The church was meant to be that group that constantly went to the edges, to the least of the brothers and sisters, and even to the enemy. Jesus was not just a theological genius; he was also a psychological and sociological genius. Therefore, when any church defines itself by exclusion of anybody, it is always wrong. It is avoiding its only vocation, which is to be the Christ. The only groups that Jesus seriously critiques are those who include themselves and exclude others from the always-given grace of God.
Only as the People of God receive the stranger, the sinner, and the immigrant, those who don’t play our game our way, do we discover not only the hidden, feared, and hated parts of our own souls, but also the fullness of Jesus himself.
— Richard Rohr, Yes, And…, p. 186.
Photo: Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, Ireland, July 2001
Amen, amen and amen! I know so many people who equate modern Christianity with the ultra conservative; politically charged; current media saturated version of Christianity. I keep letting them know there are many Christians who are tolerant, inclusive and who follow Jesus’ teachings. It is so disconcerting and shameful to watch society disintegrate before my eyes.
I am so with you, Deborah!