What a Contrast

It’s been a while.

Partly because our present climate and culture is increasingly challenging to know how to address with any sense of integrity, hope, or truthfulness. What is even greater cause for despair is that the Christian voice, once a clarion call for justice has been either silenced, intimidated, divided, distracted, or hijacked. The bullies dare us to call them to account, and the religious declare the end justifies the means.

It was impossible to miss the contrast on Friday in the breaking news.

From the Arctic regions of Russia came the tragically inevitable announcement of the death of Alexei Navalny. A man who dared to challenge Putin and campaigned for a Russian society where democracy and freedom would one day prevail. His prophetic and courageous words encouraged fellow believers to never give up, even over his dead body. Navalny was prepared to die rather than submit to Putin’s vicious autocracy and brutal silencing. I am moved by the integrity and courage of Alexei Navalny, and I salute him. It has been a very long time since we have seen such character of leadership backed up with sacrificial action.

Then the news flashes across to New York where Donald Trump is fined over $300 million for fraud. The man has constantly been in the news sucking air out of every worthwhile project in order to somehow find a way to never be held accountable. He lies, he cheats, he shoots his mouth and insults anyone who challenges him. The money and time spent on his legal issues could have been so much better spent on humanitarian aid around the world. Trump does not possess a sacrificial bone in his body and yet millions support him, including a vast number of Christians who profess allegiance to Jesus. I have no clue on earth how these two realities align? I am ashamed, saddened, angry, and numb to conspiracy theories, and rhetoric about how tough he is on issues that matter, etc. (implying, who cares about character, who gets hurt, or how things get done).

The bottom line will always be, that character matters. How we treat people, how we care for the poor, how we tackle injustice, how we demonstrate integrity when wielding power – these things matter. It is not okay for Ukraine to be abandoned because self-serving politicians can’t get their act together. It is not okay for Israel to bomb the hell out of Gaza and demand that Hamas return hostages or else. Where on earth does that playbook begin and end? “Christians for Israel” have become blind to justice and read the Bible through eyes diseased by prejudice and sketchy biblical interpretation. Two talks on Youtube seldom provides a solid base for much. Who even takes the time to think critically or to dig deeply into anything these days? Anyway, whatever the issue, whether we agree or disagree, character matters.

In case someone says that Christians should stay in church, read their bibles, and keep away from politics or whatever is taking place in the world ‘out there’. Remember! John the Baptist was beheaded because he dared question the morality of King Herod sleeping with his brother’s wife. Jesus challenged the religious leaders of his day about the manner in which they conducted business. He called them out publicly on matters of character, hypocrisy, and exploitation. Read Matthew 23:

Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels. And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues.  They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.’

The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too.

Yes, these are the words of Jesus, the sweet Christmas baby, away in a manger, who grew up and had things to say about his time and culture that stirred his passion and brought tears to his eyes. He offended leadership – to the point of death. Everyone was affiliated to the Temple in those days, there was no separation of Church and State in Jewish culture. There was all manner of tension between the Roman government and those forced into subservience. Ultimately Jesus himself sacrificed his life on a Cross rather than submit to Pilate, call Caesar God, or negotiate a compromise with religious leaders.

You may hear some frustration in these words. I’m unapologetic.

I do apologize for the weak and anemic Christian witness around the world that supports Israel bombing Gaza (and no that does not mean condoning Hamas), for the constant fawning to Donald Trump and probably being first in line to buy his golden sneakers (the name is apt methinks for the merchandise). And no, again, that does not imply that everything in Joe Biden’s camp is without blemish or question marks. I do apologize to the Ukrainian people, because if the Christians had backbone they would be well-supplied in order to defend their country.

Alexei Navalny is nowhere close to Jesus, and would never claim to be. But, in contemporary times, he has shown us a better way and deserves to be remembered, honored, and talked about. I pray that others will rise up and follow his example. And in our small way that might even include you, and me. Let’s remember, give thanks, and pray for a very courageous family who are paying the price right now.