Little Disciples Toddler Time

Little Disciples Toddler Time at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Ashland, Kentucky

Conforming to what?

Never underestimate the influence of the group in which you keep company. Jesus understood the power of “the group.”  “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19, ESV).

Sociologists identify this as the conformity effect. The concept suggests that when an individual is a part of a group, he or she will naturally and unavoidably begin to conform to the values and activities of the group.  Generally, this act of conformity is classified into two groups, informational conformity, which is when an individual does what the group suggests because he or she lacks the information to make a decision, and normative conformity, the dominant form of social conformity, where an individual goes along with the actions of a group to be liked or accepted.  Both of these kinds of conformity impact us every day.  Sometimes this can be positive for the community, such as the social norm of obeying traffic signals or respecting the property rights of other people.  However, history shows us an example of atrocity on a catastrophic level when typically decent people conformed to the policies of Nazi Germany.

The Apostle Paul understood the power of conformity when he wrote to the Romans, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2, ESV). Paul’s powerful reminder to us as individuals, as ambassadors of Christ, is that we should be actively examining our actions, words, and beliefs so that we will remain in conformity with Christ.

When you find yourself in a situation that is not familiar, ask yourself whether or not the actions or proposed beliefs are consistent with your own principles and those of Christ before automatically adopting them as your own.  Likewise, be honest with yourself in situations where you want to impress others or be accepted by a group.  Ask yourself if the actions proposed by the group compromise your own integrity.

Philip Zimbardo, author of The Lucifer Effect and current researcher in areas of teen bullying, writes: “To resist the powers of group conformity: know what you stand for; determine how really important it is that these other people like you, especially when they are strangers; recognize that there are other groups who would be delighted to have you as a member; take a future perspective to imagine what you will think of your current conforming action at some time in the future.”

An ancient term for baptism was “christening.” It literally means “to become Christ.” We all will conform. Will you be the reflection of Christ to the groups in which you live, work, and worship?

Mission to tornado ravaged West Liberty, Kentucky

A Christian Perspective on Earth Day

“The stewardship of creation is an act of submission to God through Christ who joined creation in the Incarnation.”

Well, that is where I am so far. This Sunday is Earth Day. The Christian Church in Kentucky has been a leader throughout North America with our Green Chalice initiative. Our congregation already meets the practical requirements to be designated a Green Chalice Congregation. We have implemented a paper recycling program; we no longer use Styrofoam and aggressively limit the use of disposable paper products; we have almost completed a transition of our lighting to high efficiency bulbs; we have a programmable thermostat system to minimize energy demands when our building is not in use; we purchase and use fair trade coffee and tea. Still, we continue to look for ways that we might reduce, reuse and recycle.

Throughout my ministry, I have had more than one church member criticize the church’s emphasis on environmental issues. A generalized argument about biblical interpretation or theology would preface a statement like, “and of course, all these environmentalists are worshiping the created, not the Creator.” As I listened, I wondered if it was less a conscientious objection and more an issue of convenience. Of course, it never helped when church sponsored resources would come across my desk with Buddhist Meditation practices and Prayers to Mother Earth. It’s not that I don’t respect Buddhists or adherents to Nature religions, but the Christian tradition is already perfectly suited and resourced for the teaching of biblical, Christ centered stewardship.

Frankly, as an orthodox Christian who has a high regard for Scripture and an appreciation for the life-giving traditions of the church, non-Christian arguments, practices and prayers seem idolatrous. That doesn’t mean I can’t stand side by side with a Buddhist as we clean a river bank or agree with a Druid that sustainable water is an essential for all of humanity. It does mean that as a Christian, I am aware of a unique perspective. Along with many other monotheists who trace their lineage from Abraham, I accept the responsibility to care for that which God has created. The Earth belongs to God. All that is in the Earth, including all of humanity, belongs to God. Because God has loved me I will, with a spirit of gratitude, care for all that is God’s.

As a Christian, my perspective is sharpened. Along with the rest of the family of Abraham, I believe God is transcendent. God is more than that which is, for God is eternal and the cause of all that is. God is beyond, above, uncontainable. However, as Christians, we believe in the Incarnation. The Incarnation, literally meaning “to take on flesh” is when God became human. The transcendent God became immanent, that is, present, here, in the midst of, in creation. God created and when God became a part of creation, I realized just how holy this planet is in the eyes of God.

Well, I’m not a professional theologian and my thoughts may not stand up to scholarly review. As a Christian, I want to know why it is important that I take care of creation. For me, it was because of Jesus Christ and the Incarnation. It is important that we submit, in every way, to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. For the Christian, that includes the stewardship of creation that God himself designed, created and joined.