At the Intersection

 For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore, all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for the one who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; … So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is,  in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God. – 2 Cor. 5:14-20

Let me tell you a story, a true story relating a personal experience that took place the spring quarter of my sophomore year at college.

Noted preacher, writer, editor, and seminary professor George Buttrick came to Davidson as guest professor. For the students assembled in the dome lecture hall at this all-male college, Buttrick put together a course he named “The New Testament and Modern Man.” (Note: the first woman to cross the stage and receive a Davidson diploma occurred with my graduating class). The readings, lectures, and assigned essay topics all directed the class to ponder how the presence, teachings, and person of Jesus, revealed in the gospels and presented by other New Testament writings, address us today – both the big issues facing all humanity and the individual choices persons make navigating everyday life.

When recalling Dr. Buttrick and his course, three remembrances stand out. First, each lecture not only inspired but also forced me to go deeper than surface reflection as I pondered God, relationships, and life. Second, I felt inadequate and shallow when crafting each of the three essays. The third memory is the highlight – the two evening walks I took with Dr. Buttrick. Because of a hip condition, Buttrick walked with a cane and preferred having someone accompany him. So, he invited students to join him. The sign-up sheet filled quickly. When a classmate wondered if I could cover his slot, I got a second opportunity to have a personal conversation. During this second walk Dr. Buttrick inquired what thoughts were on my mind as the course entered the final week. I told him about the two peer groups with whom I associated. Students who took part in our campus Christian fellowship made up one group. The other group were classmates involved in various social justice efforts – the very first “Earth Day” took place the previous week. What intrigued me was how few students took part in both social justice and Christian/religious activities. Furthermore, the students most conservative in their Biblical understanding were less likely to involve themselves with social justice concerns and the students most passionate about social justice were the ones least likely to attend worship, a bible study, etc.

I told the professor that it seemed to me that the euangelion, that is the good news or gospel of Jesus, is both reason to gather for worship and to employ ourselves in causes of social justice. In making this point, I referenced his recent lecture addressing how Jesus responded to “the least of these” and encouraged his followers to do the same. The professor answered with both personal reflection and encouragement. First, he noted that through his nearly six decades of preaching and teaching he grew increasingly confident in what the Bible revealed about Jesus. As a result, he become more inspired to address issues advocating the well being for all. Second, he postulated whether my posing this observation/question, might be a sign that God was setting before me a path leading to seminary in preparation to become a minister of the gospel.

My conversation with Dr. George Buttrick took place fifty-five years ago, yet I see and hear the exchange as if it occurred last week. Add to this my reading over the past year which focused upon matters of faith formation, American culture, and social upheaval. Then last May I completed certification called “Listening People to Life.”  All together these three experiences compel me to reengage an exploration of the the intersection where gospel and social justice concerns meet.

At the baptismal font, the newly baptized receives a lit candle and we speak these words of Jesus, “Let your light so shine before others, that they may see you good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” – Matthew 5:16. This year I want to explore in greater detail ways we are to be light through good works, or, as St. Paul depicts, ambassadors of God’s love.

My intention is to share a thought piece like this one each month using the St. Paul web page to post such a blog. I invite your response. However, the blog is for the purpose of enhancing our being “rooted and growing” and not for argument. Certainly, post an insight that may differ from one that I offer. But do so from your heart wanting to discern rather than to engage in debate. For my part, I will read your posting and prayerfully reflect upon what you view. Please send response to [email protected]

I am naming this monthly article/blog post, “At the Intersection.” Next month I will further explain the significance of the title. Over the course of this year, you will have opportunities to gather with others to seek together how we bring the good news, the light and love of Jesus to others.

Peace+

Pastor Robert