Listening to God’s Call

Isaiah 55:1-9

One of the many dangers of Christian nationalism is that it claims to speak on behalf of God while it also endorses the values of Empire. Christian nationalism thrives on the idea that they represent the singular, “true” version of Christianity and yet when you dig deeper, the faith it presents is one of hatred, violence, and selfishness. Many proponents of Christian nationalism talk about bringing “America back to God” but what they really mean is they want to turn America into an authoritarian, theocratic, nation where only a select few maintain power and control and the rest of us are to do what we are told, “or else.” But to be fair, the idea that truth is the domain of Christianity, particularly one form of Christianity is not new. Likewise, the mixture of Christianity and politics has been going on for centuries, often to detrimental effects on those on the margins of society. Christianity has fallen for the lies of empire, almost from its inception.

But thankfully we believe in a God who is continually calling us to return back to them. . God promises a land of milk and honey-of justice and peace. If only would listen and make the decision to truly and fully follow God. And this call isn’t just for those of us who are “smart” enough to be on the “right side of history” but for everyone. To be sure, not everyone will listen to this call. Too many people, especially those who have chosen to make a career in the political realm, are seduced by the notion of power and getting them to let go of their tightly held reigns will be difficult. But even with that the invitation remains.

But the heart-breaking truth is that, the institution that oftentimes should be offering that invitation-the Church- is too busy trying to accumulate wealth and power. And let me be clear, this is not just an issue for the church during the height of colonialism nor is it an issue that only the white Evangelical Church struggles with. Mainline Protestant Christianity, Roman Catholicism, and the various forms of Orthodoxy have all struggled with and continue to struggle with remaining true to their faith and also seeking power. To be frank, I do not think it is possible to do both.

For instance, I went to a mainline Protestant Church whose progressive values and politics were very publicly stated. And yet, they also proudly flaunted how intertwined they were with specific local political leaders. The church was a financial powerhouse, that welcomed various local government leaders into their pews. Ostensibly they had the best of both worlds. But that was an illusion. They found subtle ways to cater to the wealthy elite within their church walls. They were welcoming-but it was very clear that this was an institution that helped the poor, but did not welcome them through the doors.

In a similar way, I am currently attending a Roman Catholic parish. And I have to say, I absolutely love the mass. It is also intergenerational and diverse in a way that I only experienced one in Mainline Protestant congregation. This congregation holds various fundraisers and is always looking to support various programs geared toward those in poverty and in need. Today, while welcoming those converting, the priest made a comment about how the “Roman Catholic church has divorced and married people, Hispanic, Asian, Irish, black and white people, gay and straight people.” He acknowledged the diversity within the Roman Catholic church including the reality that not everyone who walks through the door is straight. And yet, this priest has also given sermons on the danger of “transgender ideology.” Not to mention the Roman Catholic Church has struggled with a long history of sex abuse scandals and racism. It also continues to seek to limit women’s participation within the Church and to limit reproductive rights of not only their members, but the nation as a whole.

And yet despite our massive failures and flaws on the individual and institutional level, God still calls to us. God calls to us as individuals, reminding us of God’s deep abiding love. God calls out to the Institutional Church-reminding us that just as God’s thoughts and ways are different from ours, the institutional Church is to be different from the forces of empire.

Lent is an opportunity for us to hear God’s voice and to repent from how we have intentionally ignored God. Often, that is much easier to do on an individual level, rather than an institutional level. And yet the call remains. God continues to nudge us to be and do better. God never gives up on us. This Lent, let us live into God’s radical love within our individual lives and within the institutional Church.

Image of a man standing in front of the church. Text: God calls out to the Institutional Church-reminding us that just as God’s thoughts and ways are different from ours, the institutional Church is to be different from the forces of empire.