If I am honest, I must admit, I am a person of immense frustration…
We live in days where Christianity has been rocked by scandals of epic proportions. We have stood as witness as many Christian leaders have had their dark secrets come to light. We have watched Churches fight over masking and vaccines. We have seen friendships lost due to politics. We have witnessed racial unrest rock our nation. We have seen asylum seekers used as political pawns. We have shooting after shooting happen in our communities. We have watched nations get invaded and even fought about that. The list is long and grows longer each and every day.
The dialogue of black vs. white divides.
The dialogue of Republican vs. Democrat divides.
The dialogue of Immigrant vs. Anti-Immigrant divides.
The unity that our country possessed in the days following September 11, 2001 now seems to be nothing more than a memory and has been replaced with division.
Division does not even seem to be a strong enough word. People are not merely divided from those they disagree with. They are repulsed. They devalue and dehumanize those with they disagree with.
So why am I frustrated? Christians are often no better. By and large much of Christendom in America is a victim of their discipleship. Many have been discipled by political parties, politicians, and cable news shows. Those who think alike are often drawn to one another. In turn, our churches can quickly turn into echo chambers of this flawed discipleship. This results in orthopraxy that is not in line with our orthodoxy because Scripture quickly begins to be seen through the lens one’s discipleship and when ones discipleship is on something besides Scripture, ones view of Scripture will always be flawed.
We live in a world that seeks validation more than it does conviction. When this becomes the model of the church, the church is in trouble. Every Sunday, I pray that my sermon will encourage and convict. What people don’t know is that I am praying that as much for me as I am for them.
I am beginning to ramble so I will wrap it. This blog exists to do the following: Provide a place where we can safely wrestle through tough topics. Provide a place to discuss current events and issues in a way that demonstrates how to think biblically. Nothing will be off the table. Whether it be race, sexuality, immigration, service, politics, or religion we must be able to dialogue in a manner that infuses dignity back into humanity.
My name is Jon Goodwin. I am frustrated but I am incredibly hopeful. My hope is that you will join me and interact with me as we journey together through this messy world we call home. My hope is that your life will be encouraged and challenged and that as you interact with the world that you would do so through the methodology of Compassionate Engagement.
Compassionate Engagement 