"Going Forth on the Fourth"
Something we never want to discourage and never want to ignore is our passion for the problem. There are times in our lives when the passion for the problem is the most important thing and calling it out to others is our most important task.
There is a place for protest. There is a time to stand up and be counted. There are moments when the best we can be is the worst that we are. When something is intolerably wrong we have to say it. When there is a broken promise or when something runs counter to our sense of goodness or mercy or when people are being hurt or cheated and no one seems to care, we stand up to that and find our passion for the problem.
Patriotism calls for dissent. We can't be a good citizen without raising question with the powers that be. Democracy calls for protest and civil disobedience. Sometimes the only way to point out a problem is to act out a protest.
The revolution that formed our nation was based on the premise that "taxation without representation is tyranny"; and it is.
The reformation that formed our protestant tradition was based on the premise of "the priesthood of all believers"; and that is as correct today as it was when Martin Luther first stood up to the religious authorities in the 15th Century.
A passion for the problem has to be matched with a proclivity to repair it. I will think about that and add that part of the sermon on Friday.
What do you think about the passion for the problem and how it leads to a proclivity to solve it? What are the problems you have a passion to identify today in our world, in our nation, and in our city?
If you have thoughts on this subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your response click on the "comments" box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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