Day 2: The Dangers of Embellishment
#RethinkChurch is starting a 22-day journey for self-reflection based on John Wesley’s 22 questions. I will be trying to compose short blog posts addressing each question. I’ll try to do it every day, but no promises. The new semester just started.
Day 2: Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices-Colossians 3:9
Being honest about oneself and to oneself is extremely difficult. And in a society where accomplishments are highly valued it becomes easy to want to embellish a little bit. Not necessarily fabricate something wholesale, but make ourselves look just a tad better than we are. Individually, embellishing or exaggerating is problematic but when done on an institutional level the consequences can be catastrophic, especially for those who are part of marginalized groups.
The reality is we all like to make ourselves look good. This is especially true of institutions that seek to attract and retain talent. Institutions, like individuals, want to put their best foot forward and emphasize their strengths and the qualities that make them unique. Nothing wrong with that.
The problem arises when institutions seek the labor and talents of marginalized groups and do so by presenting themselves as bastions of equality and social justice, when they are in fact, grappling with racism, homophobia, transphobia, and sexism.
The problem arises when institutions seek the labor and talents of marginalized groups and do so by presenting themselves as bastions of equality and social justice, when they are in fact, grappling with racism, homophobia, transphobia, and sexism.
For example, it goes without saying that Evangelical and Fundamentalist Christianity are problematic, especially in the United States. In the US, Evangelical and Fundamentalist Christianity are broadly painted as sexist, homophobic, and transphobic. Additionally, white Evangelical and Fundamentalist Christianity also struggles with racism.
One can debate how fair these characterizations are since both Evangelical and Fundamentalist Christianity encompass a significant number of denominations that are not monolithic, but the reality is that factions of white Evangelical and/or Fundamentalist Christianity have historically and into the present day supported cruel public policies.
In an attempt to counteract the narrative that Christianity is inherently narrow-minded and oppressive, Mainline and Progressive denominations and congregations are rising up and boldly proclaiming that Black, Brown and Indigenous lives matter and that the LGBTQ+ community are beloved children of God. Most, if not all Mainline and Progressive denominations, at least on paper accept the calling and ordination of women.
This counter narrative that Christianity is and can support radical liberation is important. I am grateful for all those striving to make sure that Progressive Christian voices are heard in the public sphere.
But let’s be honest: Mainline and Progressive Christians struggle with putting their lofty ideals into practice. Not surprising. Mainline and Progressive Christianity are made up of humans who are perfectly imperfect. The problem is not the inability to perfectly put into practice our lofty ideals, the problem is that we are not always honest about the ways we fall short. Mainline and Progressive Christians do not always acknowledge the ways that our institutions continue to reinforce the subjugation of marginalized groups.
Hanging a “Black Lives Matter” banner outside of a church building is an important witness in a society where Black lives continue to be devalued, but how is the sacredness of Blackness affirmed in the congregation’s everyday life? Do they say, “Black Lives Matter” in public but in private make life a living hell for the handful of Black and Brown families that attend their services? Do they view their Black and Brown neighbors as nothing more than domestic service opportunities?
It’s one thing to publicly send out statements claiming that our congregations are open and affirming but what does that mean on a practical, everyday level? Do we welcome LGBTQ+ members as long as they still conform to our standards of acceptable expressions of love are and adhere to the institutions we hold dear: such as marriage?
Do we acknowledge the violence and pain that our country has inflicted and continues to inflict on the Indigenous population while ignoring the vital role that Christianity theology played in justifying such abuses? Or do we simply say, “well, our denomination did that in the past, we know better. We can move on.”
No institution is perfect. And I admit it: I love Progressive Christianity. So many Progressive Christian individuals and congregations have welcomed me and my voice with open arms. But the reality is that, Progressive and Mainline denominations and churches can always improve. But in order to continue to work towards justice, there needs to be open and frank discussions about the ways in which we fail as individuals, congregations, and denominations to practice what we preach. We can celebrate our successes. We can look with pride when we get it right. But that’s not the whole story. There is always more work to be done.
