Pastor Mark Tidd is my hero of the day.
The pastor of an evangelical church in Colorado, one of the most prominent states in the American evangelical movement, has opened the doors of his church wide for queer, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered seekers.
Of course, his Highlands Church represents a tiny fraction of evangelical congregations, I would guess, that embrace these beautiful children of God. His bold move to do so signals what I would call a "returning to Christ" that I hope the church of the 21st century will embody.
For the record, I am not comfortable affiliating with a Christian community right now; I am almost tempted to say "I'm not a Christian" anymore. However, in Christ and his teachings (which are terribly distorted, ignored, or avoided by the vast majority of Christians) I see hope for humanity. In modern Christianity, I see despair for humanity. And it grieves me so to say that.
The most noteworthy teachings and lessons of Christ can be distilled thus:
- Love your enemies.
- Do good to those who harm you.
- If anything, including your family, distract you freely loving God, leave that thing and pursue your passion with abandon.
- God will take care of you, no matter what. Be open to how that shows up.
- Identify with the poor. Allow them to remind you where your true treasure is.
- Be compassionate to all.
- Seek a world that works for everyone.
- Love peace.
- If you're not a) getting in some sort of trouble, and b) enjoying it somehow, you're not living nor truly reaping the full rewards of the Gospel.
Whenever Christ was presented with religious authorities who judged others, condemned them, or excluded them from participation in the spiritual life of the community, he was unequivocally stern in reminding them of their hypocrisy.
Following Christ looks a lot more like living life from your heart, opening it up wider and wider, making it bigger and bigger, and seeing where that leads, than simply "being good." Christ said the road to eternal life is narrow and few walk it. Being good is low-level obedience fitting of a child and not a courageous adult--an easy, wide road to walk with lots of company to surround you. On the other hand, loving life and those who live it, with divine abandon, is high-level obedience and requires a lot more character. The risks and rewards are much greater. In fact, the risks and rewards of "being good" are shallow and bankrupt. Yep, I said that and I'll stand behind it.
Am I living with all that passion and abandon? Most days, probably not. I have though, and I know what it looks and feels like. I've seen and learned from the masters.
So, the Solstice is tomorrow, and Christmas right around the bend. Let's remember that tiny babe who arrived two thousand years ago came to challenge us and give us the grace to live with passion and abandon, not just to tell us to be good and stay out of trouble. Oh, no. not that.
Blessings to you for Solstice, Christmas and the new year.
