The Presbyterian Outlook

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Taking a long look

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The title of the project that has culminated in the articles you will find in this issue of the Outlook is ambitious, audacious even: “Taking a long look: Using long-form, narrative, theological essays to transform issues into empathy and foster thoughtful discussion on contentious topics.” That is a complicated way of saying, “I want to tell stories that will help us talk about difficult topics in nuanced, theological ways.” Over a year ago I was given the great gift of being invited to apply for a Duke Faith and Leadership Innovation Grant and I wrote the following in my application: “Into this climate of often vitriolic and reductive discourse, religious publications need to present a faithful, theologically articulate alternative. Discussion needs to be elevated if we are to discern how to tackle issues that divide and heighten anxiety. Complex problems may not require complex solutions but, as Jonathan Haidt notes in his work, both elephant and rider, heart and head, must be … [Read more...]

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We would see Jesus

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Church nerds go to worship when on vacation. I could try to spin this as dedicated piety, but it is more ecclesiastical curiosity. I want to see the sanctuary, analyze the liturgy, note the signage, register what it feels like to be a visitor. Such motivations to get up and out whilst on vacation are far from noble, but they shield me from being disappointed when I hope for more. But the truth is, I really do hope for more. In my heart of hearts, I go to worship while I am away (and when I am at home) because I am seeking more than information about service opportunities. I want more than food for thought. I want more than a pithy slogan or sound advice or even community. As much as I say I search the web for worship times and directions to do some professional reconnaissance, I am really trying to find a place that will share the Good News of the gospel with me. While the gospel is not new news to me, the Word of God is always needed news to me. I need to hear over and over again … [Read more...]

What’s in a number?

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Have you ever asked Google to reveal the statistics on your community? Thinking of the upcoming census in 2020 got me curious about the place I currently call home. I can drive from home to grocery store to my children’s school and learn a lot by simply looking. Gated communities or public housing, parking meters or fields of cows — just observing tells me something about income levels, population density and the like. Around elections, the signs reveal with accuracy the political leanings of the county in which I live and the different leanings of the one less than a mile from my address. Eyeballing a place grants useful information, but numbers unmask some of what lies behind closed doors and just below the surface. The quick facts from the U.S. Census Bureau told me that the mean travel time to work for those living in my county is 22.3 minutes. Most of those “drive alone.” In other words, not many car pool and public transportation isn’t an option. Most households have two cars. … [Read more...]

What are you doing here?

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The lone person without a nametag in the crowded elevator looked around and asked with exasperation, “What are you doing here?” He added, “This used to be my favorite hotel.” I told him we were in St. Louis for the biennial national meeting of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) making decisions for the church. I don’t believe my answer made him feel any better. But, really, what were we doing there in St. Louis at the 223rd General Assembly?  We spent many hours in committee meetings. We spent many hours in plenary. We debated a plethora of issues from fossil fuels to funding. We had a lot of breakfasts, lunches and dinners where awards were given, speeches made and information shared. But really, what were we doing there? We marched to the St. Louis justice center with a check for $47,000 to be used to bail people out of jail, a tangible expression of our belief that being poor is not a crime. We rallied in a park to be explicit in our stance that no human is illegal and that … [Read more...]

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Sitting in the right spot

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Scheduled to give a lecture at the 2018 Festival of Homiletics, I arrived at the designated venue well before my slotted time. I worshipped twice, listened to a good lecture and even had time to grab a quick lunch. I looked at my watch: 30 minutes until I was up. Not enough time to retreat to the hotel, too much time to sit eagerly on the front pew. Reading through my manuscript one last time couldn’t hurt. I looked for a spot close to where I needed to be in a quarter of an hour, but not so close that the organizers might want to go ahead and test the mic. Somewhere in the sanctuary? I could sit inconspicuously in the back. Nope. People had gathered to meditate with the contemplative music. Downstairs? Nope. Too many people shopping for books, getting swag from sponsors, eating lunch. Outside on the church steps? Nope. Too hot while wearing my “I’m a professional” jacket. I spotted a folding chair, unfolded, just inside the narthex. Perfect.   I settled in and began to flip … [Read more...]

The 223rd General Assembly is meeting, so what?

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If a vote takes place in a convention center and no one notices, was a vote cast? Several times in recent months I have visited churches to present a preview of coming attractions to the 223rd General Assembly. I dutifully present with my journalist hat firmly placed on my head, attempting to have a poker face and give the facts and only the facts. But inevitably the first question I am asked is: So what?  Usually the query comes in slightly more polite terms. Something like: How will this impact local congregations? Or: What difference will it make if the General Assembly makes a statement on X, Y or Z? Or, more pointedly: Where is Jesus in all of this? Occasionally, the blunt one in the room asks rhetorically: Who cares? Then my journalist hat must be set aside for other less “objective” accessories. I first go for my editor hat. According to our website analytics data, people do care. The headlines on these matters get clicks. The amount of time spent on the pages indicates … [Read more...]

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