Reclamation Faith

I’m our latest podcast, one thing we discussed was how an “atrophied theological imagination” is negatively impacting faith today.

So many of us don’t even realize that what we consider the whole of the Christian faith and tradition is actually just a tiny fragment of what has been explored and suggested.

So many don’t realize or ever hear about the incredible contributions to theology from traditionally underrepresented communities.

The majority of “sound doctrine” and “biblical truth” today is actually only recent views of a minority of the world’s Christians, namely the views of white men from places of institutional power.

“Our theological imagination hasn’t been given room to grow and build in a way that is transformative for us and for the world…There is more to this story.”

There is so much more.

What if pastoring was simply walking besides people as they looked for nourishment, committed to protecting them from harm? 🤷‍♂️

Sounds crazy, I know.

Alison said this in our last podcast episode and it’s stuck with me. It’s simple, but so indicative of how far we’ve strayed from the vision of Jesus that this even needs clarification!

Jesus didn’t die to give us beliefs; he died so that we might live. That we might pursue life and love and liberation for our world through his life.

Christianity offers a belief system, sure. But let’s not forget that a belief system that doesn’t result in a changed life system is hollow.

We are so grateful for a God that gives his
whole self to us. Grant us the grace to respond with our whole selves too.

We’ve been extra quiet around here lately. Quietness stemming from exhaustion, really. Alison and I both work full-time for churches*, which means we had two holy weeks worth of services, logistics, and calendar commitments. Holy Week is rough on ministers, and we’re slowly recovering.

Honestly though, I think on a deeper level I’ve been feeling a bit desolate. Wondering if this work is worth it. The social media echo chamber can feel pretty loud sometimes, the rampant hot takes, the snark, the indignation, the flash-in-a-pan posts that make the rounds without making much lasting impact. Everyone promoting their own personal brand. Podcast episodes go out into the ether and…silence, hoping it’s effecting change or inspiring hope but not really knowing. It can all make one feel uninspired and unmotivated.

(Plus, who has TIME for, like, anything?)

I’m committed to this work; my soul craves it. But doubt, frustration, writer’s block, overcommitment, and fear of failure keep me from really leaning in. Does anyone feel that?

We’re so often told that simply finding something we’re passionate about will give us boundless energy and inspire us to joyful and ceaseless action. But that’s not always the truth.

I’m finding that in faith and in the pursuit of reclamation and reform, I need to lean into hope. Hope isn’t always a catchy trend on social media. It doesn’t always catalyze bomb posts. It often leads us to quietness and detachment. It’s crazy difficult to find some days. But it sustains.

And I hope you can be sustained as well, because this is a lonely journey sometimes. And we’re here for you.

Thanks for reading my novel.

*Yes, we recognize the weirdness of a married couple both working for churches who run a joint account about deconstruction and encouraging people it’s okay not to be in church. We’re at peace with the oddity of our situation…and grateful for our congregations that fully cheer on our work.

Feels like a relevant time to repost this question, what with everything going on regarding Hillsong and so so many others.

We need to reevaluate our models of Kingdom “success” and institutional church culture.

Maybe deconstruction is the refinement Christian community desperately needs.

Are our tears prayers? Our confusion? Our anger? Our shouts and jeremiads? Groans words cannot express?

Yes, yes, yes.

I feel an acute pressure when big global issues arise to respond with flowery words and perfect petitions. But honestly, inside I just feel overwhelmed.

Maybe that’s the best way to connect to God, who I imagine may also be consumed with grief when empires and madmen pursue violence as validation.

May we all be praying for Ukraine and our broken world, in whatever form that looks like for you. 🇺🇦