Seeing Gray – Beginning January 6, 2008
Politicians, pundits and even preachers paint the world in black and white. You’re forced into tidy boxes. You are labeled a conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat, for or against the war, pro-this or pro-that. Entire states are painted as red or blue. Candidates use slogans to demonize their opponents and energize their base of support. The election cycle seems perfectly designed to polarize our country.
Do you ever wonder if life was meant to be more than just black and white? Are you hungry for solutions that don’t fit into a sixty-second sound byte? Do you miss civility and thoughtfulness in politics? And what message would Jesus have for a black and white world?
We invite you to join us for a series of important messages entitled, Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White. In this series Rev. Adam Hamilton will look to the scriptures and the teachings and example of Jesus as a model for how we live, love, and make important decisions in a complex world.
If you want simplistic answers to complex issues, you may be disappointed. But if you’re looking for a thoughtful place to begin this election year, one where you’ll be challenged to think for yourself, to seriously consider both sides of an issue, and then to live courageously and lovingly as you face complex decisions, then you won’t want to miss a single message of this series.
Here’s the line-up:
January 5/6: Jesus: Liberal or Conservative?
January 12/13: Bridges and Wedges
January 19/20: What to do? Two Rules to Live By
January 26/27: Stage Five: When Christians Grow Up
February 2/3: A Vision for America
8 Comment(s)
Sorry, comments for this entry are closed at this time.
Jason Gant | Dec 24, 2007 | Reply
I just finished watching an interview on CBS news with both Tony Perkins and Jim Wallis. I enjoyed the quote by Jim Wallis..”I think it’s a hunger for a new moral center. Don’t go left, don’t go right, go deeper”
This past week, I met with a young lady of 15 years old who is living this quote. She has a passion that God has placed on her heart to help abolish human trafficking-modern day slavery. She has formed a group of 15 other high school students around this issue. They have titled themselves the original name of William Wilberforce’s group-Clapham Sect: Phase 2 (story recently told in the movie Amazing grace). Action steps are being taken-benefit concerts, educational packets, meetings with youth minister’s like myself.
I want to live this kind of passion for whatever God may have for me. I am praying this series will broaden our perspective, not only as Americans, but also as as humans who yearn to follow Christ’s example.
scottlw | Dec 30, 2007 | Reply
Rick Warren has some interesting thoughts about politics and Christianity in an interview with Krista Tippet. Check it out on the podcast of “Speaking of Faith” at speakingoffaith.publicradio.org
char3233 | Dec 30, 2007 | Reply
I am looking forward to what you have to say about politics and what Jesus would do. I listen to your podcasts weekly and am definitely excited for this new series. I’ve often wondered exactly what Jesus would think of our wayward society and the role that politics plays. I honestly don’t think life is much different today than it was in his lifetime, especially in the waywardness of society and the “ruler” mentality of goverment. Some things never change. So, here’s a shoutout from the Pittsburgh, PA area… hi COR!
kansasbob | Dec 31, 2007 | Reply
I am looking forward to this series Adam! I generally identify most with life’s gray issues.. nothing to do with my hair color.. and think that life all about living in the middle.
Seasons Blessings, Bob
PS: I share a common beginning with you at Faith Chapel.
vickievl | Jan 2, 2008 | Reply
I really do not think Jesus would have been a Republican or Democrat. He would not approved of either party. I believe he might have been an independent. He was for all people,he believed in loving God,he believed in loving one another, and doing the right thing. I am quite sure he would never have pandered to special interest groups. He would have wanted every American to have access to health care, regardless of economic status. I believe he would have spent most of his time with the forgotten members of our society. The homeless man that I saw upon leaving the Cheesecake Factory on the Plaza. The people I have seen living under a viaduct in downtown Kansas City.
He would not have condoned “water boarding”. I am fairly sure he would not have been happy with MANY issues he sees our elected officials condoning. In fact, I think he must be down right disappointed in our political system and our society.
gselvera | Jan 6, 2008 | Reply
Great sermon today. I am very excited about the series. A great read that is so appropriate right now is Laura Ingraham’s “Power to the People”, the last chapter is especially great! She emphasizes how faith based values and morals are the foundation of this country. The book really supports Adam’s message of encouraging “thoughtful people to stay involved in the democratic process”.
CraigSahrmann | Jan 8, 2008 | Reply
For additional perspective, an excellent book to read is Senator John Danforth’s ‘Faith and Politics’.
The former U.S. senator from MO and U.S. ambassador to the U.N. is an ordained Episcopal priest.
Senator Danforth’s message in his book aligns with Adam’s message in his sermon series – to seek middle ground as a Christian so that your ministry is one of reconciliation rather than division. In the book Senator Danforth examines from a Christian perspective some of the issues/events that Adam might address in his sermon series…including abortion, stem cell research, gay marriage, the Schiavo case, displays of religion in the public square.
Some of the more compelling parts of the book include Senator Danforth’s first-hand accounts of his dealings with world leaders (including U.S. presidents, Congress, the U.N.) and how he worked to avoid divisive party politics to help the country move forward together (certainly a theme in today’s campaigns). Particular compelling is his account of his work as a special envoy for peace in Sudan.
Senator Danforth consistently credits his Christian faith for much of his political success. And in fact concludes his book with an examination of the Apostle Paul’s Epistle to the Romans – Scripture that he referred to throughout his career as a model of how we can live together as one country, despite our political differences.
wpolese | Jan 11, 2008 | Reply
I really enjoyed the sermon last weekend, and look forward to a thought provoking series! I applaud your honesty and directness, and that is a key reason I keep coming back. thank you.