Blair came back into my life as a result of FB. He was my brother’s bestie growing up. He’s the minister, soon to retire, at a large, wealthy Presbyterian Church outside of Dallas. In a comment on this piece he talked about ministering to the wealthy and helping them understand how they can contribute.

I recognize so much of what he says… we grew up in the same church, our parents were good friends, so many things that we “know” in common despite our having taken very different paths. He makes me think. He makes me laugh. Can you ask more of friendship? Last night he posted this on FB, tired as so many of us, of the easy rancor.

By and large, UUs are not people of a book or a particular prophet, but the act of staying faithful is a challenge for all of us, and so I found a lot to reflect on in Blair’s piece. (He’s soon going to be teaching at a seminary in TX… lucky, lucky kids.)

Hope you enjoy it:

Facebook is full of opinions about politics and what it means to be Christian. I have a feeling that most of us tire of this eventually, hoping for a better word–myself included. Politics too often divide us, and I’m afraid to say that theology ironically does the same, even though Christ’s message is to bring us together in love. All I know is that we need to “test the spirits” by reading the gospels once again with an open mind. For me, the tests of all ideas are:

1. Jesus was always on the side of the poor. Are our opinions consistent with that concern?

2. Jesus gave us a gospel of grace. How gracious are we with each other–especially those with whom we disagree?

3. Jesus’ message was countercultural. Do my opinions simply reflect the culture around me, or am I expressing the different voice of Jesus?

4. Jesus focused on those who were rejected by the “acceptable people.” What kind of people are my focus?’

5. Jesus challenged the status quo. In what way do my beliefs and opinions run counter to popular opinion?

6. Jesus was the Prince of Peace. Am I fostering peace in my relationships, or adding to relational violence?

7. Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Am I a forgiving person?

8. Jesus saw the best in everyone–what they could become. Do I see the best in everyone, or the worst?

9. Jesus called people into community. Do I live in community, or am I a Lone Ranger?

10. Jesus prayed for unity among his followers. Am I a uniter, or a divider?

Ten is enough for me to think about tonight. God bless us all.