I read an article this week about the rise of churches for the “nones” – those who do not claim a particular religion. Most of these churches seem to be gaining members from Catholic and Evangelical communities, and their growth has increased dramatically since the election of Donald Trump, who garnered unprecedented support from the predominantly white versions of those two churches. That is a political statement – it is a fact. Most of those who left are under 50 and unhappy with claims being made that Trump was God’s choice. To be clear – no elected official is “God’s” choice. We still elect public servants by the will of the people. For now.
This article (Church for ‘nones’: Meet the anti-dogma spiritual collectives emerging across the US (msn.com)) is worth reading; but as I read it, I thought – these churches are doing what I and so many others have been doing for decades. We are trying to break barriers between denominations. We are trying to get to the teachings of Jesus. We are lifting up non-Christian traditions and appreciating them. We are welcoming everyone. We aren’t doing anything heroic; we are just trying to follow Jesus. As I read the article, I thought, “This is us! This is Calvary!” And it isn’t rocket science.
When I began in the ministry, I realized that churches were filled with a lot of really great people and some not-so-nice people. I realized that all of us had biases, and we often made decisions based more on denominational guidelines than the teachings of Jesus. I sometimes found like-minded people in those congregations, but also experienced a lot of pushback. We are often too focused on what we were taught, as if our particular flavor of the faith figured it all out. We need to be honest about the way all of us have been carefully molded and guided to believe what those who came before us believed, without critically considering the options.
Dogma isn’t dead, but I hope it needs last rites. Dogma and creeds are about controlling what we believe and, as a result, dictating who we love. And before you accuse someone of “cafeteria Christianity”, consider just how little of what we practice actually came from Jesus. Reading the Christian Scriptures can either turn us off from God or turn us on to Jesus. If we read it honestly and seriously, I think we can change our congregations for the better. None of it will be perfect, but it can always improve. We don’t need gimmicks or professional rock bands or light shows (Jesus didn’t); we need compassion and openness and love. If you are searching for a community of Jesus-followers that is trying to do the right thing, keep going. There should be one nearby. And if you can’t find it, start your own. It doesn’t have to be complicated or perfect. It just needs to be loving.
Prayer – Release us from our biases, God, and encourage us to be courageous in our thinking, praying, loving, and doing. Help us to welcome the Holy Spirit into our already messy lives. Amen.
Today’s art is “God is Love” by Shen.