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Pastor Peeples,

I am not a Marxist. Neither I am not a mudslinger but from your remarks I don't think I would be welcome at your discussion. Your answer that " many people were disturbred with the tone and substance of the 2004 election " is correct to the extent that some didn't like the outcome. Religion a political prop or weapon ? I am shocked. John Kerry and Bill Clinton/ Al Gore .
before him couldn't pass a Black Church without pulling in for a stump speech .

"With poverty increasing at home". Pastor what are you smoking or have you been into the communion supplies. Healing to you , it appears, is just another word for more Democratic " social justice " big government spending programs. I could wrong but that's just me. Now if I have misjudged you I'm sorry but I did read the Mother Jones interview of Mr. Wallis and nothing seems to have changed since the 70's & 80's when the Sojurners actively embraced "liberation theology " coming to the aid of communist regimes that had seized power promising revolutionary restructring of society. Wallis isn't trying to hide anything. He has stayed true to his radical spirit.

Thanks for your comments. My interest is in promoting dialogue that goes beyond the blame game and the labels; dialogue that looks for ways to bridge the cultural/political divides that keep us from finding real solutions. As Wallis states in his book, I believe we need to be talking about personal responsibility, to be honest about the real problems we face (like terrorism), and to reclaim the Biblical witness of social justice. Anyone who comes in a spirit of seeking common ground as opposed to fanning the flames, is indeed welcome.

Well, we had a good and lively dialogue with 20 or so, coming from at least four different faith communities. After introductions and agreeing to some basic ground rules (agreeing to disagree in a civil manner, respect for divergent opinions, attentive listening, and paying attention to the search for common ground) we dove right in.

We shared reflections on the basic premises of Wallis' book. Some felt optimistic, some expressed some cynicism, but all seemed eager to delve into the topic of God's politics. We batted around such questions as, How can there be civil dialogue in society with many holding increasingly polarized views? Is there a need for spiritual renewal in our nation? Are there other voices that need to be heard in our society? Is there really such a thing as God's politics and if so, what does it look like?

We spent a fair amount of time discussing the difficult work of moving beyond side-taking and win/lose mindsets toward a deeper level of reflection on issues. At a time when many on the religious right seem to espouse a personal God focusing on personal morality, and many on the religious left emphasize social justice, how do we reclaim the wisdom of both? In other words, how can we be faithful to the Biblical image of a "personal God who demands social justice," a God who calls us to personal responsibility AND concern for the wellbeing of others - the common good?

It was exciting for me, personally, to engage in this level of discourse and to hear both concerns and hopes. Next Sunday, same time and place, we'll get into several specific topics and suggestions surrounding such issues as race relations, poverty, and violence. Again, our aim is not to promote one agenda or cause, but to begin a dialogue in the hopes of moving away from the divisiveness so pervasive these days, and moving toward possible solutions and renewed hope. And again, all are welcome.

In other words your 20 or so group pondered how to generate renewed hope that one day the workers paradise will be achieved. Hillary in '08 HQs down there ,huh ? What is wrong with win/lose if you firmly believe that income redistribution and this egalitarian common good Wallisism masquerading as God's teachings is misguided apostacy.

Of course, I can tell you our conversation wasn't anything like what you assume, but I doubt you'd believe me. It isn't very hard to play the game of name-calling and making assumptions about others' views and motives. It takes a bit more work, reflection, and trust to engage in real dialogue. What would happen in this country, I wonder, if people - right, left, religious, agnostic, atheist - who are truly hungry for something more productive and with more integrity than that, were to being to take this type of dialogue seriously? Rather than merely taking sides, to go deeper and find the things that have the potential to unite us around basic shared values?
How incredibly blessed we are to live in a country where we enjoy the freedom to disagree. What an incredible responsibility we have to use that freedom in a mature fashion.

Dear Pastor Julie,

It is not necessary to make assumptions about the left's motives etc. They do not try and hide them. What you have said is all well and good but your double talk about healing and possible solutions is a pipe dream. Certain matters are unreconcilable. Do you think some of the actions taken by the PCUSA are helpful in uniting Jews and Christians around shared values. ? Not hardly. When you gather 20,000 I'll show up. Till then good luck

Yup, we need dialogue. Let me once again invite all who are interested in finding "a more excellent way" to come and seek solutions, to support one another. We can do better - we were created for better - than finger-pointing and worn-out labels. There is a more just, balanced, and faithful vision, and with God, all things are indeed possible, even finding ways to make that vision a reality.

Julie,

Kudos on your book discussion. But more importantly, kudos on how you have handled detractors. Those on the right (and the left)can and should enter into discussion. That, Julie, is the only way we can heal the deep divisions in the Country.

I am a Democrat (on the very left end of that spectrum)yet come from a evangelical Christian Republican family. We had our "fights" about politics and religion but we have continued to respect each other. We continue to discuss important matters.

The one thing we can both agree on is that neither the Democrats nor the Republicans will bring about the kingdom of God. That must be done by those of us who are living in the Light. As a liberal Christian, my ethical leadings may take a different form from my evangelical brothers and sisters. However, we all look to Jesus who can heal all divisions and bring about love and understanding.

Again, thanks for the opportunity to discuss and to bring healing to our community. Grassroots efforts, even with small numbers in attendance, will be the mechanism for change in our nation. Never underestimate what a small number of people with a vision can achieve.

Peace,
Craig

Thanks for your good words, Craig, beautifully put. And I'm glad your family can discuss important issues even when not in agreement. My fear is that is becoming a dying art. Many find themselves either in shouting matches, or avoiding key topics altogether.

We had another thought-provoking, action-provoking discussion Sunday afternoon. We decided to get together again on Sunday, April 24 from 4:00 till 5:30 again. Participants who came from other faith communities said that groups are starting up at several other churches; we all expressed interest in meeting up with those groups at some point. Any takers out there?

Our time this Sunday focussed on several issues: poverty and specifically the role faith communities have played/could play in going beyond band-aid efforts; how faith should influence politics; how to shed light on/question/challenge the rise of civil religion; and which policies of Democrats and Republicans actually could be said to be in line with God's politics. (And to think we solved it all in 90 minutes!!!)

Seriously, it was a helpful - and hopeful - discussion, moving into specific ideas for promoting further dialogue and action. We spoke about the importance of not getting overwhelmed, and ways to "keep hope alive." I am once aagin grateful to all who have been participating. Let's keep the dialogue going.

Julie