On this Thanksgiving weekend, amidst the gravy, dressing and pie, I am grateful for the hope that Jesus brings to my heart. Recent violence in various parts of the world reminds me that there are people out there who do not value freedom of belief and expression. Their views of God are dogmatic and absolute. You either see things their way or you are deemed as evil and deserving of death. Unfortunately, this intolerance is not just confined to a few middle eastern religious fanatics. These same attitudes can be found in many religious groups throughout the world, including the U.S.
Thanksgiving Meal - Studiomill. All rights reserved.
Last year I attended a seminar in Altadena, CA where the presenter defined Modernism (from the Industrial Revolution to the mid 1980's) and Post-Modernism (from the mid 1980's to now) and detailed its impact on our present age. Particularly in the West, we enjoy a high level of tolerance that includes the acceptance of different beliefs and lifestyles. Even though I don't buy into the cultural attitudes and choices of many around me, I value our shared freedom of choice and support everyone's right to choose how they want to live (as long as they are not violating the rights of others).
At one point I asked the presenter what we can expect to see next. What comes after post-modernism? Without hesitation he said, Fundamentalism! Once society fully experiences the negative aspects of post-modern thinking and realizes that it cannot solve the world's pressing challenges it will swing hard back to the right and embrace Fundamentalism. I can see this already happening.
Fundamental thinking is less tolerant, more exacting and driven by prescribed authorities. Fundamentalist Christians and Muslims may differ in their specific beliefs, but they are very similar when it comes to their attitudes toward those they view as "unbelievers."
Trust me, you don't want to be on the receiving end of those who view themselves as God's emissaries of justice and truth. History is replete with examples of the disastrous impact such people have had on their communities.
Today, I am thankful that we still have religious freedom and that I can write about it. I am thankful for the quiet revolution of the heart that Jesus modeled and called His people to experience. I am thankful that Jesus is patient with me and others and that He does not use coercion and force to enlarge His kingdom.
I am thankful that Jesus is not political and self-serving, and that He leads His followers to the higher path of service and humility. As one of Jesus' followers I am thankful that it is not my job to try and clean up the evil in the world, but rather my role is to be a loving, caring influence wherever I go.
Through the power of Jesus I am thankful that I can be the salt of the earth and make people thirsty for the Water of Life.
By Rich DuBose, Director, Pacific Union Conference Church Support Services