05-07-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 7, 2024
Tony Campolo tells the story of a small town church that got a new minister. Everyone loved the new preacher, praising his preaching. The town skeptic asked one of the church leaders, “Why is this preacher so much better than the last one?” The church leader answered, “The last one told us we were sinners, and unless we changed our ways, we would all go to hell. The new preacher says that we are all sinners, and unless we change and accept Jesus, we’re all going to hell.” The skeptic was confused and said, “They sound basically the same to me.” “Oh no,” said the church leader, “the new preacher says it with tears in his eyes.” 

I am sorry to say, but I don’t think a fear-based message is really softened or made palatable with a certain level of emotionalism. With that said, there have been those who have come to believe that the only way to talk about the Divine/Human relationship is through a system of fear and intimidation. Some folks have mastered the ability to conceal this anxiety producing theology behind good music, fog machines, or amplified emotions. Yet none of it softens the damage to the human psyche. 1st John 4 tells us: There is no fear in love, for perfect love casts out all fear. So, if we believe the essence of the Jesus story is love, then how is it that we allow fear to play any sort of role? I don’t believe it is possible. 

Wherever fear might exist within me, Gracious God, I pray for your love to continue to push it and keep it out for my own spiritual and mental health… and for the sake of all who desperately need to hear a Gospel of love. Amen.