Can We Be Truly Welcoming?

“No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome!”

I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this proclamation introduced by my church, the United Church of Christ. I have spoken it, declared it, and internalized it over the years. I truly believe it reflects how I understand the message of the Gospel and the mission of the Church.

Yet, I have some struggles. I am not so sure that we can hold on to our theological integrity, keep our mission focused and alive, and be truly welcoming to EVERYONE and ANYONE at the same time.

Throughout my ministry I have been aware of congregations which proudly advertise themselves as “Theologically Diverse”. They are often adamant that on any given Sunday morning there will be “liberals, conservatives, moderates and undecideds all in the same pew, worshipping together and loving each other”. This is true. There are many mainline churches with this mix of ideologies and worldviews of which they are so proud. But I must wonder if this diversity, though admirable, may be a quiet hinderance to focussed mission and true vision. It seems to me that “theologically diverse” often means, “we will never agree on anything, and we will never be able to do anything of real and lasting value.” And sadly, when congregations are divided by ideological issues, it’s the love that suffers most.

Fundamentalist churches make no bones about it: believe as we do or go somewhere else. As harsh as that sounds, it may have some integrity. Progressive churches claim a theology that is not mired in the orthodoxy and tradition that makes institutional faith so unattractive to so many. We claim a different understanding of scripture, a fresh experience of the Spirit, and a spirituality that affirms the full humanity of ALL of God’s people. So I must ask… would we be truly comfortable having a “pew” full of Biblical literalists, anti-gay Fundamentalists, White Supremacists, and Muslim-haters?

I am committed to having an open door, practicing radical hospitality, and offering, in the words of the UCC, and extravagant welcome. But I simply do not know how to include those whose religion is necessarily exclusive. Is it enough to say, “You are indeed welcome, but you may be happier somewhere else”? Should we have easily available print outs of a Google Map showing where conservative churches are? Mainly, how do we open our doors to everyone, and maintain our theological and missional integrity?

I really want to talk about this one…

“No Religion?”

A Facebook friend recently responded to my question, “What would be the one ‘non-negotiable’ that would make church meaningful for you?” with the emphatic words… “No Religion!”  I had to pause and ponder this one…..

Many of us love the John Lennon song that encourages us to “Imagine…. no religion, too.” We sing along imagining a world at one, peace as a global reality, politics as a real servant of the people, and community based on love and respect, not stopping to think about the “no religion” part of it.

On one hand, I get my friend’s point exactly. Institutional religion has caused much harm in human history: from the supposed God-ordained genocide of the Hebrew Bible, to the hateful words of churches in North Carolina and the despicable actions of the Westboro Baptist “Church” terrorizing the funerals of fallen service members. There is a long and shameful litany of religion leading people into bigotry and hate, and the ever present tendency of religious communities to separate themselves from others and claim God’s special dispensation. I fully understand how so many people are tired of and offended by religion, and turned off by the traditions and practices that reflect this shameful history. Yet, I cannot believe this is the whole story.

In my personal experience, and my reading of the Christian scriptures, I understand God to be the essence of Love, who seeks the full humanity of all people, and withholds blessing and grace from no one. Religion is and always has been fundamentally and attempt to respond and experience this love in its fullness. Of course, we have gone astray. But religion itself isn’t fundamentally evil. Sometimes it is used for evil things, but it is intended to be a force for good in this world.

So, my FB Friend, I challenge you, myself, and anyone who reads this to think a bit differently. I too reject the orthodoxies and rituals that oppress and condemn. I too reject the theologies that belittle human beings and create a special class of “believers” to whom God selectively pours out the blessings of Heaven. I too reject the idea that God failed in God’s pursuit of humanity, and that most people who have and will ever live will spend eternity in Hell. I believe that humanity was and is created in the image of God, with the full capacity to love unconditionally. I believe our faith and the pursuit of human fullness is far more urgent and important than any religious activity, and that one’s personal spiritual journey, shared with a community in trust and love, has the ability to change the world for good.

Yes, I “Imagine.” I imagine a world where faith, of all varieties, contributes to the welfare of the world. and affirms the Divine Image in everyone. I don’t want a world with “No Religion.” I want a world that uses religious practice for the good it was intended.

What about you?