Speaking Up

on April 19, 2011 by Walt Dilg

Reading Unchristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons, I was saddened to learn that a whole generation or two in America has grown up finding these words expressive of their perception of Christianity: prejudicial, judgmental, self-righteous, exclusive, hypocritical, and  homophobic.  Disheartening because I could see how many folks might feel that way, (look who speaks for the faith and the church in America!), yet this was not my perception of the faith nor the church community I worked to shape as a United Methodist clergy. 

We United Methodists have a slogan that goes with our Cross and Flame denominational logo – Open Doors, Open Minds Open Hearts.  I like to think the people of our churches try their best to live into this slogan as a truth about who we are and how we do church.  Sometimes we don’t do it well, Lord knows, but I hope we try. 

Through this blog, I am going to give voice to a people of faith who embrace this kind of Christianity, a kind I truly believe would go a long way to helping a new generation anchor its spirituality and resource its life through the faith.   “Can you hear me now?”

Lord help me!  Lord help us all!