On the one hand…
If I agree with a critical history of racism in the white American church as incompatible with the way of Jesus, progressive Christians approve.
But if I point out a critical history of psychology and its construction of the “self” as possibly not fully aligning with Jesus, I’m told that I’m barring people from therapy and silently (or actively) colluding with abusers.
On the other hand…
If I point out the critical history of psychology as not being merely neutral in its claims, but is probably offering a different kind of “gospel”, conservative Christians applaud.
But if I point out the troubling currents of nationalism within white American Christianity as incompatible with the way of Jesus, I’m criticized as a spineless evangelical “elite” lacking the fortitude to fight for out nation.
Can we be flexible and adaptive while seeking what is true?
And not just about racism and therapy, but about
- Psychedelics
- Magic and ritual practices
- the Bible
- the impact of Christianity in the world
- the uniqueness and difference of Christianity to other religions
- the difference and relationship of prayer to mindfulness practices
In other words, can we take a critical—and by that I mean thoughtful and questioning stance that is seeking to find truth, not just unmask power—stance about all things, rather than just some?
Ok…my rant (slash) pity-party (slash) observation is over.