As I journey onward in discovering a distinctly Baptist expression of faith that is both ancient and futuristic, I continue to marvel at the lectionary’s ability to serve as a bridge between the two. Rooted in the liturgical calendar, the lectionary connects churches who follow it with the same rhythms of Christian worship used by Christ’s followers for much of our history. At the same time, I am always amazed at the lectionary’s relevance when compared to current events.
This week as I reflect on the recent attacks on the American embassy in Libya, I have been comforted and challenged by words from the lectionary’s current readings from James and believe they can offer us the guidance needed to remain a faithful Christian witnesses during such chaotic times.
Alex Gallimore
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By now, we have all heard countless reports on the events surrounding the attacks. A local militia raided the American embassy in Libya killing four Americans, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens. It was truly a tragedy, and it is only human for us to look at this event and be angry. It is human for us to be filled with hate against those who did this evil deed and to want revenge for our fellow Americans. In many of my conversations since the attacks, these have been some the most common emotional responses I have received. But we must not give in to such emotions! We must maintain the Christian occupation of peace-maker.
James’s letter reminds us that “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace” (3:17-18).
Christians make peace! Christians make peace in their relationships, in their communities, in their churches and yes, even among all the nations. Christians make peace. Period!
Although the violent action towards the American embassy in Libya was an act of evil, we must understand and communicate to those in our churches that it was also an act of a small group of people who just happen to be Arab and Muslim. This fragment of Arab and Islamic culture does not speak for their entire race or religion, just like a handful of crazy Baptists (and there are more than a few handfuls of crazy Baptists) do not speak for us all. We should take seriously the outpouring of apologies and images received from the Arabs asking us not to judge the masses because of the actions of a few. To do so would go against who we are as followers of the one who reminded us that it is the peacemakers who will be known as the sons and daughters of God.
This week I read a very moving article about Ambassador Stevens in the New York Times and realized very quickly that he himself was a peacemaker. Steven Erlander wrote that Ambassador Stevens “had a passion for the Arab world” and “with the State Department on high alert for security threats, especially since the Sept. 11 attacks, and many American diplomats consigned to embassies that resemble fortresses and armored motorcades that do not make unscheduled stops, Mr. Stevens plunged into Arab social life. He traded personal risk for personal contact.”
Personal risk for personal contact. What if we as Christians could let our guards down enough be to be known in this way? This is certainly a gospel imperative and if we are to ever bear witness for the kingdom of God in our modern pluralistic world, we must find a way to allow peace to be our most natural response to tragedy born in evil, suffering and chaos. Ambassador Stevens loved the people he was sent to serve and sought to build relationships with them even though they were very different from him and the land he called home. In the way Stevens lived his life and approached a group of people, even that from which his murderers would come, he sowed a harvest of righteousness in peace. We must all learn to do the same.
Being a peacemaker is in no way being a proponent of violent actions just as seeking reconciliation with those of different perspectives is not syncretism. Early American Baptist Roger Williams certainly worshipped very differently and adhered to other customs than the Natives he welcomed, and history tells us he never could find it in his heart to love the Quakers. Yet Williams made peace and lived with them in harmony.
It was just the Baptist, and more importantly, Christian thing to do.
Alex Gallimore ([email protected]) is pastor of Hester Baptist Church in Oxford, N.C.
[email protected]) is pastor of Hester Baptist Church in Oxford, N.C.