For God so loved the world....John 3:16a (KJV)
President Obama in his speech on national security (5/23/2013) argues for policies that reaffirm our pursuit of justice and a just war in the face of terrorism. Brain McLaren in his recent book, argues for a stronger but less hostile Christian response to other world religions. Paul Farmer addresses the global health issues in his book, To Repair the World. The voices are mixed but the message is clear that healing is the central idea and response to suffering and violence.
The meaning of healing has many facets but begins after seeing and defining the distress and disease. We need to see the underlying injustice and inequity and respond in clear ways of peace and courage. Education is one such response that changes and is empowering, but education alone does not necessarily bring purpose to lives. Many times the purpose is found in a deep longing to make a difference in the lives of others.
For Christians, we look to a model that identifies another reality and purpose, That reality brings aid, education and understanding to the world out of the Love that has been given to us as a gift. Love becomes a “verb” that results in the courageous acts that overcome the violence and evil in the world. Love is at the center of our faith. Sometimes we just say “God’s Grace”!
Marvin
References:
McLaren, B. D. (2012). Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?: Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World. Jericho Books.
Farmer, P. (2013). To Repair the World: Paul Farmer Speaks to the Next Generation. University of California Press.
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Am pleased to find that we read the same books. So, look forward to talking about them in August!
ReplyDeleteMaybe we can engage some others! I always look forward sitting on the deck with you and our families!
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