Wedding

Did a Wedding in Hawaii recently for two non-Christian friends. The groom comes from a Christian family. It was modeled on the BCP, but I didn't use references to Jesus.

During the sermon, however, after talking a bit about the couple, the setting, and the challenges of marriage, I did say a few words about how Christians understand marriage. I said that in Christianity, marriage was about more than material wealth - it was about, centrally, a spiritual friendship. I reminded them that in such relationships, in each other we see the image of God. And we are called to encourage and praise one another as the ancient rite says, "with my body I thee worship." I talked a little bit about how that is lived.

Afterwards, one of the caterers came up to me and told me she Christians also. On started talking to me about Willow Creek. I told her I was an Episcopalian "I heard that guy, um, Tutu speak at this Christian Leadership conference. He was amazing." Then, almost as a chastizement, "one of the speakers said, I've been an Episcopalian for fifty years, and a Christian for twenty."

I smiled broadly, thinking, oh no.

"You gave a great, um, speech, or, sermon, or what do you call it?"

"Homily."

"It was perfect for this group. I understood you." I was part of her club.

I do wish that more Episcopalians felt more anchored - the conservatives do have it right that the church has given its flock very little. We progressive Christians have to recognize that fact and start offering the Gospel, with clarity, with confidence, the Gospel that God is here, now.

Later, another woman, a native, and the Bungalow owner, smiled at me and said, I'm so happy you're a Christian also. She then told me about her non-denominational church. She didn't know a lot about mine.

Comments

[D. C.]

. . . the conservatives do have it right that the church has given its flock very little. We progressive Christians have to recognize that fact and start offering the Gospel, with clarity, with confidence, the Gospel that God is here, now.

Sad, but true. Worse, if you're unchurched and not receptive to purely-scriptural arguments, we give you very little
reason even to set foot in church.

This is a very interesting concept that I would love to consider more fully. D.C. and John--you guys are both obviously intelligent, well read, and seem to be passionate about your faith. As one with a more "traditional" perspective, I'm honestly interested--what would the Gospel look like, presented from a "progressive" point of view? How would you, or how do you, articulate and witness this idea "God is here now" to the unchurched.

[redeemed]

That last post was me.