If you have an interest in Flannery O'Conner here are two episodes I was a part of in discussing her work with some good friends and scholars. (BTW I am not in that category of scholar)
https://t.co/VQKZZYq1Lk
https://t.co/RinThgXecb
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@alanhirsch@michaelfrost6
It is not always easy for Christians to speak prophetically to those in power. Certainly words and thoughts can be misconstrued. But historically when Christians have asked power to show compassion and mercy to others that is when we are at our best.
If your Christianity causes you to be offended by someone asking the most powerful person in the country to be merciful towards the powerless, then you have deeply, deeply misunderstood the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Theology 101: If you hear your friend say, “Salvation is going to heaven when we die,” nod, smile, and add, “And awaiting the redemption of our body in resurrection unto eternal life in the new creation.” Friends don’t let friends be Gnostics.
We have been praying and pleading for a ceasefire for months. Now that it seems a ceasefire is about to take place, I am overwhelmed with mixed and contradictory emotions. To begin with, I am still cautious: I will believe it when I see it. But, hoping that the ceasefire materializes, we can’t but feel relieved and grateful. Gaza has endured immense suffering, with far too many lives lost. At this moment, we just want the killing to stop. I am also grateful for all who will be set free, Palestinians and Israelis alike. I hope and pray that we reach a point in which all captives are set free.
While a ceasefire is certainly something to celebrate, it cannot be our goal. This is not a moment to rest. Too many questions are still unanswered. Too many wounds are not healed. Will the rebuilding begin, and especially that of hospitals? Will sufficient food and medical aid enter Gaza? Will doctors and nurses be allowed to enter Gaza and nurse the thousands who need immediate support? Will those who suffered and lost their loved ones find comfort? What about the thousands with imputed body parts? What about the two million refugees? Is the ceasefire temporary, or will the fighting and shelling resume? We are left with so many uncertainties and questions about the immediate future, both in Gaza and the West Bank.
Moreover: will those who committed war crimes ever be held accountable?
At the same time, we can’t help but feel angry and frustrated that it took this long. Gazans have suffered a lot. They deserve to simply live in their homeland. Palestinians deserve to live in dignity and peace in their homeland. A ceasefire will not end apartheid. Annexation in the West Bank is already taking place. Our land, ruled by racists, is fragmented and torn apart by checkpoint, settlements, and segregation policies.
A ceasefire is certainly something to celebrate and thank God for. Every life saved and every soul set free is something to celebrate. Every life matters. So, we feel grateful today, remembering that a ceasefire is not the goal. Will there ever be an end to this 76-year-old nightmare? Let it be our commitment.
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream (Amos 5:24)
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