The Conflict in Our Backyard
My backyard is my paradise. It is where I go to escape the tensions of life, to pray, and meditate. It is surrounded by lush green trees which act as a natural fence. There is a small creek that runs along the fence. We have three bird feeding stations that welcome a host of beautiful birds. The squirrels and rabbits are constant visitors. I cultivate a small vegetable garden as a hobby. At first glance our backyard is a peaceful paradise. But first appearances are deceitful. The more I observe the interactions in my backyard, I realize that it is filled with conflict.
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A conversation about Race
We must Listen in the Spirit
The conversation between black and white Christians may be painful, but it is necessary. We must learn to listen in the Spirit.
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My Experiences of Racism in the Church
I’ve many conversations in the last several years about racism in the church. There are more than a few in the church that embrace racism by denying its presence. I recently posted on Facebook,
Our embedded racism is most often demonstrated in the insistence that we are not racist, in the resistance to a serious conversation about racism, and in the failure to listen to the stories and experiences of others. Why does a serious conversation about racism make us so uncomfortable? So angry? Why do we refuse to listen?
I believe that one of the gifts of the Spirit is discernment, the ability to see as the Spirit sees. Therefore, I prefer to see the world as it is, not as I wish it to be. So, let me share with you the world as I’ve seen it.
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The Cave, The Matrix, and the Virtual Church
The Athenian philosopher, Plato (died 348 BC), used an allegory to explain the human condition. He said that humans are imprisoned in a cave, chained against a wall that forces them to see only shadows. These shadows are the only reality they know. Some humans manage to break free of their chains, escape the cave, and discover the realities of the world outside of the cave. The majority of the escaped humans prefer the darkness and shadows of the cave. In the words of John, “men loved the darkness, rather than the Light” (John 3:19).
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