Being Open to Differences

     

merton.org

     I am currently writing a paper on the life and work of Thomas Merton for my current class. Merton, a Catholic, Trappist monk, was a pioneer in cultivating inter-religious dialog between Christianity and Buddhism in the late 60’s. He approached the task with an open mind and a curiosity that led him to conversations with the Dalia Lama and Chogyam Trungpa. Through these conversations, Merton and his fellow contemplative “brothers” sought to uncover the differences and uniqueness in each’s respective traditions and from that, they learned from each other-rather than trying to “convert” each other. Sadly Merton was struck by a car and killed in 1968, but his bold position of openness and curiosity has continued to impact the world’s inter-religious understanding and myself personally.

     In my current class, my instructor is a Free Will Baptist minister, and as I am a leader in the 12-step Christian based Celebrate Recovery (CR), we’ve had some dialog about suffering and bondage in the modern body of Christ. Surprisingly, (according to this man’s personal experience pastoring his church), the FW Baptist church still lives by a “don’t ask, don’t tell” mentality. Now, respectfully (as Merton would have it), I must consider the differences between the culture of their denomination and what I believe personally (we have to look at things in the light of true, factual context—and not from the emotional side like most of us do). Historically, the FW Baptist Church maintains a position of a very conservative view supported by their doctrines, and is also predominately located in the eastern Carolina “country” where folk tend to mind their own business and live rural lives. Without going into detail (of which I am not an expert), I would conclude that these facts do support the present-day position of the FW Baptist church. (And this is not to exclude a minister I know who is progressive in his FW Baptist Church in unearthing and exposing the suffering among his flock—a pioneer in his denomination).

     I myself belong to a progressive group (CR) that is non-denominational in nature. The mission of CR is much different from the church as an institution. However, my CR group is supported by an EPC Presbyterian Church who is also conservative in their views (and many of those views I personally don’t support). But the beauty of all this is… if I can be like Merton, I can still participate and contribute to the world’s search for meaning and for God right where I am. And I don’t have to be right!

     My purpose here is not to address the topics that today’s Christians find ground to stand on and shoot their mouths off about based on simply being right (we all can list the subjects that “Christians” depicted in the media are loud-mouthed about—and sometimes they are just downright asinine—and I can’t stand that myself). I take from the examples I’m encountering in my life and position myself with an open mind (Merton, the FW Baptists, EPC Presbyterians, how Christians are depicted in the media, people’s opinions of Christians) to create and forge my own “ministry.”

     When I moved to NC (almost 3 years ago), God gave me 2 words –“CROSS LINES.” And this year 2 more—“BREAK CHAINS.” This is the definition of my emerging ministry. Given all my experiences in my spiritual journey:  Native Americanism, REIKI, Buddhism, 12-Step Recovery (AA style), Tarot, Hinduism, Catholicism, Presbyterianism, Lutheranism, New Ageism, Non-denominationalism, Metaphysical studies, plus more, and the countless authors, thinkers and contributors that I’ve read and been influenced by… I cannot stand in a position of judgment or rejection of my fellow “brother” or “sisters” personal choice of faith (or non-faith). My calling is to help others find peace in this world by respectfully honoring and encouraging them on their unique spiritual journey. I happen to love Jesus, the Bible and its message… but my call is NOT to convert you or disrespect you. If I can share and participate in your life… I think I’ve done my “job.” I’ll go as far as to say that I’m not worried about your salvation (call me a heretic if it makes you feel better)—and maybe not even mine…?  

     In my very limited understanding of Jesus’ mission (there is SO much to learn!)—my understanding and passion for the mission of Christ is HERE and NOW. We’ll have plenty of time for eternity. What am I being asked to do RIGHT NOW!?!?!? 

     Lord, help me to stand firm in the unique calling you are speaking to me. May I embrace all my experiences and use them for Your Good. May I have an open mind, a new experience and may I serve others in the way You direct me. May I be continuously called deeper into an understanding of You. May I seek to love, rather than to be right. May I learn to extend invitations rather then shut the door out of my own fear and misunderstanding.  May I feel Your warm embrace and pass that on to others. May I be real. May I be vulnerable. May I be honest and true. Create in me Lord Your heart and please guide me in Your ways. I am humbled as a grateful “sinner” who has been reborn into a person who has something to offer and contribute. Considering who I was, and where I've been... It is nothing short of a miracle. Amen.