Brian McLaren: Faith Beyond Fear in an Age of Terror
Sep 8, 2021
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In a thought-provoking discussion, Brian McLaren, an influential author on faith, joins historian Diana Butler Bass. They dive into America's evolving global image post-9/11 and the importance of humility in addressing systemic issues. The dialogue tackles the church's role in a turbulent society, with emphasis on love-centered spirituality over fear-driven narratives. They also confront systemic racism, highlighting the need for genuine relationships and vulnerability. Their insights challenge listeners to engage meaningfully with contemporary faith-related challenges.
The impact of authoritarianism on Christianity necessitates a gospel that emphasizes love and inclusion over fear and judgment.
A shifting American identity calls for humility among Christians to confront historical injustices and systemic oppression within their faith communities.
Active engagement in social justice is essential for redefining church success, focusing on transformative relationships rather than maintaining traditional power dynamics.
Deep dives
Navigating Authoritarianism and Cultural Reflexivity
The discussion addresses the significant impact of authoritarianism and fascism on contemporary Christianity, especially in the context of post-9/11 America. It emphasizes the need for a gospel that transcends fear, advocating for a faithful, responsive community that can tackle these dangers head-on. The speakers encourage critical reflection on the relationship between the religious right and political power structures, suggesting that understanding this link is essential for moving towards an inclusive and transformative faith. The dialogue emphasizes the duty of Christians to engage in these discussions actively, creating a collective awareness of how faith and politics intertwine.
The Role of Humility in American Identity
The conversation highlights a shifting perception of American identity, particularly in light of recent geopolitical events such as the fall of Kabul. The speakers note that America’s historical self-image as a global savior has become tarnished, necessitating a collective humility. The need for humility extends beyond politics to encompass a broader acknowledgment of systemic issues like racism and environmental degradation. This shift calls for introspection on the part of American Christians, prompting them to recognize their role in perpetuating structures of privilege and oppression.
Envisioning a New Kind of Church
There is an exploration of the evolving concept of church, emphasizing the distinction between various forms of Christianity and their social implications. The speakers argue that the church is not uniformly in decline; rather, that specific expressions of Christianity are thriving that reinforce harmful societal structures. They discuss the importance of developing a congregation that actively engages with social justice, community-building, and prophetic witness. This perspective encourages a redefinition of success in church settings to focus more on fostering transformative relationships and less on maintaining traditional power dynamics.
Fear-Based Religion vs. Love-Centric Faith
Fear as the driving force of some religious practices is critically examined, with a call for a paradigm shift towards a love-centric understanding of faith. The discussion suggests that the gospel should be presented as a message of hope and inclusivity rather than as a means of instilling fear about sin and judgment. Listeners are encouraged to consider how fear underpins many religious messages and to seek ways to articulate the gospel that centers on love and solidarity. By reframing the narrative around love, the speakers argue that Christians can make a more authentic and meaningful impact in their communities.
Listening to Diverse Voices in the Conversation on Race
In addressing the complexities of racism and institutional barriers, the speakers highlight the necessity of listening to diverse perspectives in order to foster genuine dialogue. They discuss the importance of recognizing historical injustices, while also focusing on creating pathways for equitable opportunities moving forward. The emphasis is placed on active engagement with those who have different backgrounds and experiences to drive the movement towards anti-racism and equity in faith communities. Through shared stories and open conversations, there emerges a hopeful vision for a community committed to dismantling oppressive structures and building a more just society.
In this episode, Brian McLaren joins the pod and we tackle some excellent questions. Here you will get a glimpse of what a QnA session sounds like in our current online learning group Oh God What Now: Christianity 20 years after 9/11. The class itself is 6-weeks and features a weekly session with Diana Butler Bass and Brian, along with occasional QnA sessions like this.
