We’ve already got one post on the subject and I don’t want to beat the issue into the ground but I read this on My Friend Amy’s blog and I think it provides an important second perspective. It’s a simple, thoughtful letter to Anne that comes pretty close to the way I feel. Here’s an excerpt:
“I can understand wanting to disassociate but I feel like in so doing you lumped the rest of us together. Many of the reasons you cited for leaving I suspect I feel the same as you and it makes me sad that you’ve drawn a line and said “these are the things Christianity is.” I don’t believe that to be true and what is so beautiful and splendid about Christianity is that it’s an umbrella term for a group of people from all over the world who believe Jesus is God. That’s the tie that binds us together, the thread that pulls us close. We have many different theological ideas and beliefs, we practice and worship in a variety of ways, we speak different languages, and we experience life differently. Yes we argue. And yes we get things wrong and yes we need to learn how to give space to differing interpretations. But we’re a family, we share a heritage, and a common Father.”
Pete Peterson is the author of the Revolutionary War adventure The Fiddler’s Gun and its sequel Fiddler’s Green. Among the many strange things he’s been in life are the following: U.S Marine air traffic controller, television editor, art teacher and boatwright at the Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch, and progenitor of the mysterious Budge-Nuzzard. He lives in Nashville with his wife, Jennifer, where he's the Executive Director of the Rabbit Room and Managing Editor of Rabbit Room Press.
3 Comments
Josh
I totally agree with Amy.
amy
very well put, amy. thanks again, pete.
Toni W
Very, very, well said Amy. We can’t negate what she is saying, or feeling. Sadly, instead of coming alongside our wounded and nurturing them, we tend to kick them while they are down. I understand wanting to leave that behind. We need to pray for healing her heart, and not against what we think is wrong with her. Unfortunately, we as Christians tend to get in-between Jesus and the ones that need healing. I don’t ever want to do that. I know that in my past, I have been the victim and also the victimizer. Don’t want to go there again. Thank you for saying just the right thing. I am glad that you have represented me.
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