The New Thing: A Time for Spiritual and Social Engagement
Rev. Erik Swanson
November 10, 2024
We’re facing a turbulent moment in society, marked by an election that has stirred a mix of emotions. This moment in time encourages a process of emotional honesty—grieving, celebrating, or simply honoring feelings—while maintaining mutual respect despite differing political choices. We must recognize societal fractures, emphasizing the desperation that led many to seek change through one whom many view as a contentious leader. It’s a time for spiritual and social engagement, not retreat or division.
Unproductive Paths
We need to be cautious against two unproductive paths. First is self-protection that ignores justice and demonizing others based on political affiliations. Instead, we need to advocate for embodying the teachings of Jesus such as building community, fighting for justice, and loving others unconditionally. We need to realize that there are systemic flaws in our society, including abusive capitalism and disregard for marginalized communities and these structures must "die" for something new and just to emerge.
Jesus' teaching about the destruction of the temple in serves as a metaphor for this necessary societal transformation. The lesson underscores the inevitability of upheaval—seen as "birth pangs" of new beginnings. This idea of a "third way" breaking through a prolonged societal stalemate resonates with the belief that significant change can arise from disruption.
Broader Societal Issues
This spiritual struggle exists within the broader societal issues of wealth inequality, environmental neglect, and eroded moral values. We must critique the hero worship of wealth and power and highlight how policies that benefit elites often harm the very people who support them. This paradox reflects a deeper spiritual struggle to prioritize collective well-being over personal comfort or material gain.
Grieve, Learn, Grow and Organize
The call to action is clear. As followers of Jesus, we must grieve the challenges, but also learn, grow, and organize. We need to build connections, foster community, and engage in resistance that embodies the radical love and justice of Jesus' teachings. The work ahead for all of us involves becoming a prophetic voice for truth, unity, and compassion in a culture often driven by divisive and self-serving narratives.
Historical parallels to early Christianity underscore the message. Just as early Christians resisted the oppressive Roman Empire, modern followers are called to be a counter-cultural force, embodying an alternative vision rooted in love and justice. Despite the chaos and pain, we must hold on to hope and view current struggles as part of an eternal cycle of death and resurrection, where letting go of the old paves the way for renewal.
We need to have resilience and faith and acknowledge the challenges ahead. We must stay true to our spiritual and moral calling. By focusing on community, justice, and the emergence of a new way of being, we can persevere and act as expressions of hope and love.
