms of ideals - and thereby change the theocapitalistic system from the inside out - it’s only a matter of time before a physical revolution breaks out.
we must, as mclaren says, believe that god’s will really could be done on earth and not just in heaven. but here’s the crux of it - here’s why people like mclaren are often labeled heretics, or why some would consider this book (and his others) fringe teaching - far too many people don’t believe or don’t WANT to believe that a fulfilling, just life can be lived out on earth. they’re too busy shaking their heads about the culture going to hell in a handbasket and hoping for the afterlife - as kind of a giant, cosmic “i told you so” (or karma, if you will).
ironically, they choose to turn on those who would shake-up and re-evaluate religion (in favor of a more humanitarian system) as opposed to expending their energies on creating a world that is more equitable. so it appears those of us who are frustrated with the current state of religion - but haven’t completely defected (as i have been tempted to do!) - have their work doubly cut out for them. we must not only seek to correct horrible injustices - as the leader we claim to follow did - we must also convince those within our midst that this correction is possible and worth pursuing.
April 01 2009 09:55 am | Uncategorized and career and military and politics and religion and soapbox and the city