Reflections
I’m going dip my toe into a boiling cauldron of controversy and reflect in a very brief, and far too simplistic, way on a subject that has been the source of conflict, literally, since the time of Jesus. Specifically, what is the relationship between the Church and the secular governing authorities? Ever since the question was asked to Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar, the relationship between the Christian community and the State has been the source of considerable discussion, conflict and violence.
It is absolutely clear to me that the Church has been at its worst, and has lost its way far too often, when it has sought to cozy up to the political authorities. For more than two centuries the secular State has sought to use the Church for its own ends, and when the church has allowed that to happen, terrible things have taken place: think Constantine’s conversion and the demand that everyone in the Roman Empire be baptized, the Crusades, the Holy Roman Empire, Nazi Germany and our more contemporary manifestation of the danger of merging church and the political state: Christian Nationalism. However, in every moment in history where these terrible mistakes have been been, God has raised up witnesses to resist. Today we call them saints: The Desert Fathers and Mothers; Francis and Clare of Assisi; Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Confessing Church in Germany-and thousands and thousands more.
It is not that the Church, or individual Christians, should not be involved in the political world.( I once believed that my call from God was to be involved deeply in the political world of this state and nation.) Rather, the danger, shown through history, is to equate political movements, governmental systems, political leaders with the divine purposes of God. Such is the nature of idolatry.
This is not to say that we should not make value judgements about policies and politicians and organize, work and vote accordingly. Jesus’s deep concern about the poor and the marginalized is one of the lens through which my own political philosophy is shaped. However, I would never argue that my favorite politician, or political movement or institutional reform was ushering in the Kingdom of God.
History has shown that the Church has been most faithful when it has maintained a safe distance from the State; when it has been able to be a prophetic witness, encouraging the good, but always being willing to say to the State, “Even your best falls far short of the Kingdom of God.”
Thus, I believe that Christian Nationalism, and its historical antecedents, are not only problematic for the body politic, but deeply damaging to the soul of the Church. Our Founding Fathers were worried about our Anglican ancestors’s control of their newly forming government. However, that constitutionally required separation also protects the integrity of our Christian witness from being co-opted by government. We merge the two at our great peril.
That is my all too brief, and overly simplified, rant. Thanks for reading!
If you want to talk, let’s get together.
Other Matters of Importance
May 21- Rogation Sunday Blessing of Fields and Parish Picnic
Immediately after worship we will travel to the home of Jenni and Mitch Campbell (88 CR 332; Taylor, MS)- an approximate 12 minute drive- for a church picnic and a Rogation blessing of the fields and . Please bring a picnic dish and a folding chair. Jenni will provide drinks and dessert. Written directions to the flower farm will be provided next week at worship.
Begun in the 5th century in France, Rogation Days of Blessing were located around the days surrounding the Feast of the Ascension. This Rogation practice spread to the rural agricultural communities in England. The Vicar would “beat the bounds” of the parish, processing around the fields, reciting psalms and the Litany. Today, in England , there are major community festivals associated with the practice.
We’ll also be commemorating the Feast of San Isidro of Madrid, Patron Saint of Laborers and All Who Work the Land. Packets of seeds will be available to all children, who will also assist the Vicar in the blessing of the flowers.
Plan on joining us for this wonderful inaugural event, and pray for good weather!
May 27-Ordination of Tina Frizzell at 10:30pm am-St. Peter’s, Oxford
All are invited to Tina’s ordination to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate by Bishop Seage on May 27. The order to which Tina is being ordained is the church’s icon for Servant Ministry and has it’s origins in, among others, St. Stephen, the first martyr of the church.
Nativity will host a reception in Tina’s honor after worship on June 4 in the Salt and Light building.
Foster Families Support
We continue to stockpile supplies for emergency support of foster families during the month of May. The list of needed supplies is on the table in the rear of the church.
In addition, the Salt and Light building will be the gathering place for the Spring Foster Families Appreciation event. Box lunches will be provided, but we would like to “spice it up” a little for these special parents. If you would be willing to provide a dessert for this event, please see James McCormick for details.
See you Sunday!
Blessings and Peace,
Duncan
601-260-1937
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