Ethics Reflection: Re-imagining

Ethics Reading Reflection – Erin Kruger April 16^th

Occupy Religion and The Occupy Handbook

Rieger and Pui-lan present a theology of the multitude grounded in the Greek ekklesia nature of church, God’s place in restoring relationships while siding with the abused and exploited, and a consideration of ecclesial practices and rituals that could structure this faith community.  Within light of the Ocuppy Movement’s focus on the ineffectiveness of a top-down economy and the oppressive powers in a hierarchical economic structure, these authors point out that the default images of God are dominant and powerful.  The classic theism originating from dominant Roman philosophical ideas of God as omnipotent, immutable, and impassable contributes to another oppressive hierarchical power system in which God is at the top.  Striving to reimagine these concepts of God through scriptures in which Jesus lives and teaches mercy, kindness, and a preference to the poor also means a reimaging of neighbor towards appreciation and respect. 

            The articles in the Occupy Handbook range in topics from Voluntary Financial Transaction Tax and Medicare to Global Capitalism through Smuggling.  Each author offering different critiques on the current economic system supporting their understanding as to how America (and the world) got here and what could perhaps change towards something more positive.  I must admit, I am still very fuzzy within Gross’s explainations of Procyclicality as to the physics of leverage, and find While and Li’s background on the difficulties of bankruptcy legislation and reform fascinating, mortgages in general I find an elusive realm.  It was Mathews article on a “Globalization from Below” that struck a chord with my worldview.  In response to a story of the reality of a merchant being cheated, Mathews explains “It’s a common story, but most merchants talk neither or cheating more of being cheated, but only of their ongoing efforts to make a living in a business whose parameters, due to ever-changing rates, an ever-changing flow of customers, and an ever- change array of phones for sale, are always difficult.”  (Kindle, 462) 

            In a world in which making a living is always difficult, the theology of the multitude attempts to give a deep sense of hope rooted in God.  Addressing these very real everyday concerns, so quickly can become life or death especially in developing countries, also must address who God is and as followers of God how to live within broken relationships, class oppression, and as events of Monday April 15^th feature – violence.  Rieger and Pui-lan’s question if the dominant images of God speak to our experiences (especially in The Occupy Movement) and the implications to how we understand both humanity and divinity.  Although ones own anthropology does impact their theology, I have become suspicious of approaching God through human experience if not also explicitly also through scripture and tradition.  My own human experience is, like so many others, very broken, and it becomes easy through that brokenness to want God on “my” side.  Grounding in study, solidarity with the community, and scripture all guide me to agreeing with many of the solutions offered in envisioning what church could mean from the bottom up.  I simply hold tightly to keeping the focus of the faith and the church on God, and allowing a firm grounding in the love of God to be what nurtures and inspires people of faith to care for every other living thing.    

I am drawn to this quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer (in Letters and Papers from Prison) "It is only by living completely in this world that one learns to have faith.... In so doing, we throw ourselves completely into the arms of God, taking seriously, not our own sufferings, but those of God in the world."  

Yes - let's reimagine God together.  

Yes - let's live in solidarity with one another with appreciation and mutual respect.  

Yes - it's going to be hard.  

Yes - let's challenge oppressive hierarchical systems like the economy.  

Always through and with the Triune God who lives and walks in the world as is it, guiding us towards a world as it should be.  

Reflection 1- Clouded and Unclear Dreams of Hope

(for Christian Moral Theology: Ethics of Hope in a Age of Crisis)

            In reading the first sections of Wright’s “Surprised by Hope” and Speth’s “America the Possible” I began to become overwhelmed by the complicated fog surrounding the concept of hope.  Dreams of happiness, eternally complete with a belief in heaven, include a prelude of success in life accompanied by a nice home, financial security, and family.  Yet this “American” dream is complicated and foggy – almost like a Monet oil painting.  What is it that one is suppose to be hoping for? 

Wright points out the crucial link between beliefs surrounding death and dying with a healthy and deep understanding of hope, especially to a Christian.  I agree with Wright that Americans today seem challenged to adequately articulate or express concrete beliefs around death.  Questions such as – do the dead go directly to heaven, what about bodily resurrection, could I have been reincarnated, or even are my ancestors really here to guide and protect me, greatly affect ones beliefs and actions during life.  Scripture and tradition (Jewish as well as Christian) give significant insight into many of these questions, and Wright’s discussion of scripture within its context sheds deeper light into possible meanings, such as the phrase “kingdom of heaven” or concept of resurrection. 

Personally, I find the imagery of a new creation very difficult in the literal way that Wright seems to describe.  I am much more comfortable with interpreting the verses in Revelation figuratively.  In light of the difficult reality Speth discusses of poverty, policy, social inequality, and especially failing healthcare (American and global) the result is an extreme woundedness of people.  It is out of that harsh reality in which I have always taken hope in a belief that death brings an end to these oppressive systems which seem inextricably tied to our bodies – their shape, color, gender, and physical needs.  Wright finds hope and answers in the resurrection of Christ.  I agree that Christians gain a small yet foggy view of how that resurrection brings renewal – however today I am left with more questions and confusion than comfort and hope.  

