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Here is a real nice review on the new M&S recordings from a Christ-follower perspective. Check out this excerpt:
But M&S remind us that there are prerequisites on the way to a rendezvous with Hope. Looking with eyes for things that can’t be seen, lifting hands in surrender, kneeling in submission, admitting weakness, reflecting on brokenness—all necessary for a stroll through this miniscule experience called human existence.
I hope you enjoy. Well done, Tim Neufeld.
Polarization (politics), the process by which the public opinion divides and goes to extremes
Polarization (psychology), the process whereby a social or political group is divided into opposing sub-groups
Polarization (faith), the process in which people of one faith or faith subgroup - i.e. denomination - have determined their viewpoint in the only one of value thereby entitling them to criticise, marginalize, devalue, over-talk, and/or berate all other people not like them and thus institute a theology of "Us against Them" in any and all circumstances (except when evangelizing)
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Last night I watched a news magazine. It is not something I do often these days. An old school newscaster was interviewing popular cable news political commentators and talk show hosts. The old news man was pointing to how polarized the commentators have become. He discussed the lack of civility and seemed saddened at the state of his industry. He called the dialog coarse.
The political commentators on the other hand were delighted with their results and indicated the more biased they are the better the ratings which equals bigger paychecks. Some seemed completely satisfied - or just- to trash those who oppose them or who they have disagreement. Some justified their position by saying they are not as bad as others in the business. Truth seemed very low on the scale of criteria for crushing or berating others. One commentator said that people no longer what news from an unbiased source; they want to get news from a source that expresses their personal point of view.
46 Days until the Presidential Election. I don't need to turn on the radio or catch the talking heads on the TV to find polarization. I have a front row seat every time I open facebook or spend time in a public place. I do not recall anytime in my lifetime when our country was so fractured politically, socially, or by faith. Even friends seem to be asking political questions not in order to hear thoughts, but as a springboard to launch into their own personal position statement of which I am expected to fully agree if I am a true friend. Sometimes I find myself mumbling and breaking eye contact as I look for a way to divert the conversation or simply leave.
When did we decide it was alright to take a position that says we are right and if you don't agree you are an idiot? When did we decide all opposing views are evil and most likely driven by a conspiracy? Why is it that we are increasing comfortable with us vs. them? How come it is now more acceptable to shout louder rather then speaking with voices of reason? Why is it that name calling comes faster that actually taking time to discover what another person really believes? Who figured out Christ was a one party man and surely believers can not exist on different sides of issues? Am I talking about the church, society, or politics? Take your pick.
Here is the thing for those who follow Christ. He did not teach passivity or violence. He was not about fight nor flight. He was all about a loving, nonviolent way of confronting evil and injustice. He taught what some call the third way. He did not pin who he was on how loud he could make his point or who he could embarrass.
Jesus was good at finding creative alternatives to violence. He looked to expose injustice. He made people look at situations in a new light. Often his actions were aimed for the good of the oppressor as much as it was for the victim. And he understood his culture as well as the culture of those who opposed him.
For you and me following this example of Christ is not so easy. It can be hard work. It is no problem to shout back or take a polar opposite position. It often does not even involve putting in much thought because someone else as informed us what to think. Finding reasonable resolutions and cultivating meaningful dialog can be considerably more difficult.
Who did Christ hang out with? Jew & Gentiles - The Educated & The Laborers - Masters & Slaves - Priests & Prostitutes - Saints & Sinners - Tax Collectors & Thieves - Tea Totalers & Drunks - Men & Women - Romans & Bible Scholars. It seems he hung out with just about anyone, often to the criticism of both religious and political leaders. Do you think they may have been a bit polarized on this issue? Do you think Jesus cared much about these positions?
So here we are in this stinking rotten mess with different sides predicting the end of civilization, some defining civilization as the USA only, if the other side wins the Presidential Election. Even those who do not align with Christ can see the dramatic shift that is under way. And it is not really about that. It's about how we are living with each other these days.
It seems almost hopeless. I bet it felt about the same way back in the Roman Empire. But we can do better. We can start. We who say we follow Christ can look towards a third way in the places where we make a small difference. We say it's too late? It sent shock waves across an empire two thousand years ago.
The Joska Boarding School in Kenya is a very special place in the country outside of Nairobi. For many of the students this dusty patch of parched earth is a place where they are given a chance to escape the slums through education. More importantly, the staff teaches them how to live better, love each other, and about Jesus. Yesterday a fire claimed the boys dormitory building.
No lives were lost, but the kids have been returned to the slums of Mathare until leadership can figure out the next step. Denine and I got to know the leadership team and they are good people with a heart towards changing lives. I am sure they would appreciate your thoughts and prayers in the coming days.
