Faithfully Celebrating Independence Day

As we approach Independence Day, we are reminded of the freedoms and ideals upon which our nation was aspirationally built. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and recommitment to the principles that make the United States a beacon of hope and justice. At Riverfront Family Church, we embrace the call to be patriots, not in the narrow sense of nationalism, but as individuals committed to the values of equality, justice, and love for all. In this blog, we will explore how we can celebrate Independence Day while rejecting Christian Nationalism and respond to recent SCOTUS decisions with a prophetic witnessing voice for justice.

Rejecting Christian Nationalism:

Christian Nationalism conflates religious beliefs with the ideals of a specific nation, leading to the belief that one faith or religious tradition should dominate the public sphere. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard - one that transcends national boundaries and embraces the diversity of God's creation. In rejecting Christian Nationalism, we acknowledge that our faith should inform our patriotism, but it should never be used to exclude or marginalize others.

Championing Justice:

The recent decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States have left many feeling frustrated and concerned about the erosion of rights for historically marginalized communities. As people of faith, we are called to stand for justice and advocate for those who are oppressed. Micah 6:8 reminds us, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." In our pursuit of justice, we are compelled to address the issues that have caused anger and frustration.

Affirmative Action:

The Supreme Court's decisions rolling back Affirmative Action present challenges to achieving equality and addressing systemic inequalities. As followers of Christ, we are called to stand alongside those who have been historically marginalized and to work toward a more just society. Galatians 3:28 reminds us, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Let us advocate for policies that promote diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all -- including the use of affirmative action to help ameliorate and address generational systemic white supremacy and racism.

LGBTQ Protections:

The recent SCOTUS decisions impacting LGBTQ protections remind us of the ongoing struggles for equality and acceptance faced by our LGBTQ+ siblings. As Christians, we are called to extend love, compassion, and support to all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We should actively reject discrimination and work towards a society where everyone can live authentically and without fear. Romans 12:10 urges us to "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."

Abortion Rights:

The issue of abortion rights continues to be a divisive and sensitive topic. As Christians, we should approach this issue with compassion, recognizing the complexities and emotions involved. As a pastor, I affirm that the decision to have an abortion or carry to term is between a pregant person, their doctors, their involved partner, and, if they are of faith, their God. Neither government nor religious organization can o should dictate medical decisions for individuals or create/advocate for polices that encorach on the inherent right to self-determination. While we may have differing views, we must prioritize the well-being of women and pregnant people, provide support and resources for those facing difficult decisions, and work towards comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of abortion. Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves... defend the rights of the poor and needy."

Prophetic Witness for Justice:

As followers of Christ, we are called to be a prophetic voice for justice, echoing God's heart for righteousness and equality. We can engage in constructive dialogue, advocate for just policies, and work towards creating a society that reflects God's love for all people. Let us remember the words of Amos 5:24, "But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" In our celebrations this Independence Day, let us commit ourselves to being faithful witnesses for justice and agents of positive change.

As we celebrate Independence Day, let us embrace our identity as patriotic Christians who reject Christian Nationalism, champion justice, and stand in solidarity with those who are marginalized. We can be a prophetic witnessing voice for justice by advocating for equality, rejecting discrimination, and working towards a more just and compassionate society. Let us be guided by Scripture, the teachings of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit as we seek to honor God in all we do. May God bless you abundantly as you celebrate and strive for justice this Independence Day.

Good News!

Good News from Mark

In last week’s blog essay we learned that Jesus called his followers thieves (of a certain kind). This week we read Jesus compare his disciples to a noxious and dangerous plant. What’s going on? Our latest discussion of Mark’s Gospel focused on 4.1-34. Here Mark tells us about Jesus’ teaching through parables, in what amounts to Jesus’ first sermon in this Gospel. There is a long history of yanking the teaching of Jesus (and much of the Bible altogether) out of its immediate socio-political, economic, cultural, and religious context, and “spiritualizing” it into pleasantries for dominant peoples. Of course, this is not true, biblical, Christian spirituality, but a way of making white, male, conventional, conservative, privileged, and powerful people comfortable (by “conservative” I only mean the standard thing as presented by conservatives themselves: someone who prefers the status quo, who wants to conserve what we have more than change it). We have been considering the texts as they may have been heard by those who first heard them. Accordingly, consider the parables of the sower and of the mustard seed.

The ancient Palestinian farmer of Jesus’ day could expect a good harvest to give a 1:7 yield. A tenfold harvest was a bumper crop. Since Jesus says that even though the sower’s effusive throwing of seed allows much of it to be “wasted” and that it will not grow to harvest, nonetheless, the seed that falls on fertile—receptive—soil will grow up to a hundredfold! The parable is meant not only to evoke the question, “What kind of soil am I?” But it tells us about the work of God and the promise and power of God’s kingdom. The parable’s harvest represents a dramatic shattering of the conventional relationship between the peasant and the landlord. After all, after such a harvest, a farmer could not only pay rent, tithes, and debts, but even purchase his own land and end his servitude. “The kingdom is like this,” Jesus says: it envisions the abolition of the oppressive relationships of production that determined the horizons of the Palestinian farmer’s social world. Such images strongly suggest that Mark is articulating an ideology and theology of the land, and the revolutionary hopes of those who work it.

