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| Hoosier United Methodist News |
July 2001 |
Drifted astray no longer, I pray
Drifted Astray. That is the title of a book written more than two decades ago. It was the description of a United Methodist Church leader's concern that his denomination was veering seriously off course from some of its basic doctrinal and historical positions. It was a sharp critique of denominational structure, organization and leadership. It met with the usual response -- welcome, criticism and in some quarters ignored.
In these days following the two annual conference sessions and the completion of another conference year, some time for reflection and pause is a welcomed gift.
But reflection is not only on the life of my church, but our nation as well. "The Fourth," as we called it in my growing up community. The observance and celebration of this nation's Declaration of Independence, has always been occasion to reflect on this land of my birth, which has had a curiously ambivalent relationship with its citizens of African-American descent. These two "institutions," the nation and the Church, have claim on me and I on them, in a unique manner. I love them both!
Drifted Astray. That is a fair description of both! To drift is defined in part as, "… the deviation of a vessel from its course … ." Characteristic of drifting, however, is its subtle movement, slight movement, hardly noticeable at first. Then the realization. The vessel, organization or even relationship is not where it was, or intended. It merely Drifted Astray. Sometimes when discovered, the drifting direction is so serious requiring great effort to regain proper course.
We witness today in a nation of unheard of, indeed unimagined events. The litany is familiar. The shock and amazement all too common. And we wonder how -- and why. Such change hardly ever comes in a vacuum or is mere aberration. But slowly, steadily and perhaps subtly there has been a drifting away -- from a common truth, love, commitment or value. Even a drifting from common sense.
Ironically, in both church and nation in many ways we are better, closer to those basic "ideals" and "common purpose." Yet in some fundamental way we are less. We are both richer and poorer! More estranged yet more reconciled or reconciling. More despairing, yet more hopeful.
As we have drifted astray, both nation and church can redirect themselves to their proper course. There is a basic decency and rightness about our nation and our church. There are core values that ground both. The Founders had a belief and a grounding in "The Almighty"-- a basic inclination toward goodness and justice -- albeit, limited; and needing, in later years, to become more inclusive. There was and is a belief in some basic Truth, Common Values, a commitment to "justice for all." These are some "Core Values" of the nation whose "birth" we observe.
United Methodism, one expression of a more diverse Christian family, too, is grounded in some Core Values, formed by Scripture and, more uniquely, in Jesus whom we claim as Savior.
An America and a United Methodism, now more diverse than its founders imagined, can be what The Almighty intended. And, yes, it is possible to move not back to another time, but to those timeless values that enhance life and nation.
So I will sing the songs of nation and of Faith, and continue a noble pledge, "… One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." And pray that, "… Christ be lifted up till all shall serve him, and hearts united learn to live as one … ."
Drifted Astray? I trust, no longer!
Last updated on 01/14/2004