what are we looking for?

Use the proper lingo, and say whatever is “acceptable.” Go to the right places, and promulgate the proper principles. It seems that these are the chief characteristics that we look for in a Christian. You are spiritual and holy, and you deserve respect, if you fit the stereotype.

The other day, I was listening to such an individual, who was demonstrating his spirituality over the radio. He is a rather popular guy, and he is someone that others have recommended to me. As I concentrated on his words and the way he related to his listeners, there was no doubt that he fulfilled the expectations of many within the Christian community. But, as I absorbed his manner, something dawned on me. He sounded like–and I don’t intend to be mean–a jerk. At least when I was listening, he sounded too self-assured, condescending, and arrogant.

Though nearly everyone (in the church) would hold him up as a standard bearer, I honestly wonder what standards govern us. Of course I do not know the man, and I truly hope that he’s a nice guy, and that God blesses him (I’m sure he already has). What’s more, I know that I, too, can be a jerk, so I certainly don’t want to display my own version of arrogance. But, whatever correct principles he promulgated (and I think he did this), whatever truth he embodied (and, again, I don’t doubt this), he came across as a typical, in-your-face believer.

What role, I asked myself, does love play in our evaluation of spirituality? How about looking out for others, denying ourselves, and displaying traits like gentleness and compassion? Though proper principles ought to be shared with others, and while we ought not apologize for our adherence to that which is sometimes unpopular, these should be an outworking of deeper ideals.

It seems, at least to me, that we have messed up priorities, and we often pay the price for it as those outside the church wonder about our silly and hard-to-understand priorities. Yes, those who are faithful will experience persecution, but we mustn’t think that we’re spiritual big shots, great defenders of the faith, simply because we’re criticized for being . . . well, arrogant loudmouths. When we are criticized (and we will be at times), it ought to be for our stance for the truth; that’s a part of it. But I truly hope that this isn’t the only thing we’re known for.

Do people see us giving consistent expression (and not simply exclamation) of the truth? Are we known for our God-enabled willingness to lend a hand? Do we care, and can others tell? Is our reputation one of (what shall we call it?) bold kindness? How often do we display unfeigned concern for others? These are the things that we too often miss in defining and evaluating and living out our spirituality.

It’s relatively easy to stand with a bunch of people and say this or that. Though we mustn’t minimize the relevance of words properly spoken (I would never want to do that!), it is imperative that we exude the truth in real and undeniable ways. This is no easy task, for we are pressured by circumstances, the struggles of life, the pressure of others to conform to less than holy ways, and our own erratic hearts. But this is, I think, the path to genuine spirituality. “Lord, help me (us) to embody the faith and not merely talk about it.”

pc

Political Correctness says that we ought to do, say, and think certain things simply because “the powers that be” say so. The big shots, the people who are supposedly in-the-know, determine the parameters for civil discourse and human behavior.

But, besides the fact is that such a perspective smacks of elitism, despite the reality that it bypasses the pathways by which any good is properly discovered and promulgated, political correctness doesn’t actually effect the change it demands.

Political correctness gives certain individuals and groups a false sense of accomplishment (“Look what we did for society!”), but it does so in ways that actually violate our humanity, derailing reasonable discussion and debate. As a result, politically correct views fail to resonate with any thinking and caring people.

I would submit, therefore, that political correctness is bad for us and for civilization in general, for it fails to comprehend that there is something far more honorable that coercing others to conform, far more substantive than the intellectual snobbery that gives rise to arbitrary assertions, and far more life-altering than the force-fed views of self-proclaimed do-gooders. That something is truth.

You see, our greatest aspirations are buoyed and realized not by the commands of politically correct advocates but by the determination of all of us to locate and embody truth. Of course if there is no truth, then all of our works and claims are irrelevant at best. But if truth does exist, hope remains. Only truth can strike a cord with human beings, made in the image of the one described as the truth. While political correctness ignores or stifles this divinely planted impulse, it is the truth that sets us free.

apologetics and humility

In arguing for a Christian apologetic and Christian presuppositions, one of the more obvious roadblocks is the simple realization that we might be wrong. In our determination to be true to the gospel, there is always the possibility–being human and imperfect–of error.

