Power Words (01-12-11)

Even if Jared Laughner claimed his shooting rampage in Tucson was inspired by inflammatory political rhetoric (which seems less and less likely), that does not mean that vicious language or violent imagery caused his actions. Conversely, using vitriolic words and symbols is neither excused nor justified by the absence of a causal correlation. To say that something was intended as a metaphor and not intended to be taken literally is disingenuous at best since the point of using it is to intensify the message communicated.

As a pastor I rely on the power of words and images in worship, teaching and pastoral care.

In worship words are not only in the sermon, but words invoke the very presence of God as we pray, commune and baptize. From cross and flame to water, bread and cup, symbols convey the spiritual reality of God active in our midst and in our lives.

I teach people to attend carefully to the words of Scripture and use metaphor and experience to illuminate their meaning. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68) In Genesis God speaks the creation into being and pronounces it good.

Jesus often spoke the transformative words in one form or another, “You faith has healed you. Your sins are forgiven. Go in peace.” Jesus often conveyed his love and power through a touch. From hospital room to prayer in crisis, the clasp of hands signals the release of God’s power.

Coming so soon in the wake of a vitriolic election cycle, the tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona on Saturday, January 8, 2011 has surfaced vigorous and divisive discussions of several volatile issues from gun rights and care for the mentally ill to political language and national security. These are important issues that call for serious consideration, whether they have anything to do with the Tucson tragedy or not. I for one, would welcome a toning down the intensity political discourse. I’m not one to suggest censorship, but would appeal to those aspiring to the public trust to handle their communication with respect and restraint.

But I would suggest an even deeper issue that I believe should be of concern to serious Christians. That is, that we recognize the profound power of language and metaphors. Poets and artists realize this every time they use their tools of words and images to capture and convey a reality beyond a bare description but seek to evoke emotion, insight and reality beyond the empirical.

When the Third Commandment (Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 5:11) says not to take the name of the Lord your God in vain (modern translations say something like "misuse") it is not talking about what we generally consider vulgar language (cussing) but recognizes there is power in speaking the name of God, and to pronounce the name of God as though it was meaningless (empty, vain) is not only an insult to God but a denial of the power of words. To invoke God's name is to expect God to be involved, to act.

Does Michael Vick Deserve a Second Chance? (01-05-11)

Since the Philadelphia Eagles made it to the playoffs with Michael Vick at quarterback, sports and social commentators have expended a lot of energy exploring whether he deserved this second chance. A variety of arguments have been advanced and countered as to why he did or did not deserve a second chance at an NFL career.

Some have said his cruelty to animals precludes the second chance. Others have argued that if he makes the appropriate turn around it shows he deserved the second chance. Some have suggested that the NFL is about football and not personal character, so if he can help a team win without letting his off field life be a distraction, he deserves a second chance. Some have countered that sports figures are by default role models for youth, so need to be held to high personal standards, and if they cross the line don't deserve a second chance.

I suspect that Philadelphia sports fans are more likely to approve a second chance for Michael Vick than Dallas or Green Bay sports fans. As much as we want sports figures (or other celebrities) to be positive role models, just as in business and politics, in sports winning and profits rule and trump character more often than not. I'm not going to pretend to say whether Michael Vick should be playing in the NFL or not, but this discussion raises a deeper question that is wholly missed by asking whether he (or anyone else) deserved a second chance.

Theologically and biblically the whole point of God's grace is that we get a second chance exactly because we do not deserve it. While my flaws and failures may not seem as heinous as dog fighting (fill in your own alternative) and may not have take place on a public stage, I know I have had many, many more than second chances than I deserve. For these I am most thankful.

More than once I have had a driver whose car I did not see blow the horn as I was about to change lanes on the freeway right into the other car. Though knowing I would have been at fault had there been a wreck, I am thankful it didn't happen on behalf of the other driver and passengers, others on the freeway, and of course myself.

Plenty of times, I have been aware that an interruption (sent by God?) has prevented me from making an impulsive mistake, which I know I would regret and for which I would be solely responsible.

With this perspective on the grace of receiving undeserved multiple fresh chances, I also recognize that I have no claim on deserving eternal life. What I need is forgiveness specifically because I do not deserve it. Grace is excluded if I explain, justify, rationalize and excuse my bad behavior (and thoughts and attitudes). Grace is accessed only by acknowledging that I don't deserve the second chances God delights to give us in Jesus Christ.