Throughout the years I have often come across people who preach a theology of power, security, order and exclusion. What they advocate is a kind of hierarchy where God unveils the Christian message to the powerful who then see it as their mission to determine what should and what should not be passed on to the weak and vulnerable. I believe that this is done in order to keep the status quo and thus the overarching structure in place. Those in power clings desperately to their positions and this has caused their theology to represent themselves rather than Christ and his kingdom. This, I claim, is a complete and utter failure of the Church and this must change if we desire for the kingdom of God to fundamentally transform the world. We therefore need to direct a radical critique against the persistent order of the world if we have any intentions of speaking with a prophetic voice to those who live around us.
Christ was crucified in weakness and despair but very seldom do you see those claiming to be his highest and most worthy representatives open up their lives for the existential hell that Christ went through, and the consequence is a disastrous situation for the ones who are weak since they do not perceive God as present in their suffering, doubts or solitude. Christ cried out ‘why have you forsaken me’ as he lived through his final hour at the cross and many people would like to cry out with him but they cannot since the structure that captures their lives does not provide a language that makes such a cry possible, rather they are led to believe that God has orchestrated their suffering for a purpose that transcends their individual experience.
For this very reason I believe that the Church needs to embrace the absurdity and ambiguity of life since such an embrace is necessary for hope and freedom to truly become visible in the same way as death must precede resurrection. Behind these words hides the profound biblical affirmation that God is present in suffering and that reconciliation and new creation is possible as a result of Christ’s emptying of himself at the cross for the sake of the world. The transforming power of the Christian faith does therefore not come from some distant power in the sky or from church leaders with slick suits or prestigious hats but from the embrace of the other while facing death and destruction. That is how I believe that God becomes visible in the midst of human misery.
Great post! The Church is definitely in need of some prophetic voices in this screwed up age and this blog is a rare exception that fit the bill. Keep it up!
Love it!
Love this line :
The transforming power of the Christian faith does therefore not come from some distant power in the sky or from church leaders with slick suits or prestigious hats but from the embrace of the other while facing death and destruction. That is how I believe that God becomes visible in the midst of human misery.
Thanks for reminding us to be used and to be vulnerable
Do you mean being used by God or by other people in slick suits?
It depends on what you mean when you say God.
If you spell it with a capital “G” who else would you mean?
It’s not my own understanding I’m asking about, rather I wonder what he mean when he say God. He can use a capital “G” and still think about a God I do not believe in. Doesn’t really matter since he never gave an answer. The post is almost a month old.
Too bad he didn’t follow up; maybe he was just trying to sound provocative.
Anyway, like reading your thoughts.
I’m not really sure what he was asking me(?) about. Anyway, thanks.
Sorry about that, definitely not trying to be provocative. Upon the first reading, I wasn’t sure where your central critique was, so I was asking if it was of Church leaders or of God (however you see God to be). After reading the post a couple more times, I have a clearer understanding of what you’re trying to articulate and absolutely agree with your affirmation of God being present in our suffering. Thanks!
Honestly, this confused me a bit and I’m not sure where to begin asking questions. I’m going to think about it and then come back.
Amen, brutha.
One of my favorite scriptures answers that age old question, “why do bad things happen to good/innocent/undeserving people?” It says “I know that He loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.” Life’s crazy and sometimes we can’t understand all the Why’s of life, but we can know God’s love, and as humans we seem to be more sensitive feeling to His love during our sufferings.
Just who are the good/innocent/undeserving people.Haven’t met too many of “those folks” myself.
One of my favorite scriptures answers the age old question of why we deserve hell; “There is none good but One.”
Brings us to another point; the problem with church is, it is filled with people.
Thank you so much for dropping by my blog…I think it’s fair to say we see the dames things in the same way. Bless you, Craig
Your blog is powerful! I intend to famaliarize myself with the rest of your writings. Thank you for sharing and being BOLD!! Thanks for following my blog. God Bless!
“For this very reason I believe that the Church needs to embrace the absurdity and ambiguity of life since such an embrace is necessary for hope and freedom to truly become visible in the same way as death must precede resurrection” – as one who has lived an absurd life and God still uses me…I wholeheartedly agree!
Well said!