Since the monotheistic beliefs associated with Abraham (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) began to move beyond the fertile lands around the Jordan River, the moral values tied to communities began to weave its way into the fabric of faith and spirituality. Houses of worship have long been community centers; the ancient Greek word describing church, itself, simply referring to a gathering place (Ekklesia).
In modern times, religious leaders have often been the strongest proponents for community values. Liberation Theology, a powerful Christian theology which puts a particular emphasis on the community, has integrated a social will for the common good in many faiths around the world. Rev. James Cone, the founder of Black Liberation Theology, said recently that the focus was not on the individual, but on the larger faith community. In a recent fresh Air broadcast from Monday, March 31, Dr. Cone spelled out the theology as being more than a characteristic of its members, but an obligation, a need for justice to be enacted.
Cone, who was greatly influenced by Dr. King Jr., offers one view of how faith and community are closely tied together. this tethering between believers and beliefs moves such values as redemption and, security and equality into the mainstream by its active practice in Western society. The roles that churches and other houses of worship play are important in American culture, as they can enable a great number of Americans and move them ultimately to action on social issues. We've seen this during election years when ministers call on their congregations to take certain factors, such as abortion or marriage, to their hearts when entering the poles. In many ways, these pastoral pleas isolate communities, rather than bring them together. And it is a shame that the media focuses on these leaders as examples on how faith influences the community.
Obama's recent speech on race, given in Philadelphia last month, opened many doors for religious leaders to focus their efforts on rhetoric that doesn't destroy, but brings communities together. After being pushed to respond on the bitter language of his own pastor, he reminded us of the value faith plays in modern America, and how redemption and forgiveness are crucial, seeing his own pastor as someone who says things he disagrees with, yet still sees him as a holy man and can, thus, move beyond the few sound bites and be touched on a deeper level by his pastors humanity.
Redemption is a major theme in Christian spirituality, which is why I find it so hard to understand why so many religious leaders are built to condemn those with whom they disagree. In order for communities to come together, there's going to have to be a common ground where disagreements are put to the side. And in our own broken humanity, we're going to have to learn to forgive one another whenever we fall.
Take a minute to think about some time when someone has offended you, or when someone has hurt you in an emotional or physical way. Can you forgive them? Have you forgiven them?
Now, try to think of the one thing you couldn't think you could forgive. What would have to happen in order for you to forgive them? Is there anything you can't forgive?
Now, think of the times when we, as a community, have had to forgive someone around us or a public leader. Is it easier to forgive as a group or an individual?
Communities are not just dependent on redemption. They also can be powerful avenues for forgiveness, forces that exercise justice and afford us the chance to afford others the opportunity for forgiveness.
What inherent parts of our own society foster redemption, and what parts stand in the way of it?
Just a few thoughts as we move further into a political season that seems fueled by statements that many tag as unforgivable.
Comments