In what ways did this Module prepare you to more accurately understand and engage the contemporary fusion of Christianity and partisan politics and its impact on you and your organization?
Today is May 4th, day 576, since October 7th, 2023. Which means that for more than 576 days, I have been increasingly aware daily, via the Palestinian genocide, of the way that American Christianity and partisan politics are fused together. I am fully aware that this has been impacting me personally as well as impacting my organization – the local church.
Today is also day 104 of Trump 47, with 1356 days remaining in this term. All 3 of these numbers also cause me to be fully aware of the way that American Christianity and partisan politics are fused together and negatively impacting myself and my spheres of participation and influence.
I am a realist. So I will always choose to know rather than not know. I will always be moving toward gaining understanding. This module, designed for growing our understanding of this fusion, has served me very well in this respect. From the ARC self-assessment, reading the 2 recommended books, and the conversations with David Gushee and Elizabeth Neumann, I have gained knowledge and perspective. With these I do feel more equipped to engage than prior to this module.
But being a realist also brings me the recognition that my being equipped to engage can only make an impact if I “Do it Scared”. I pray that God will allow me to see clearly; when, where and how I am to engage. I pray that God will grant me the courage to act, despite fear and personal cost. And while I am daily, carrying lament, I pray that God will allow me to be surprised by hope, as I hold firmly to Ephesians 3:20.
2 comments
Yes, I feel this, too, Kassandra. Knowing is painful and necessary. And I want to increase my ability and willingness to ‘Do it Scared’. I really struggle with anything I’m doing putting my trans daughter in danger. I feel such an impulse to stay under the radar for her. That can quickly become a bit irrational! I pray for guidance and boldness to be me and walk in my calling fully.
Brigid, I think it is wisdom to understand that none of us are insular, that our decisions and actions have the potential to spill over onto our loved ones in ways that we did not intend or anticipate. I understand your tension in discerning what is wise and staying under the radar. I have no doubt God will lead and guide you in your seeking this out!