Wikipedia Photo
Hadrian's Wall
Remnants of the wall built by Roman emperor Hadrian to keep barbarians out of Britain.
Historically, we build walls to keep out invasive forces. For all the sentimental claptrap about “walls never stay standing,” the Great Wall of China and Hadrian’s Wall still stand as reminders that there is always a need to set limits between civil and uncivil forces. There is a similar need now in the UMC. The walls are metaphorical, of course, but no less important.
Some actions should simply be out of bounds, not just by all people of good will, but in particular by Christians ostensibly dedicated to a particular way of life called church. As I’ve said before, one of those tactics is threatening schism, which is that much worse when it is claimed to be backed by anonymous minions. Another is straight from the Howard Stern school of political engagement: the shock tactic. In conservative Christian circles, one version of this is to show pictures of aborted babies as a way of convincing anyone in view of the horrors of the practice. While I believe Christians should be concerned with the rights of the unborn, most people of faith agree that using dead babies to win political points in such a fashion is not becoming of ecclesial discourse.
But progressive Christians sometimes sink to the same level. A video was recently made, occasioned by the Connectional Table’s request for input, that drew a straight line between a horrific, shaming event involving a youth pastor and the suicide of a young United Methodist college student. Many pro-LGBT supporters shared and commented on this video, with little critical inquiry given as to whether or not the story of the young man’s suicide might be more complex than one (admittedly awful) incident. Like pictures of aborted children, it is simply intended to shock into silence and consent.
Another problematic feature of the UMC conversation of late is the totalizing politics at play. One of the great missteps of the 20th century was the Allies’ demand for total and unconditional surrender from Japan. It is arguable that, had some negotiation been possible, the destruction wrought on Hiroshima and Nagasaki would not have been necessary. When one gives up on conversation and the only outcome one can live with is surrender, tragedy often ensues.
To observe this in the UMC, consider the recent witch hunt for Richard Hays, NT professor and Dean of Duke University Divinity School. The Rev. Andy Oliver, a staff member for RMN, posted a profoundly misguided article calling for Hays’ capitulation on a number of fronts, even recanting parts of one of his most famous books. Oliver posted this with the kind of totalizing, threatening language that would make Good News proud (promising legions of anonymous supporters ready to strike). In a political world where everyone who does not fully support your agenda is a contemptible enemy, one need not take the time to make rational arguments or reasonable demands. If total surrender is your only acceptable outcome, you’ve already decided that no amount of eggs is too great to get the omelette of your dreams.*
When the barbarians are near, it’s time to remember that fences make good neighbors. One need look no further for this than the recent Connectional Table-sponsored panel discussion based on Finding Our Way. The fruitful dialogue was made possible because a band of insurgents was not allowed in the room, likely because they had already promised to do what they always do: (d)isrupt the stated agenda. Whether this show of intestinal fortitude was a one-time experiment or a sudden lapse into strong leadership by the Connectional Table remains to be seen.
We have serious matters before us. We should spend the lead-in to General Conference 2016 in prayer, fasting, and holy conferencing. Shock tactics and the politics of total surrender have no place in the Body of Christ, and all of us, no matter what side we are on, should demand better of one another. Our leaders, in particular, have duty to order the life of the church so that fear and intimidation do not replace prayer and discernment. In the words of Bishop Ken Carter, this is a call to do the work of Christ in the way of Christ; the aggressive politics of Congressional filibuster and campus protest has no place among those whose life is defined by the cross and resurrection.
The barbarians are at the gate, friends. They are left and right, Reconciling and Confessing (to name just two). We will either build walls and set some healthy boundaries agains those who wish to tear us apart, or we will be overrun by malignant forces among us who demand total surrender. The choice is ours.
*An excellent rebuttal from the Indiana RMN affiliate to the atrocious hatchet job about Dean Hays can be found here.
The Rev. Drew B. McIntyre is a United Methodist pastor in Asheboro, NC. He blogs at Uniting Grace.