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A Church Beyond Belief

Is There a Place for Me?

11/17/2014

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She spoke slowly and with obvious caution. Talking about religion or spirituality did not come easily. She was not certain why she was intrigued. It was new and uncomfortable, but something powerful pushed her to continue.

Once, life seemed intact. There was a town and a church, family, school and friends. Now that seemed far away. She grew and moved. Education opened a life of possibility. There were new friends and a new town, and it all appeared to fit. Now she realized that it didn’t. Something was missing.

It wasn’t religion. She left that behind in childhood. No one could believe that stuff—she said “stuff” with angry emphasis. But the friend who was listening did not seem bothered.

She was “spiritual,” but she was unsure what that meant. And there was another problem. Many people say they’re spiritual, but none of them seemed like her. She needed a group, a place where people understood. She was trying to live several lives at once, but she couldn’t hold it together.

There is sad irony in her rejection of religion. The word “religion” refers to being bound, tied together. It is akin to the word “ligament,” where there is a taut connection. The image is instructive. In theory, religion should bind broadly. In practice, narrow, like-minded groups often result. How can religion bind people beyond our differences?

“What if your church had speakers from different religions,” she challenged. “What if you had groups where people like me could sort it out? That might be a start. What do your people know about Islam? Judaism? How do you talk to atheists?”

Her questions are haunting. It is today’s challenge. Congregational preoccupations must be balanced by doors open wide. She is not alone. Accepting her challenge may be the only viable future for “religion.” 

William L. Sachs


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The Great Challenge

11/10/2014

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Frustration apparent in her voice, the teacher confronted a misbehaving student: “Tell me one thing, what are you doing here? What is your purpose?” True to form, he gave a snide response. But years later the student relived that moment often. He was haunted by the question: what was his purpose?

The question became his guiding light. In his business career he rose because he was able to focus on what mattered most. Undaunted by minutia, he could zero in on the highest priorities. Repeatedly he asked colleagues that same question: what were they supposed to be doing? What was their purpose?

It was both a matter of business goals and a matter of style. His leadership became noted for how well people were treated and how clearly the organization functioned. Personally, he was also appreciative of his church. There he had learned values he readily applied. There his purpose became clear. In various ways he gave back to the church in gratitude.

Yet he was troubled that the church, where he found guidance, seemed unsure of itself. It didn’t sound unsure most of the time: confident sermons and sincere prayers flowed toward the pews. Purpose and confidence appeared intact.

But verbal assurance did not become tangible in church life. Committees squabbled. Programs faltered. Interest groups guarded their precious turf. Beyond platitudes the church splintered into factions. “The church can’t put its values into action,” this leader mused. “Has it lost its purpose?”

In a crucial way the church must learn from the business world. The ability to turn words into action, to live out purpose tangible, must be reanimated. Successful businesses get it. And Christian ideals seem obvious. But living them out in a timely way is the great challenge. Can the church revive its purpose? The jury is still out.

William L. Sachs 


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Adversarial Relations

11/5/2014

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The evening soon turned ugly. After the moderator introduced the topic, one speaker after another seized the podium to voice complaints and pleas. With no attention to the thermostat, the room’s temperature rose noticeably. An autumn evening felt like summer.

No one rose above the exchanges. The moderator added barbed comments between speakers. His promise to listen openly faded like the setting sun. Further comments from the floor took his tack. Lines of alienation became firm. When the event concluded, like-minded clusters formed in the hall and the parking lot. Only alienation had been achieved.

Was this a church gathering? The sad fact is that it easily could have been. Instead it was a town meeting debating a development proposal. Likely there were church members in the assembly, but no Christian influence was apparent. Conflict in civic life and in the churches has little to distinguish it. Testy exchanges, rancorous public hearings, recriminations, and eventual recourse to lawyers are common to both. Christians fight like everyone else.

It is not scandalous that Christians disagree. The readiness to stand apart from one another is scandalous. Professions of unity and charity vanish; an urge for vindication triumphs. In the end there are no winners.

Conflict’s sources are easily understood. One element is the extent to which theological, as well as political, correctness is prized. The vindication of one’s ideals is the goal, not common good. Those who disagree are anathema.

The other element, turning church gatherings into combustible mixes, is the presence of difference. American pluralism – religious, cultural, and political – has become extensive and obvious. For many in the churches, the world is foreboding. Difference is threatening.

In every generation the church must recapture its intention. Belief and practice must be gauged not by like-minded purity, but by love of God and love of neighbor.

William L. Sachs 



2 Comments

    William L. Sachs
    Michael S. Bos

    Rethinking the place of belonging and belief 

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