 |
| The world offers us a wide range of left and right ideas and ideologies. |
- Acts 10:34a-35
Never has the world seemed more polarized and divided than in our age of instant news and unrelenting propaganda. Anyone to the left or right of us on any issue is too often seen as being suspect if not dangerous.
In my old age, I'm beginning to see certain differences of opinion as being a normal thing, given our limited understanding of the truth, and have begun to appreciate some diversity of viewpoints as having value for our learning and growth.
What is most important, I've been thinking, is that we gain an "above" versus a "below" perspective, rather than a left/right focused one. In other words, that we not become so earthbound and earth-based in our beliefs that we fail to see the world, its people and its many crying needs from the heaven-led perspective of God's reign.
When we see things from this altitude, it will go a long way to change our attitudes toward others. Maybe we'll become a little less sure about of our time-bound ideologies and become more focused on our theology, our be-ology and our do-ology as children of God.
To me, what really matters is how well we follow in the steps of the One who chose disciples from the ranks of tax collectors, Zionists and Zealots, all prone to experience debate, doubt, and even denial.
As communities of faith may we avoid the latter but every day be blessed and learn from the diverse people God has placed in our paths. And together to "do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God."
That kind of above-based perspective is what should unite us.
In my old age, I'm beginning to see certain differences of opinion as being a normal thing, given our limited understanding of the truth, and have begun to appreciate some diversity of viewpoints as having value for our learning and growth.
What is most important, I've been thinking, is that we gain an "above" versus a "below" perspective, rather than a left/right focused one. In other words, that we not become so earthbound and earth-based in our beliefs that we fail to see the world, its people and its many crying needs from the heaven-led perspective of God's reign.
When we see things from this altitude, it will go a long way to change our attitudes toward others. Maybe we'll become a little less sure about of our time-bound ideologies and become more focused on our theology, our be-ology and our do-ology as children of God.
To me, what really matters is how well we follow in the steps of the One who chose disciples from the ranks of tax collectors, Zionists and Zealots, all prone to experience debate, doubt, and even denial.
As communities of faith may we avoid the latter but every day be blessed and learn from the diverse people God has placed in our paths. And together to "do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God."
That kind of above-based perspective is what should unite us.
 |
| Every healthy community of people needs its innovators, integrators, preservers and mediators. See this link for some reasons why. |
No comments:
Post a Comment