Submitted by Rob on August 5, 2008 - 1:52pm.

Spirit Garage kicked off this month's message series asking, "What are all the reasons you wouldn't want to be known as a Christian?" The people gathered created quite a list. That was followed up by asking, "Then why do you come to this Christian Worship?" Thankfully that list was just as long, if not longer. Then read the following by Brian McLaren, in his book "Everything Must Change" - A must read. He shares a conversation he had with Claude Nikondeha, from Burundi in East Africa, the world's third poorest country and sister to Rwanda.

Claude spoke, "Over the years, I have come to realize that something is wrong with the way we understand Jesus and the Good News. Something is missing in the version of the Christian religion we received from the missionaries. . . They told us how to go to heaven. But they left out an important detail. They didn't tell us how the will of God could be done on earth. We need to learn what the message of Jesus says to our situation here in East Africa. . .

As he spoke, I (Brian McLaren) thought, "This is not just an African problem. The same has been true here in the Americas. . . Did North American church leaders teach the early colonists to treat the Native Peoples with love and respect? Did they consistently and with one voice oppose slavery because it was an assault on fellow human beings? Did they stand up for refugees and immigrants? Did they oppose white privilege, segregation, anti-Semitism, stereotyping of Muslims, and other forms of ethic prejudice? Did they see the environment as God's sacred creation that deserves to be cherished and conserved?

Well you might say, 'some got it right.' But you would have to agree: too few, and too late. Most were preoccupied with other matters - arguments about religious esoterica, fights over arcane biblical interpretations, fanciful escapes into theological speculation, heat and fury over drinking or gambling or playing cards or using tobacco, controversies over whether guitars and drums can be used in worship . . .and other matters that - in comparison to racism, genocide, carelessness toward the poor and various minorities, exploitation of the environment, and unjust war - seem shamefully trivial, weapons of mass distraction." (Everything Must Change p.14. 20-21)

Join us on Sundays this month in August as we talk about Counter Cultural Living - trying to learn it's not about us, but it's about us.  Remember all questions, comments, suggestions, and concerns are welcome -  would love to hear your thoughts, or if interested in joining a "Everything Must Change" book study, please contact me. Rob.

I invite you to pray with me. "Lord for all that has been done in the name of Jesus that has harmed your creation in any way - forgive us. And for all that has been done in the name of Jesus that has helped your creation, we give thanks. We ask that you fill us with your Spirit - give us guidance and wisdom to seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly in the name of Jesus. Amen!

Meditations