12 May 2006

We will end this week with our last piece for awhile from Ron Sider's book "Christ and Violence."

Not every historical context permits political activity (governed by kingdom norms) directed toward the creation of more just social structures in secular society. When the historical context does not permit that kind of political activity, then obviously it is not an obligation. But the fact that it is not done in one kind of historical setting surely does not suggest that it should not be done in another. In a democratic society, political activity designed to promote structural change is possible. Even in many contemporary settings far less free than our own, the constitution theoretically provides for freedom of speech and political activity. Hence it is possible to appeal to the government to respect its own principles. Jesus and the apostles incarnated a passionate concern for the needs of the whole person in a way that was possible in their historicopolitical context. We should do the same in historically appropriate ways in our different historical setting.

If we want justice to reign among us...if we are concerned about the welfare of all people...if the well being of the whole person is a part of the vision of the followers of Jesus (and I think it is), then we are blessed to be a people who will find ways to bring about such light within the every darkness that can prevail at times. To be quite frank, I know that this is often a trial by error adventure. Creating and working for change does not mean that every venture into new life is one that will work among us. Having said that, it is also important to realize that when we choose a path that does not work or is not hear or cannot create a liberating presence, it is our calling to communicate...enter into a dialogue...so that we will be able to return and face the powers with another new way. When we are attempting to create something new, there is nothing that says that the way we are working must be the new way. Rather, along the way our openness to bringing forth justice must include a flexibility that make for many more options to serve with one another in making a society or group in which we will live honoring all people and making sure that all are secure as we move forward together - all of us.

Connection: Sometimes one of the most difficult parts of being a part of a new movement or direction within the groups of our lives is having the courage to begin the change. Being quite the coward myself, I find that extensive private prayer and conversation with others is one way to act and be open to other insights even in the face of my reservations.

When you liberate us, O God, you make us into liberators. For once we are aware of the new life that is available to us even in the midst of the power and principalities that would simply like us to follow their ways, we come to see others who are more desperately seeking liberation...and we can be your instruments of liberation in our time. Encourage us, O Lord of New life. Amen.