How to Watch the News
One of the things I love about the Anglican Church is that we are community of breadth (and depth!!). We are a community that broadly embraces a varierty of perspectives and practices - theologically, culturally, and ecclesiastically (the way we do Sunday worship). Even within our own parish we find this broad expression of different views and perspectives.
I think this is good because the truth is that no one individual, no one church, no one opinon is ever entirely correct in the grand scheme of things and when you have a plurality of views, and allow for conversation and good listening in the midst of that plurality, you find yourself enlightened and changed and one would hope - closer to the Spirit of God in our midst. We may not always hold our different thinking and practice with grace, but for the most part we do, or we try to with a spirit of love for each other.
This is not an easy thing for many human beings to hold. We like to be "right".
This week's post is about how we hold both within ourselves, but also in lived experience, views that are so different than our own, and, to be frank, often appalling to us. Here are three things that have helped me as I think about this:
1. I watched an interview with author and activist Loretta J. Ross about her new book, "Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You'd Rather Cancel". I wasn't familiar with Ross prior to this interview I stumbled upon. I recommend checking it out:
My take away - learn how to listen and be in conversation with those who hold a very different view than you do - especially politically. She says at one point in the interview something like this - Say what you mean, mean what you say, but don't be mean when you say it. I love that!
This gave me hope that maybe there is a different way than our current practice of civic discourse!
2. This Sunday we will be hearing parts of Psalm 37 read. Let me share a few of those verses here which feel particularly pertinent in this current political moment, especially for those of us feeling anxious!
vs. 1 & 2 - Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of the wrongdoers, for they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb.
vs. 5 - Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
vs. 7 - Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices.
vs. 8b - Do not fret - it leads only to evil.
3. Be curious. Be curious about the viewpoint that you do not agree with and particularily the viewpoint you find appalling. Ask the question - why do some hold that persepective? What has led us to this moment in history? Educate yourself. Listen to commentators that you trust, but also listen/read those who are espousing views you don't necessarily agree with or trust. And again, ask why are they saying what they are saying?
I've been attempting to do this and will admit that some of the views that I don't share are hard to listen to. And it is really easy to jump to conclusions, to assume that an opposing view is based only on bad things like greed, racism etc. However, as I've read more about what is being call "Christian Nationalism" I realize that many folks are simply following what they believe to be true teachings about God. That is really challenging. How do two Christians with their hearts, as far as they believe, turned towards God in prayer and hope hold very different views on particular issues? It's a good question and one we should ponder if loving our neighbours is something we endeavour to follow!
Coming Soon - Lenten Coffee Chats!
Throughout Lent I will be putting the coffee & teapot on and inviting anyone who would like to pop into the church to do so for conversation. No doubt we'll talk about issues like the one's I've just mentioned. The day & time will vary week to week - so keep watch in the Newsletter. The first one will be Thursday March 6th at 10:30 am. Drop in when you can!