Discipleship and Citizenship

Discipleship.

Churches encourage members to engage in a wide array of discipleship programs and have committees to provide resources in spiritual disciplines, classes, and more.  Olson and Friedrich acknowledge that discipleship is the domain of the church and we are comfortable with that.

Citizenship.  

Schools and communities try and teach our children to be good citizens by participating in their communities and government.  Vote!  Know what your community is doing and how to advocate for change.



Olson and Friedrich challenge their readers to connect these two domains. Religious motivations should shape how one feels about affordable housing, childcare opportunities, health care for children, or fair wages for immigrant workers.  Churches feel comfortable addressing and meeting the immediate needs of those in the community, yet are often uncomfortable digging deeper into the issue and asking why it is happening and what can be done about it on a public policy level.

Scripture reminds us that it is our work as advocates to speak.  What would have happened if the Canaanite woman had not insisted her child was deserving of Jesus's attention and healing?  Olson and Friedrich are clear - advocacy about power.  Yet out baptismal vows boldly claim that as Christians we accept the power of God to resist evil and injustice.  Therefore child advocacy, and all it entails from acts of mercy of feeding hungry families to acts of justice in fighting for affordable housing for families, is Christian Discipleship.

Here is a common metaphor to leave you with:
You are enjoying lunch along the river with your friends.
You hear someone yelling for help from the water.
You (with your mad lifeguard skills) jump in the river and save them.
A few minutes later, someone else is in the river needing your help again!
You jump back in and rescue them too.
A few minutes later, another person!
You are getting tired, but continue to rescue those in need.
When do you go upriver to look for who is pushing people in the river?

There will always be those who are in the river and need compassionate help to get out.  Yet, others are called to the justice work of looking at the systems of oppression and working to keep people out of the river in the first place.

How can the church address both of these paths?

Peace,
Erin 

Who, me?

Continuing working through Weaving: A Just Future for Children, an Advocacy Guide by Diane C. Olson and Laura Dean F. Friedrich, I was reminded of a childhood song -

Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar?  (repeat)
(John Doe) stole the cookies from the cookie jar!
Who me?  Yes, you!  Not me!  Then who?

Responsibility.  Accountability.
Definitely difficult concepts, especially if we as Americans must choose to change something we love.

In review - Olson and Friedrich on the subject of child advocacy:
Framework is important!!
Metaphor is a loom, which requires a frame, made up of:
1 - Theology
2 - Scripture
3 - A Safe Environment (Chapter 3)
Then comes the weft: (strings going vertical)
*Child Advocates

A huge part of advocacy is making the choice to do something.  They turn the frame into something - without them it is just an empty loom.  While advocating for children can be a one time act of mercy or compassion, more often it comes a continual process of justice.

Olson and Friedrich give an great discussion on types of advocacy.  Here is the list -
* Education
* Service
* Public Policy
* Coalition Building (partnering)

Some of which are much easier, or more comfortable for churches however as Christians I firmly believe we are called as the body of Christ to each one of these.  As leaders I think it is crucial to focus on making connections and building relationships to encourage each of these types of advocacy roles within the gifts of a congregation - including children!

On a related topic, I am often asked (as a UM Deacon Candidate) what a Deacon does?  The best thing is a deacon can do ministry in so many places!  Deacons can serve in hospitals, schools, community organizations, or even churches.  A great metaphor for a deacon is a bridge builder.  I understand my calling as a deacon as one who helps to encourage and facilitate the connections between churches and those who are in the church with the needs of the world.   Many of us are called to acts of compassion and mercy - such as giving change or a granola bar to someone begging in the street, yet others are called to justice work - such as advocacy as described as a process, creating relationships and asking/addressing the question of why is this person here?

How do you respond to the concept of advocacy?
Do you feel called to any particular type of advocacy, whether towards a particular group or using the categories listed above?
How does advocacy fit within your calling?

Peace,
Erin

Chicago life update

I can't believe I've been living here for just over 4 months now.  I never thought I would enjoy the city...

Major updates...
I am now a full time student at Garrett - Evangelical Theological Seminary.
working on my Masters in Divinity
Certified Deacon Candidate in Wisconsin (in the United Methodist Church)
doing my field ed (internship) at United Church of Rogers Park where I help run the after school program and children's chapel
I am awesome at public transportation
and I rank #2 for world's best theologically trained musical nannies (after Julie Andrews...)

Life is good.

My roommate and her family are good.

School is hard.

So why back to the blog?
1 - I miss it....
2 - I have to "blog" for my january class - children and christian faith, so I thought I'd put them up here too!
3 - it's a good outlet... and heaven knows I could use more of those (especially if I will then talk less...)

God bless you in 2013 and beyond.

Peace and joy,
your sister in Christ~Erin Michelle