tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6155133175831479740.post4314306057942114712..comments2024-02-16T04:05:23.512-05:00Comments on Rev-elution: The state of black, progressive ChristianityREV-elutionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08726120253716456109noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6155133175831479740.post-83561181079128960562012-09-28T03:57:43.088-04:002012-09-28T03:57:43.088-04:00As in every other aspect of an African Americans l...As in every other aspect of an African Americans life, the question will always be, the question of the color line. The struggle for Civil Rights included the reaching out to our white brothers and sister to be able to sit at the table of brotherhood together 7days a week for and assurance of equity, justice. The formula or thought of a Black Progressive Faith is an oxymoron. Take note of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King in his Autobiogra phy numerous time appealling to black brothers and sisters to understand that the strive towards freedoom cannot be won by blacks alone. It demanded the brothers and sisters of all communities to look injustice in the eye and demand freedom and equity. Progressive Christianity's perspective is one of inclusion and not one of exclusion. Until the "Black Church" reaches out to all ostrisized segments of society, it will never fully understand the totality of Jesus' message. Like its reciprical churches in the white community,they both will meet a similiar fate of a slow death unless it changes to a progressive and inclusive understanding that all come from the same G_D and the same spirit dwells in us all. We cannot get outside of this love. The Black Christian Church must return to love by open,ing up not closing down or die. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6155133175831479740.post-69458725985062654872012-09-06T10:41:42.593-04:002012-09-06T10:41:42.593-04:00You have outlined a divide between people and the ...You have outlined a divide between people and the organized religions that has existed for centuries. Organized religions use hierarchy and canonized thought, with specifics (to each religious sect) designed to enforce the organization. On the one hand, for people who need certainty in their lives, those strict rules provide a modicum of solace ("If I just follow the rules I will be a better person than the rest") while allowing the church hierarchy to continue control by defining those rules. The church organization means more than anything else. "You're either with us or against us," with church exclusion often the price of dissent. This is not always due to a nefarious bureaucracy, but to a religious division that truly thinks it, and it alone, has divined the deity's (God, Allah, karma) relayed truth.<br /><br />Those who question the place of each religion's rules and canon in the real world are rarely welcomed. They make people think. Remember that Jesus was a rabble rouser. For those who like certainty in their religion, they make people uncomfortable, because the thinking process raises doubt. And doubt is not what makes religion work for most.<br /><br />So, people seek out religious divisions where they feel comfortable, and woe to those who seek to replace that comfort with doubt.<br /><br />Carl, your situation is not just the product of Durham's churches, but is seen world-wide. You will just have to fit your square peg into some church's square hole. But, of course, then you'll just be speaking to like-minded people and having no effect on those you really wish to change. Quite a dilemma, I would say.cranenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6155133175831479740.post-1863313918288111552012-09-05T15:33:59.993-04:002012-09-05T15:33:59.993-04:00I think you have hit the nail on the head with thi...I think you have hit the nail on the head with this reflection.I find it is hard to find kindred spirits myself and thus reluctant to join a church. I am asked to plant 4 times a month but have not the desire to do the run of mill church that does not address justice. I have applied for more than 100 positions with no avail, so I understand the place you are in.<br /><br />I find that the city of Memphis is one of the few places where this progressiveness is not frown upon. Thanks for the piece once again and may both of our journeys lead us to the right place and decision. Brianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13823029844414738500noreply@blogger.com