Nationalism

 I wrote something on facebook today in one of the groups:

I have come to the conclusion that the greatest problem for humanity is his innate tribalism. In the end it may well spell our ultimate downfall as a species. Nationalism. We have gone through periods of acute nationalism in the last two hundred years - in the period leading up to WW1, then again after the crash of 1929 leading up to WW2, and now again in the 2010's - interestingly following the crash of 2009. Nationalism always grows as a result of economic hardship and the instinctive search for scapegoats: other people; other nationalities - which, in today's extremely diverse populations becomes such an acute problem. Brexit and MAGA are recent manifestations but there are so many more - and especially relevant today is Zionism which is having such a devastating effect - not just in Israel - but in polarising attitudes across the globe.
It is relevant here because the Old Testament has within it extremely nationalistic sections of text and Zionists are even using these to justify violence in Israel today. Some of the psalms which we read every day, for example, can be read from a nationalistic perspective. The pat Christian response would be that this is a misinterpretation of the meaning of the text but it is easy to take this for granted and forget that THE most fundamental message of the New Testament is an utter repudiation of any connection between God and Nationhood. It is in fact one reason why Jesus was killed. Those who wanted him to be the nationalist leader against the Romans betrayed him because he repudiated that very role. God may be the God of Israel but He is of course the God of All Peoples Everywhere also! So anyone who calls himself a Christian Nationalist has misunderstood the most basic premise of the gospel. I am not suggesting that we cannot be proud of the places in which we live but to even suggest that our nation - wherever we are - deserves more than your nation; or that our people deserve more of God's freely given creation than your people are betraying the gospel every single day. This is the essential Christian message but it is not just a nice friendly creed it is also the ONLY way for humanity to avoid destroying itself entirely.  

On Facebook today . . . .

 On facebook today a lady from USA wrote this:

"My question is- Why did God create humans to be so flawed and as some believe judge us negatively for our shortcomings. Seems like he is setting up his creation for failure and pain."

 Many responded and I answered like this: 

I have come to believe that it is not God who judges but we ourselves. Going back to Jesus' parable of the splinter and the beam: it occurs to me that it is less a question of judging ourselves, more a question of NOT judging others. When we refrain from doing this (because we know are own faults so well) I think we discover that God loves us all the more and doesn't judge us either. It also occurs to me that, when Jesus calls us "to be perfect as God our Father is perfect" it is not by being "flawless" and incredibly law-abiding but by knowing ourselves and thereby NOT judging others. God, I am convinced, does NOT judge when we don't! What does psalm 149 say? Oh yes, "God takes delight in his people! " God, I am certain, has never asked us to "suffer" but only to "experience". Sometimes the two can be the same but it is by self-knowledge and acceptance that we come to God and that can only happen through experience - of every kind and certainly not just "suffering". That's my experience anyway! 

Maximus of Turin

 a brief extract which struck me forcibly today: 

"And so, my brothers, each of us ought surely to rejoice on this holy day. Let no one, conscious of his sinfulness, withdraw from our common celebration, nor let anyone be kept away from our public prayer by the burden of his guilt. Sinner he may indeed be, but he must not despair of pardon on this day which is so highly privileged; for if a thief could receive the grace of paradise, how could a Christian be refused forgiveness?" 

Cloud and darkness

 

Prayer was so unsettling today - in that particular way which, more than a few times, has caused such anxiety and puzzlement and, frequently, the urge to turn and run.

I found myself questioning all over again miracles and resurrection in the gospels; mindful of my unconvincing post online the other day: "scriptural and not historical."
Total blankness initially: that sense of foreboding; the possibility that I have completely misunderstood absolutely everything and stand more or less condemned anyway.

Experience has taught me to wade through this . . . the reason I pray is not for personal redemption - which is out of my hands every which way - but simply because You ARE - quite regardless of my personal status.
"I look upon You in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory"; Your Holiness; Your overwhelming Beauty; Your love for our world, for the children, for those who suffer, for refugees, the homeless, the dying . . .remembering also that "Cloud and darkness are your raiment; "

Where would I be without the psalms?

psalm 23

surely a psalm which people of any faith can sing? 
a psalm about prayer I think: 

 but I like to change the text up a little sometimes: 
a bit like this: 

You are my shepherd.
There (where you are) is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green the pastures where you give me repose 
Near restful waters you lead me
to revive my drooping spirit:
guiding me along the right path;
true to your name. 
When I walk in valleys of darkness 
(any time that I close my eyes in prayer)
no evil need I fear because
you are there
and with your crook and your staff you give me counsel
preparing the banquet for me 
in the very sight of my foes!
My head you anoint with oil!
and my cup is overflowing! 
Surely, goodness and kindness have followed me
almost all the days of my life.
In your house, Lord, let me dwell
for ever!