Right and Wrong

OK. I'm about to break one of my own cardinal rules and talk about someone else in ministry. I almost hate to do it, but in reading this person's newsletter article, I have no choice. If I don't blog about it here I'm likely to either call him up and tell him off (wouldn't do any good) or write a nice nasty note (again, probably wouldn't matter - as you will see.) Let the rule-breaking begin.
---

I must start by saying that in many ways I respect the work and wisdom of the man I am about to critique, but something about the way he comes across seems exceedingly arrogant to me and I hope that if I ever start sounding arrogant that someone will let me know!

Roger is the pastor of a fairly large and very socially active church in a nearby town/city. In his most recent church newsletter he says that "The professors who teach homiletics (preaching) tell thier students that the act of prophetic preaching is 'speaking the truth to power.' It sounds simple, but it is not. In the face of power, there are truths which we feel it necessary to avoid saying. Not because they are not true, but because the truth is inconvenient."

He then goes on to cite two examples from the political arena. First, that Saddam Hussein has been tried and convicted of crimes against the Iraqi people, but that similar "crimes" have been committed by the USA and no one is holding our political leaders accountable. His second example is the uproar caused when someone who is not a US citizen tried to contribute to a political campaign in the US. His point is that this is considered treasonous when the US often sends people to campaign in other countries.

Finally he concludes by saying the general public does not think (by quoting Hitler...) and that they may think more if preachers and journalists were not afraid to speak the truth. Then this statement, "Isn't it a shame to be considered a radical pastor for simply setting down on paper what almost everyone knows to be true? If there is any sentence in this column which is not true, please have the courage to show me which sentance or sentances contain inaccuracies."

(The whole text is available here.)

OK. I'll admit that I haven't checked your facts, Roger, but I am not going to dispute the accuracy of your statements. I am, however contesting whether or not you are following the intent of the gospel in this case. The good news, as I read it, is not a truth that is to be shouted from the rooftops, shoved down the throats of others, or perfectly clear cut. While I certainly disagree with the current political policies of my country, I understand that things are not so simple and easy as telling the truth. Because, there are nuances and experiences, beliefs and concepts that guide how each person (regardless of race, color or creed) interprets the truth.

True, as followers of Christ, we have learned that we are to tell the truth. Great. But, come on, do we have to be so darned nasty about it? What happened to telling the truth IN LOVE? If we simply try to stand outside the establishment and throw rocks at the windows, we will never get anything accomlished. The way I see it, the miracle of the Good News of Christ is that we are called to engage in dialog (not onesided rants - and yes, I know this is that as well and will be carefully considering how to voice my opinions to Roger directly now that I've been writing for a while...) and dialog cannot happen when I say, "I have the truth, you are wrong." That position naturally puts the other person on the defensive, not a good position from which to truly have an open conversation.

I take this as a warning that I, too, could fall into the trap of believing that my view is perfectly clear while another's is cloudy. I pray that I will learn from this and be better able to look for the plank in my eye before trying to remove the speck from another's eye. I know that I haven't in this post. May God help me to be better at it in the future.
---

OK, now that's off my chest I feel much better. Maybe I will write Roger a nice note after all.

Blog 101

I've been posting on MySpace Blogs for a while now, but this blog will be less of a personal nature, and more professional reflection. Since tomorrow will be the 6mo aniversary of my service as the Senior Pastor of a small congregation in Marshfield, Missouri, I've decided to put fingers to keyboard and record some of my experiences (edited to protect the innocent (and not so innocent)) for myself and the rest of civilization. My hope is that at some point in the future these experiences and reflections, along with the comments they generate will be helpful for other young pastors as they begin their own journey in the ministry.

Peace.