Will we welcome Jesus back?
Michael Wright considers what constitutes a necessary narrative
Cap Kaylor (23 and 30 March) has challenged us to enquire where our Religious Society of Friends is to look for its ‘identity and its engine’. He writes of the importance of narrative in the human search for meaning, as he points to the picture of Jesus ‘lost along the way’ but now being rediscovered.
Advices & queries 4 reminds us that: ‘The Religious Society of Friends is rooted in Christianity and has always found inspiration in the life and teachings of Jesus.’ We share a narrative with other Christians, but we value the scriptures without taking them at face value, paying attention to the Spirit that ‘gave the scriptures’ rather than abiding by the letter of them. We can learn much from the Jewish practice of finding the scriptures a source for creative thinking, rather than a theological straitjacket.
Insights from modern biblical studies, together with other disciplines, including archaeology, sociology, history and psychology, mean that for many people the classical doctrinal formulation of the Christian story does not meet our need. Yet the person of Jesus – rather than the Christ of the creeds – attracts, challenges and encourages still, with values, attitudes and practices that he inspires.
Translations into English can hide the richness of meaning in Jesus’ parables, poetry and teaching. Yet, even with these limitations, his message – filtered through what one commentator describes as ‘a great posthumous marketing team’ – is the finest flowering of the Jewish prophetic and wisdom literature: his insights are much needed in the cultural turbulence of our times.
Just as the gospel writers and biblical editors selected those stories and features that spoke most to them, we, too, can select from those scriptures narratives that speak to us of love, grace, care, forgiveness and service, without getting caught up too much in the pastoral and theological issues or mindset of previous generations.
From my experience over many years in ecumenical and interfaith groups, and with people who do not practice any faith, I believe there is both a longing and a need for a narrative that is realistic in terms of modern knowledge, offers a credible and enriching spiritual practice, and can creatively help us address many current issues. We need a narrative and practice that we can confidently invite others to share and explore with us.
Such a narrative – sourced from the gospels, focused on truth and integrity, community fellowship, trust and service, health and wellbeing, valuing every individual, with concerns for justice, peace and for our environment – has real power to inspire and motivate. It draws creatively on the Christian tradition, but finds little or no sustenance in the words of too many hymns, liturgies and doctrines.
Its base is a spiritual foundation exploring a variety of ways of relating imaginatively to Jesus, his life and teaching. It values prayerful silence and leadings, exploring loving relationships, gratefulness, wonder, awe, self-examination (in the spirit of Advices & queries) and service to others.
It may draw on the wisdom of religious teachers from other traditions, but principally draws strength from a creative engagement with the Jesus of the gospels, to change and develop each of us in our journey to find greater depth, meaning and loving in our inner selves. It is important that we share our personal stories with each other within our Society. This will equip us to share such a refreshing narrative with more confidence, with people we reach out to, and invite them to consider it with us.
I have been exploring such ideas for some time now, and would welcome contact with more Friends interested in sharing experiences and insights and in developing such a narrative.
Comments
I will welcome contacts from Friends who can email me directly at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
By Michael Wright on 31st May 2018 - 8:44
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