Ik ben tolero

Recently Kris Vleugels' mailing list brought to my attention the newest tolerance campaign in Belgium. His statements are clearly posted at actiegezin. The campaign organized by Mme Katheleen Van Brempt, the Flemish Minister of Equal Chances has been followed by the media and some groups due to a very tricky and controversial slogan. The full campaign basically aims at making Flemish society more tolerant with homosexual people and reduce the discrimination against same sex attracted people, highlighting the difficulties faced, particularly by youngsters, in the acceptance of homosexuality as their identity.

I think that everybody agrees with the fact that all humans deserve respect, equal chances, and opportunities. In that context I would oppose to any kind of intolerance and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Still, I think that the wording of the campaign is a bit out of boundaries. The campaign starts with the very famous 'f' word. That does not need translation. It curses homosexuals and heterosexuals both at the same time, and then lifts up the "toleros" (the tolerants). In my humble opinion it insults/offends gay people as well as heterosexual people. I wonder, why not to be proactive and creative in the communication strategies? That the campaign wants to shock is clear! But trespassing the limits of respecting the "other" by using such wording is at the very least questionable.

Obviously, there is a huge debate. Lots of discussions going on the issue, including in the Christian sites. Obviously, the younger generation of Christians are debating it in the forum of the Breeze site.

I was simply astonished by the following statement:

Wie zijn wij christenen om aan een ander onze normen en waarden op te leggen? (signed truthseeker)

Translation: Who do we think we are, Christians, to impose our values on others?

Today at lunch, my friend Samuel reminded me that adulthood is also about knowing your beliefs. Such comments from Christians trying to play the "cool" are a post enlightenment misunderstanding of the Gospel. This makes me think that we are not to "impose" anything by force. That was the failure of the Inquisition. But we can indeed embody a different lifestyle, a lifestyle fueled by the love described in 1st Corinthians 13. Love has also to do with truth. Love has to do with remaining firm and unmovable in the faith of the Resurrected Jesus for the sake of the whole society.

Be blessed!

Social Justice and the challenge for the Church

As a simple observer, I've found that many of the younger people, particularly in the Belgian Church context, are very much interested in social justice, poverty, environment and so forth. Recently, I read a not so old article, that touches this issue, particularly the controversy between those focused on "saving souls" and those focused mainly on doing charity actions.

I would recommend Anglican Bishop N.T. Wright's excellent book "Evil and the Justice of God" to enrich and bring a refreshed view on what Christianity actually means. For some people, being Christian is all about where they go when dead (heaven or hell). With all respect, that particular view isn't really what the Bible tells about being a disciple of King Jesus. Although we've reached The End (eschatos) in Jesus, because of His resurrection, that gives us the guarantee of the way to follow, we have the vocation to embody Gods restorative program for the whole creation, advancing "new creation", in prayer and worship. We are called to live a different lifestyle, the lifestyle of eternity fueled by love in total honesty, holiness and truth.

Advancing the Kingdom means that there is still lots of work to be done here and now on earth. Creation is longing for the manifestation of the Sons of God. How long must creation wait? There is a need of the future breaking in the present to restore things, e.g. to correct injustice. The Church should confront the ugliness of the monsters (political and ruling human systems) that rise from the deep of the sea (far away from God's heart) with the beauty of the bride, the New Jerusalem, shining in glory because it comes directly from God's heart.

The challenge for the Church, the Body of Christ on earth, is to embody a different way of doing things and relating. The world should know that we are Jesus' disciples when we love each other. When we understand that the Cross made a way for forgiveness, for collaboration, for destruction of social inequalities, then we can confront the system and tell out loud: Jesus is actually King.

Copyright Note: The picture "Homeless Christ" is property of Deb Hoeffner Illustration, and has been used with permission.

Maria Fernanda in Belgium

In Brugge (1)

In Brugge (2)

In front of the Royal Palace in Brussels

Beautiful picture illuminated by the sunset in Ghent