What if we are inaccurate about this or that assessment? What if we overly emphasize a truth to such an extent that other truths are minimized or ignored? These and similar possibilities require that Christians approach apologetics in a truly humble fashion. Though boldness can be an admirable trait, and while confidence is not to be despised, any truly Christian endeavor will be saturated with humility. To this end a number of factors come into play.

First, as Christians we are called to grow, which implies growth in every area, including apologetics. Indeed, even the perfect Jesus grew in wisdom and knowledge. How much more so must we.

Second, as believers we are called to follow Jesus. Following assumes that we don’t have all of the answers but instead follow the One who does.

Third, humility is probably best facilitated through what we might call “big picture” apologetics. That is, we are on much more solid ground when we defend, exclaim, and show forth those aspects of the faith that have been affirmed down through the ages and which are not extraneous to the larger cause of the gospel.

Fourth, all apologists are, by the nature of the case, recipients of grace. This means that we ought to be able to sympathize with the hurts and uncertainty of our non-Christian counterparts to the degree that what they experience is a part of the common human condition. To approach apologetics in a distant and unaffected manner is not only unhelpful to the apologetics enterprise but is a sure sign that we lack authenticity.

Fifth, as many passages in Scripture affirm, apologetics entails humility and gentleness. The presentation of evidence and the promulgation of Christian presuppositions ought always to be bathed in a realism, compassion, and love. If we are truly humble and gentle, we will also remain cognizant of the possibility of blind spots, inaccuracies, and errors in our approach to apologetics.

Apologetics, like all facets of the Christian life, must be a humble endeavor. While we should not shy away from sharing the truth with confidence, our apologia ought always be tempered with humility and a sense that we, too, are fellow travelers on the way, dependent on the mercy of God, and always excitedly anticipating whatever new light He might shine on our paths.

honored

It is a day I will never forget. May 27, 2008, a little over a week ago, our entire school gathered together for what is sometimes referred to as the Senior Farewell Assembly. It is during this time that we say goodbye to the graduating seniors, and certain awards are given to a number of deserving students. It is also when one particular award, The Dr. Alex Atty Student Council Award, is presented to a chosen member of the faculty.

The Dr. Alex Atty Award, which is named after a former superintendent of our schools, is one of the most prestigious awards that a teacher in our district can receive. Well, on this day, I was both shocked and honored to discover that my name would be added to the list of previous recipients.

To be honest, I truly love my job. As I told the student body that day, a lot of people live for the weekend and for the summer. Though I appreciate time off as much as anyone, I actually love the week. The reason? The young people I get to encounter and interact with on a regular basis.

While any teacher can tell you about the difficult-to-manage students, the kids who are a pain in the neck, we can also name–if we are honest and reflective enough–a number of terrific young men and women, students we have gotten to teach and have been privileged to know at a more personal level. To me these students are gifts from God, sent my way for a time and a purpose. Their lives intersect my own, and I hold them in my heart forever.

What an incredible honor it was to stand before these kids, including the very special ones I’ve had the opportunity to know at a deeper level, and to receive this award from them. Wow! Even now, I cannot fully take it in, and I am immensely humbled.

The Dr. Alex Atty Student Council Award will include my name for 2008. The plaque that hangs on the wall outside our main office will actually have Mr. Carmen DiCello on it. Again, what an honor this is. But a greater honor still is the honor that is mine each day of the school year, to rub shoulders with the up-and-coming generations, to converse with the terrific young people God sends my way, to encounter in my travels some very, very special students, whom I will never ever forget. I am honored not only to have received this award but to have gotten to know and love the class of 2008. Thank you for allowing me to participate in your journey. I love you guys!

Mr. DiCello