Monday's thoughts

"The Scarlet Letter"
Nathaniel Hawthorne has written a classic in his book about Hester and Dimsdale and Chillingworth and it's a book that has some interesting application as we think about the scandal of the Governor of South Carolina.

Basically, the scarlet letter is the letter "A". It is a symbol for adultery. As is often the case the woman involved is the one who has to carry the worst of the moral indignation of the community.

But Hawthorne has given us a scorned and rejected woman whose mark of disgrace was transformed into a mark of distinction. She, who was shunned, is the only one in the community who is able to have access to the hurting people in the community. Her curse becomes her blessing.

Rather than focus on the morality of a small town or the issue of adultery, this sermon will probably take a look at the way in which the worst we have to take can become the best we have to offer.

How much humiliation do we have to take before we turn our darkest hour into a part of our lives that makes us what we are? How many people are able to grow from their past to the point that the worst that happens to them has become the best?

In issues of morality there is a very thin place for reconciliation. In issues of faith the path toward reconciliation is broad. Being open to the future and to use the lessons of the past can lead us to a future that redeems the past and makes us proud of what we have become.

Christianity is all about being and becoming. It isn't about static states of being that do not change.

What are your experiences in regard to this? Have you read Hawthorne's book?
If you have thoughts on this subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the box below.

I look forward to hearing from you.


Charles Schuster