THE LAST RIVER MILE

For most of my life I’ve heard people talk about “a personal relationship with Jesus.” I’ve used this phrase in my own preaching, teaching, and faith-sharing. To me, a personal relationship with Jesus has meaning if it refers to actually knowing him, growing in relationship with him, and loving others with the same love with which he loves me. However, the impact of the phrase breaks down it it means possessing Jesus like a prize. It seems to me that many people reduce a personal relationship with Jesus to securing an individual eternal guarantee. This results in a privatized faith, which is nothing more than a collection of personally satisfied individuals. Nothing could be further from biblical faith, no matter how many people buy this bill of goods currently.

God’s spokesperson Amos made clear that individual practice and proficiency in being “religious” means nothing apart from corporate responsibility. (See Amos 5:21-24.) Jesus, God made known as a human being stung the religious leaders of the day for individually obeying the letter of the law, but failing to lead the collective mercy and justice demanded by the heart of God. (See Matthew 23: 23-24.) The earliest followers of the risen Jesus were characterized more by group life and commitment than by individual spiritual benefits. (See Acts 2:42-47.) Following Jesus is more about what happens collectively than personally.

At its worst, privatized religion can become a smokescreen for corporate sin. For example – I’ve said the sinner’s prayer, so it doesn’t matter that I (and you) own clothing that’s kept cheap for me because it is off-shore, sweatshop labor created. I claim Jesus as Lord of my life, so it doesn’t matter that people are dying in the Middle East, while my biggest concern is that I’m paying $4.19 a gallon for gasoline. Father Richard Rohr expresses the dark side of privatized religion this way, particularly as it is manifest in the United states:

“Killing is wrong, but war is good. Greed is wrong, but luxury and capitalism are ideals to be sought after. Pride is bad, but nationalism and patriotism are admirable (never in the Bible, however). Lust is wrong, but flirting and seduction are attractive. Envy is a capital sin, but advertising is our way of life. Anger at our neighbor is wrong, but angry people get their way. Sloth is a sin, but wealthy people can take it easy. Murder is wrong, but easy access to guns is a right and a duty.”

Rohr goes on to say, “The church gas been trying for centuries to save individuals while ignoring the corrupt system in which those individuals operate.” The Lordship of Jesus doesn’t just challenge our individual sin; it calls out our collective, systemic sin as well. As the now cliche image goes, it’s not about pulling drowning babies out of the river. It’s about going upriver to stop whoever/whatever is putting babies in the river in the first place.

The good news of a crucified and risen Jesus is way beyond my individual ticket to heaven. WAY beyond…

I’ll see you around the next bend in the river.

(Recommended reading: THE TEARS OF THINGS: PROPHETIC WISDOM FOR AN AGE OF OUTRAGE by Father Richard Rohr.)