So Rachel Held Evans has initiated a week-long online rally called "Restore Unity". I was re-tweeting her announcements and other people's reactions as much as I could, thinking about what in the world this might look like next week, and how I could help.
Since then, two major events have occurred that are personal to me. On Friday, the church I attend sent an email describing two major denominational votes that are trending toward passing local presbytery votes, and will, for all intents and purposes, divide the Presbyterian Church (USA) forever. My position on these votes isn't relevant to the future of the denomination, but I do feel the weight on how my voice and actions will be perceived by others during this process.
The second event was the announcement about Osama bin Laden being killed by a US military operation. The tragedies of 9/11 are personal to me because it directly affected people close to me, and many more I've had the privilege of becoming friends with. My initial reaction was simply shock, but my mind immediately went to what is the appropriate response, which I tweeted.
It was made clear through the next hour that not many had common reactions to bin Laden's death. I'm certain that while reactions to the PC(USA) decisions will have more commonalities, the nuances everyone affected will be coming from will be very diverse, yet easily (and inappropriately) generalized. I wonder how unity can prevail in either situation. I share much of Matthew Paul Turner's sentiments.
At this moment, however, I believe our diversity of thought, philosophy, and even reactions, can indeed make us stronger. And that strength is what we need to build unity. It does require being less individually so we can be strong collectively. Can we do it? I sure hope we can.
In the spirit of the Restore Unity Rally, here is my first sign slogan:
But I THINK that makes us even stronger. Don't you THINK?
#RestoreUnity
Great post, Tim.
I sure appreciate your honesty and optimism after a tough week.
Thanks for contributing, friend!
Thanks, Rachel! I appreciate it.
Tim,
Good post, Dude. I'm glad you're on my radar now. We of PCUSA persuasion are, as you point out, in for a bumpy ride. Here's to sticking together through Jesus!
If variety really makes us strong, then you should include Mormons, Muslims, JWs as well as Hindus and Buddhists. I believe only a broad Creed can restore unity.
@Mick - It's good to widen our network. I'm glad that we are following each other. I wish the PCUSA ride wouldn't become bumpy, but I fear most will forget all that binds us.
@Caleb - within a utopian philosophy I think that is possible, but it first requires everyone to believe we are following the same God. If we do that, then I think that broad, united Creed could be "Love God with all your heart, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself."
But getting that agreement is the hardest part, from all religions. For Christians, it would appear to mean that we are lessening Jesus. But if we carefully read the gospels, Jesus always lessened himself to show God.
Does that make me all warm and fuzzy? No, not yet. I still have more questions than answers. At the same time, I struggle with this very issue within the diversity of our many denominations of Christianity.