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Musings of the Synod Executive
by Zane K. Buxton
Synod Executive
zbuxton@att.net |
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"Religion"
In the most recent edition of Context: Martin E. Marty on Religion and Culture (March 2010, Part B), Dr. Marty retells a story about a new rabbi warned not to teach about dietary laws, the Sabbath, or tzedekah (social issues). When he asked about what he could speak then. "Why that's easy – speak about Judaism, of course!" It reminded me of a pastor who moved to Memphis (true story) and preached a sermon in which he highlighted Abraham Lincoln's contributions to American values and linked them to Christianity. He was warned that President's Day was not a holiday where he was now living, that Lincoln was not a hero, and that they did not refer to the war as "the Civil War."
It would not be surprising to hear that society at large is not interested in Jewish or Christian or Islamic perspectives on human life and justice issues. But it seems that society at large, while there are the big debates between those who think science and religion are in conflict and there has been a spate of militantly atheist books, operates with a general sense of God's fondness for America (that may be strained in the current economic doldrums).
The two stories with which I began do seem to reflect a perception in much of organized religious life in our society that it is ok to be Christian (or part of some other religious tradition) so long as that Christian identity does not challenge any of our ideas, prejudices, or practices. Long ago a friend asked how I could have such liberal social ideas (from his perspective at least) while believing the teachings of the Bible. My response was that it was precisely the New Testament that challenged me to move beyond my comfort zone and the status quo. I know I was not alone. I am still challenged by knowing that I am more like the rich man in his encounter with Jesus than like the ones Jesus said are blessed. Why are we in the church so timid in challenging one another to care more and to act accordingly?
Time
As I began to write my "musings" for March, I realized how much time has passed since I last wrote for this space. The late fall and the holidays flew by. Winter is on the way out in Denver (though we may get some big snows in March and April) because the sun has too much power this time of year for any miserable weather to last long. Snow really does disappear in a day or so at this time of year.
I didn't think I had too much to share through the months past. The focuses that I mentioned in late October still occupy me in my work with the Synod. Some of the fruit of that will be tested soon in a series of meetings. One of my perceptions has been that I have been blessed to continue to be employed in a challenging position (for which I am paid a reasonable salary). So many folks are either out of work entirely or are in positions that leave them defeated or depressed.
The first of March marked a mile-stone of sorts for me. I have now served longer in the Synod than in my longest time with a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). When I served Community Presbyterian Church of Clarendon Hills, Illinois (a congregation of Chicago Presbytery), I sometime said it felt like an extended interim pastorate. I followed a pastor who had served the congregation for twenty-six years. I was there a bit over eight years and there were interesting challenges in that ministry. I'm not sure that there is an ideal length of service in one setting. People are different and circumstances are different (and change). I began here as an interim synod executive in November of 2001, and I am still here! At least for now.
Synods
Last time I mentioned that the General Assembly of the PC(USA), which meets in Minneapolis in July, will be considering an overture (proposed change in practice) from our Synod which will, if adopted, allow more flexibility in the functions of the sixteen synods of the church. It is about enabling our shared regional ministry in a better way.
There are now four different kinds of actions concerning synods to be considered by the General Assembly. There is still our overture. From another perspective entirely, there is an overture from a presbytery that calls for the elimination of synods entirely and adjustments of functions between the General Assembly and presbyteries. A third overture asks for a special committee to study the functioning of our polity or governance structure as a church. The fourth is different in intent entirely: it calls for the creation of a "New Synod," which presbyteries could join because they agree with the theological stance of the "New Synod," particularly concerning ordination standards. It doesn't question the existence of synods. Rather, it wants to use the synod level of governance to divide the church theologically.
The discussions in Minneapolis will be interesting. It is difficult to predict how commissioners will respond to the issues presented in the overtures.
Disasters
A scientist has said recently that the planet has been behaving badly. From a scientific point of view, that is a perfectly objective description. From the point of view of survivors of disasters, it is not very meaningful. It is certainly good to understand the world in which we live and the mechanisms by which weather, climate, and the very landscape change. Plate tectonics became accepted science about the time I graduated from high school. One of the consequences of the Chilean earthquake and tsunami is that the axis of the planet has shifted a little bit. But the consequences on the human level and societal level are immense.
In recent weeks we have been watching with and trying to help those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. We know that the destruction was amplified by economic circumstance and other issues arising from the history of settlement on that part of the island. We believe that there is a common human obligation to help. I encourage readers to go to the pcusa.org website to find out how to contribute through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. The earthquake on the coast of Chile simply multiplies the suffering of people directly affected and challenges the global community not to grow weary in doing good.
I haven't even mentioned those affected by weather in many places, including those coping with snow storms in the northeastern parts of North America. The planet is behaving badly. Humans need to help one another cope.
Gold, Silver, Bronze
There is no particular need for me to offer an analysis of the Vancouver Olympics. One tidbit of analysis that popped off the newspaper page was fascinating. The story reflected some research that suggested that athletes who received Bronze medals were more pleased than those who received Silver. (No comment on the obvious joy of receiving Gold seemed necessary.) The theory offered was that for the one who received a Silver medal the mood was shaped by coming in second (by measures of time so tiny in some cases or esthetic distinctions that often escape the spectators present – judging by reactions). The person standing in the Bronze position on the platform, so the theory goes, is simply glad to be there, aware of all those who did not make it.
I think this reflects a general human condition, or at least a common American perspective. Recently a woman was quoted as questioning whether she qualified as rich or just upper middle-class. She was reacting to an administration proposal to increase the tax rate for those with annual incomes between $250,000 and $750, 000 (I think that is the right number for the high end.). I think she estimated her income at $320,000 and was thinking of shrinking her practice (in dentistry) to get below the $250,000 threshold for the higher tax rate. What was amazing is that the average increase in annual taxes in the bracket would be something under $700, according to the story.
Looking only upward toward those with more (and there are those), she did not see herself as particularly wealthy or, it seemed to me, particularly grateful for her lot in life.
But don't we waste a lot of energy looking with envious eyes at the holder of the Gold medal? Rather than enjoying life.
Conversation
I am always interested in your ideas about the health of the church and its responsibilities in mission, particularly your ideas about our shared regional ministry. Send me email (zbuxton@att.net), call me, or visit with me when I’m at your presbytery meeting or at your church.
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