We have a big tent!

(A stewardship moment)

Help us grow the tent!

For the second time, I have been asked to stand up and talk about why I am involved in the church’s life.  And for the second time, I have tried but failed to wiggle out of this task.  Because the truth is, I have many doubts; I am unsure why I participate and therefore there is not much to talk about.  Perhaps, participating is simply part of my being.

One day when we lived in Sudbury, one of my Trinity Lutheran “coffee hour friends” said, “I don’t know about you, but when I say the creed, I have my fingers crossed behind my back.”

In this time of virgin birth and the resurrection that we all know follows, I wonder how many of us have “our fingers crossed” as we speak of these miracles.  I’ll bet it is a lot.

Nicholas Kristof, Pulitzer Prize winning columnist for the New York Times and prominent activist for women, the poor, the oppressed and the sick, writes about his admiration and adherence to the principles of Jesus’ teachings, especially the Sermon of the Mount.  He also writes about his skepticism about the virgin birth, the resurrection and the other miracles.  He has asked a number of religious leaders whether, in the absence of these beliefs, he is a Christian.

Rev. Timothy Keller, a New York evangelist and founder of a mega-church with 5000 attendees, replied that these beliefs are integral to Christianity.  Being a Christian without accepting these beliefs would be like being a director of Greenpeace while believing that global warming is a hoax.

Former President Jimmy Carter replied that his belief in these miracles comes from his faith not science.  He added that he does not judge whether someone else is a Christian but tries to apply the teachings of Jesus in his own life, often without success.

Kristof received a most intriguing reply from Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, New Jersey: “If you haven’t completely closed the door on the possibility that God has more to say to you, then I think you’re in the tent.”

The St. Philip’s tent needs to be big enough and broad enough to accommodate those of us who are convinced and those of us who doubt.  Growing such tents requires time, commitment and funds.  Consider this when making your personal and financial commitments for 2020.                                                                                                                                                

Sam Marcuson,                                                                                                                                        December 8, 2019