Things I am not proud of in Christianity and Christian history
I believe that Christianity is a worthwhile endeavor, and that its calling to discipleship and connection with God are worth answering. Unfortunately, after 2000 years or so, we have a lot to be sorry for as well. I guess the end of a year is as good a time as any to repent. Here is an incomplete list of my own:
1. The Crusades
2. The Spanish Inquisition
3. The persecution of Jews in the Middle Ages
4. The anti-Semitism that undergirded the Holocaust
5. Complicity in slavery and racism
6. Complicity in the genocide of Native Americans, and the destruction of native culture.
7. Complicity in violence against gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered people
8. Complicity in violence against women
9. Complicity in unjust wars
10. Complicity in colonialism
11. Complicity in the destruction of the environment
I think that's all I can handle right now. Here is my prayer:
Loving God, it is staggering to consider the evils that have been done in your name--in the name of Jesus, who came gently and quietly as a poor carpenter to show us a new way. Please forgive us for these many, great sins. But more than that, help us to learn from them, and to turn from them to your path of justice, peace, and love. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment