"I was formed in M.A.C.E. (modern American Conservative evangelicalism) and while I have abandoned the eschatological hope of a second coming that depends upon violence to "set things to rights," I can say that this was the hardest narrative to relinquish, not because I wanted God to come with retributive justice, but because I couldn't imagine any other way working in the world that I observe.
A non violent answer is still an elusive picture, but it has become clear that God's dream is Shalom which must be restorative rather retributive. I'm happy to say and encouraged to hope that my imagination is growing. Previously unknown possibilities emerge and I am increasingly confident in the divine creativity to bring about a peaceful new earth without coercion.
In times like these, however, when world leaders are increasingly reactionary and tribal, I fear that the Way won't open again until after a whole lot of hell on earth has sobered enough people, the remnant of Christ's body perhaps, so that we can abandon the illusion of redemptive violence and become willing to sacrifice for solidarity.
A non violent answer is still an elusive picture, but it has become clear that God's dream is Shalom which must be restorative rather retributive. I'm happy to say and encouraged to hope that my imagination is growing. Previously unknown possibilities emerge and I am increasingly confident in the divine creativity to bring about a peaceful new earth without coercion.
In times like these, however, when world leaders are increasingly reactionary and tribal, I fear that the Way won't open again until after a whole lot of hell on earth has sobered enough people, the remnant of Christ's body perhaps, so that we can abandon the illusion of redemptive violence and become willing to sacrifice for solidarity.
