Piloting Faith: Being called "Christian" can make me squirm...

A Word for the Day...

Sometimes being labeled "Christian" makes me squirm. When most people hear "Christian," they think of close-minded, racist, homophobic, mean people. They have good reason. We have an abundance of examples in the national media of terrible people doing terrible things in the name of faith.

My friend and colleague, Brian McLaren, wrote in his book The Great Spiritual Migration:

"Courageous leaders of previous generations have opened many doors, and today's emerging trailblazers are walking through them. They aren't waiting for anyone's permission. They have all the permission they need. The great theological migration has begun."

His words give me hope. We need a better theology - one that rejects violence and hatred - one that helps us to become softer, wiser and more loving. Our only task as sisters and brothers is to love one another and treat one another as we would want to be treated. It shouldn't be a radical idea, though it seems we are still trying to understand. But when you "get it," you join the great theological migration to a much better way to live life. In fact, you start to act, talk and walk like Jesus.

- Rev. Cameron Trimble, author of Piloting Church: Helping Your Congregation Take Flight

Prayer for the Week

A contemporary translation of The Lord's Prayer:
Creator in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
(Adapted from The Message)