I am pretty bummed we didn't get to talk through the second half of Chapter 6 together, though it may be for the best.
Please share your thoughts on the following passage from page 169:
Janet Fishburn, mentioned above, in her book "Confronting the Idolatry of Family: A New Vision for the Household of God", rightly asserts,
"Where a domesticated piety dominates, or where the concerns of the nuclear family becomes the focus of a church, the conservation of middle-class ideals can blind both leadres and people to the prominent concern for social justice found in the Bible. And even when leaders are committed to seeking social jsutice, they have not been able to sustain a legitimate critique of poverty and injustice in America because the family ideals of the American Dream continue to be linked to democratic values and economic stability... Uncritical loyalty to "the family pew" makes it very difficult to see or comprehend the plight of the poor and the homeless and the oppression of minority persons, as anything but their own fault."
She then goes on to say that it requires courage for any pastor of a mainstream congregation to preach prophetically. "To ask middle-class Americans to see American culture as Jesus would see it is to ask them to vote against their own privileged position in society."
I think Janet Fishbum is drawing a conclusion based on a faulty/illogical cause and effect; “If I care about my family I can’t/don’t/won’t care for others.” I disagree; I believe that we learn to care for others in our nuclear family. When we feel loved and accepted, when we see kindness modeled by our parents, we learn these traits and practice them daily. We also become compassionate people and love and care for family and those outside of the family in community. I also believe when we were created in God’s image He wired us with an invariant desire to care for others. Whether in a collective society or individualistic society, such as the USA, I believe when our basic human needs are met (food, shelter, safety) we desire to help others meet their basic needs.
ReplyDeleteAs for our privileged position in society…it is that position that allows us to help others. It is a blessing and a responsibility. I feel the power and I use it as an advocate for forgotten seniors in nursing homes, for kids like Lyric who need someone in their corner, for the unborn child and mom at Alternatives, for a little girl in Bolivia, for families hit by the tornadoes in Alabama, for kids in Cambodia and Bangladesh…..
As for “WWJD” or say….He’s said it…”To those who have been given much, much will be expected!” And, “The greatest command is to LOVE.” I hope to one day hear the words, “Well done my faithful servant.” How about you?
Check out what today's daily pray is...and then ask yourself...how important is the nuclear family.
ReplyDeleteDaily Prayer for July 26, 2011
Saints Joachim and Anne
Heavenly Father, today we recognize the important role that Joachim and Anne played in the Virgin Mary’s life. Guide all parents to provide the loving home and faithful teaching that these dedicated parents provided for Mary, their daughter. Amen.
It doesn't seem to me that this passage is attacking the nuclear family or saying is is unimportant. They are saying that when it becomes the primary focus then we are in danger.
ReplyDeleteAn upper/middle class church more focused on protecting an ideal image of the nuclear family becomes concerned primarliy with itself and loses contact/focus/passion/love for the poor and marginalized.