In the parable of the mustard seed, Jesus gives us some elaboration, after the exhortation, “Pay attention to what you hear!” So, let’s pay attention. Verses 24 and 25 are a summary of a standard economic viewpoint and practice, accepted by many (most in our society). It is what economists call “the determinism of the marketplace.” The only way to survive in the system is to play the game by its (neoliberal, capitalist) rules. This is followed by a common claim that the system is never changing: the “haves” will get richer and the “have-nots” will get poorer. Jesus is warning against the view that such socio-economic stratification and injustice is acceptable and moral, let alone, divinely sanctioned.

Against the cynicism of the economic determination of the system, Jesus pits the revolutionary patience and hope of the kingdom/reign of God (4.26). The parable tells us that God’s judgment upon the powers and their system will come, and so give the lie to the counter-assertion of the “realists” that nothing will never change. In this sermon, Jesus has for the first time, articulated the least/greatest paradox that will emerge in his teaching again.

As noted above, the mustard seed was a noxious and dangerous plant. It threatened to take over wherever its seed was planted (like a Palestinian kudzu). It was described as having a “pungent taste and fiery effect.” The point was that the mustard plant was not generally

desirable. The plant, i.e.: the kingdom/reign/rule/dominion/order that Jesus was bringing was a threat to the existing garden or field of early Judaism and the Roman empire. If it was to take root, it would subvert, pollute, even overtake, existing gardens and fields—the visions, programs, conventions, and structures of Israel, Rome, and others as well— including our own.

This essay was assisted by Ched Myers, Binding the Strong Man: A Political Reading of Mark’s Story of Jesus; Herman C. Waetjen, A Reordering of Power: A Socio-Political Reading of Mark’s Gospel; Ben Witherington, The Gospel of Mark: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Because I mentioned neoliberalism: Quinn Slobodian, Globalists: The End of Empire and the Birth of Neoliberalism; Pierre Dardot and Christian Laval, Never-Ending Nightmare: The Neoliberal Assault on Democracy; Wendy Brown: In the Ruins of Neoliberalism: The Rise of Antidemocratic Politics in the West; and theologically: Rodney Clapp, Naming Neoliberalism: Exposing the Spirit of Our Age; and Adam Kotsko, Neoliberalism’s Demons: On the Political Theology of Late Capital.

GHIAA Statement on the Eid al-Adha Attack on Rep. Maryam Khan

June 29, 2023

Below is the statement by GHIAA on the Eid al-Adha Attack on Rep. Maryam Khan. Riverfront Family Church is a member of GHIAA and affirms this statement.

The Center for Leadership and Justice and the Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance are appalled at the recent attack on Rep. Maryam Khan after Eid al-Adha observances in Hartford on June 28, 2023.

Islamophobia, racism, and violence against women are scourges that continue to plague our communities. When violence is inflicted against a worshiper gathered for public celebration of an important and joyful holiday of her faith tradition, entire communities are traumatized. When violence is inflicted against a woman of color wearing the garments that express her religious identity, it sends a message of fear to all women who dare to take up space in public, to all persons of color who dare to be present on city streets, and to all adherents who dare to attire themselves in accordance with their values. Specifically, when violence is perpetrated against a Muslim woman of South Asian heritage who chooses to wear a hijab and attends a public religious observance, all Muslims, all immigrants, all persons of color, and all women are left feeling deeply vulnerable, unprotected, and unwelcome. This is unacceptable.

As the first Muslim woman elected to the Connecticut state legislature, and as a powerful advocate for equity at the Capitol, and as an educator in the special ed department at Weaver High School, Rep. Khan is a barrier-breaking leader in our community. But one should not have to be an elected official, or a teacher, or anything other than a human being to receive the full protection and dignity they deserve as a resident of our state. It is a fact that GHIAA and CLJ respect and admire Rep. Khan as a leader in our legislature. And, this attack would be equally repugnant and deserving of response if it had occurred against any other participant in Eid observances this week.

As an intentionally interreligious and multiracial organization, we believe that we are all harmed whenever any member of our community is attacked on the basis of their identity. Be it Islamophobia, antisemitism, racism, misogyny, xenophobia, or any other form of bigotry, CLJ and GHIAA are united in declaring that hate and violence have no place in our society. Such acts are unconscionable and are incompatible with the teachings of every one of our venerable religious traditions.

GHIAA and CLJ stand with Rep. Khan, with the Muslim community, with women, with immigrants, with the South Asian community, and with all who experience fear as a result of this violent act. We are committed to continuing our work for concrete change toward equity, safety, and flourishing for all who are targeted and marginalized by systemic injustice. The many and varied prayers of our diverse GHIAA community are united in common petition for healing of these emotional, physical, and spiritual wounds. May the God we know by many names, including the beautiful name Allah, bless Maryam Khan and her family, and all who suffer fear and violence, and all who join in the work of justice.

Cori Mackey

Executive Director

The Center for Leadership and Justice

Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance