Written on May 16, 2008

[For the May 25, 2008 lectionary: Matthew 6:24-34]

"QUICK FAITH" by Larry Patten

A friend called and requested a letter of reference.

No, not for a job. My friend was asked to be a godparent for a niece’s baptism. And the clergyperson performing the baptism wanted “proof” that my out-of-town and unknown-to-the-cleric friend was a Christian.

Here, of course, I might relish exposing which denomination this professional servant of God works for. I might want to joke about that denomination’s insecurity, lambaste the individual pastor’s arrogance, or even ridicule a situation where my friend must search for a “reference” to help demonstrate the sincerity of faith.

Though it’s tempting to unleash a tirade using the “unholy” trinity of joking, lambasting, or ridiculing, I choose restraint.

After all, I’m part of a denomination—United Methodist—that includes a pastor who, a few years ago, refused membership in a Virginia church to a man because he was gay. Yes, he could give money. Yes, he could be in the choir. Yes, he could bring Jello salad for the potluck. But forget membership! We continue to struggle with the issue.

So, I best be careful about tossing rocks or words toward other folks or denominations for their actions. No matter how stupid they are!

But this lingers for me: how would you prove you are a Christian? Or, frankly, how would anyone “prove” they are Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish and so forth? Are you Buddhist because you wear a saffron robe and carry a begging bowl? Sikh because you know the correct way to wrap a turban? Jewish because you celebrate Passover?

What makes a person, a person of faith?

One of my favorite (and oft used) comments addressing that question comes from American writer, Maya Angelou:

I’m trying to be a Christian. I’m working at it, and I’m amazed when people walk up to me and say, “I’m a Christian.” I think, “Already? Wow!”

I’m a Christian! Wow, already?

Not long ago I worshipped at a Unitarian Universalist church. I know they would never seek a letter of reference regarding participation in a baptism. Of course, the UUs don’t have baptism. Furthermore, a core UU belief is the acceptance of many beliefs. Literally, they are “come as you are.” When I worshipped, I possibly shared the sanctuary with folks who had personal experiences with begging bowls, turbans, and Passover meals.

And yet, though I regularly question and can be cynical about my faith (Christian) and denomination (United Methodist), I didn’t feel comfortable with the UUs. Admire them? Yes. Respect them? Absolutely.

But I am Christian. And thus, I circle back to the question: what makes a person, a person of faith? How ‘bout this:

I was baptized a Christian and my parents will support that statement.

I am an ordained clergyperson in a Christian denomination and have darn fancy paperwork for evidence.

I was married in a Christian ceremony and my wife and I kept persuasive, faith-based mementos.

According to my reading of the Gospels, Jesus never said, “be a Christian and here’s a checklist.” Oh, yes, sometimes we scour the Bible for a definitive test of faith. Are you in, or are you out?

In my reading this week of Matthew 6:24-34, I was confronted again by why I love—and am challenged by—the quote I used from Maya Angelou. Jesus declared, “No one can serve two masters . . . you cannot serve God and wealth.”

This I know . . . it would be easier for me to prove my wealth than my faith. In that passage Jesus later talked about how a believer shouldn’t worry about tomorrow. Why worry? God loves you! But it would be easier for me to prove how much I do worry about tomorrow than to demonstrate a faithful serenity regarding today.

In a glance at today’s news, I noticed—again—that Barack Obama’s patriotism was questioned because of his (lack of) wearing a lapel pin with a flag. If he wears a pin, does that prove he’s patriotic? And if he doesn’t . . .?

How does one prove faith? Were you expecting me to give a definitive, brilliant answer? Sorry, can’t—and won’t—do that.

However I once borrowed an idea from Doug Adams, the late great Pacific School of Religion professor. During worship, I read the Apostles’ Creed, stopping after each belief statement. People who agreed with the statement stood. Disagree, unsure? They remained seated. When we finished, I invited the congregation to ask questions.

One fellow asked, “When it says, the quick and the dead, I know what dead is. What’s quick?

Ah, the strange, ancient words we use. Long ago, of course, quick meant the living. The living, breathing ones who struggle with God and wealth, with tomorrow’s worries and today’s joys. Do you need a letter to prove you are Christian? I don’t think so. Just keep struggling and be among the quick.

in Peace,

Larry