Get E-Mail Updates

Books Blog

Finding Faith in the Margins

by Becky Garrison 08-24-2010 | 7:00pm
Print
18 Comments | Login or Register to post comments

When I was interviewed in The Austin American Statesman about my book Jesus Died for This?: A Satirist's Search for the Risen Christ I was asked "Are you hopeful that Christians are beginning to seek out what you consider more "nourishing" forms of Christianity?" I responded:

What gives me hope is that in my travels, I'm observing this growing underground movement of folks exploring what it means to enact Jesus' kingdom here on earth. They refused to be branded and reject labels like emergent, organic church, missional, new monasticism, and even Christianity. These folks tend to be very politically conscious but fight for change at the grassroots level because they've seen too many progressives lose their prophetic voice by becoming Obamatronics. Some of the voices they read include Cornel West, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dorothy Day, and Oscar Romero and others who integrate faith and social justice, as well as a rediscovery of the ancient mystics.

(I elaborate more on this branding biz that kills the prophetic voice in Killing the Buddha,

18 Comments | Login or Register to post comments
Sojourners relies on the support of readers like you to sustain our message and ministry.

Related Stories

Resources

Like what you're reading? Get Sojourners E-Mail updates!

by: libmodcon

08-25-2010 @ 2:23am

I thought she was advocating denominational particpation.

by: Phil Groom

08-25-2010 @ 9:17am

Thanks for the plug :)

by: duhsciple

08-24-2010 @ 11:50pm

Jesus died so that we might be free to love even those of other faiths.

What else did Jesus die for?

by: SamHamilton

08-25-2010 @ 12:41am

This all may be true, but what does it have to do with what Becky writes?

by: libmodcon

08-25-2010 @ 12:15am

America's mainline churches have moved steadily leftward, those churches' memberships declined as a percentage of the U.S. population while the number of Christian evangelicals exploded. Left-wing clerics may be buying greater political influence with their alliance through methods of teaming up with labor and other groups , but the price may be further alienating their shrinking flock.

by: libmodcon

08-25-2010 @ 2:23am

I thought she was advocating denominational particpation.

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

08-25-2010 @ 7:01pm

I don't really like the epithet "Christian" which was created by Greek-speaking pagans in Antioch, Syria when Paul and Barnabas were preaching about The Anointed (One) [Ho Christos in Greek]. The text where that is used is in the passive voice "were called Christians."

The followers of Jesus called themselves "Believers." But, they NEVER called themselves "Christians."

The politicized religion of Christianity is not Biblical either. The true history of Christianity began in 325 AD in Nicea when the Byzantine Emperor Constantine decided to make his own denomination to support his own agenda. He even presided over the 1st of the Seven Church Councils. The idea of a creed came from Constantine himself.

Constantine was also the one who got the stupid idea that wars could be fought in the sign of the cross and in Jesus' name. Jesus didn't approve of starting wars.

The religion of Christianity was used to take away the land of my Cherokee ancestors by those who believed that the Natives could not be "Christians." Slave owner Andrew Jackson claimed to be "Christian" and as the US President, he signed the papers to remove the Civilized Tribes from their native lands to Indian Territory.

Evil has been done in the "name of Christianity;" but, Jesus the Christ had/has no connection with any of that.

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

08-25-2010 @ 7:01pm

I don't really like the epithet "Christian" which was created by Greek-speaking pagans in Antioch, Syria when Paul and Barnabas were preaching about The Anointed (One) [Ho Christos in Greek]. The text where that is used is in the passive voice "were called Christians."

The followers of Jesus called themselves "Believers." But, they NEVER called themselves "Christians."

The politicized religion of Christianity is not Biblical either. The true history of Christianity began in 325 AD in Nicea when the Byzantine Emperor Constantine decided to make his own denomination to support his own agenda. He even presided over the 1st of the Seven Church Councils. The idea of a creed came from Constantine himself.

Constantine was also the one who got the stupid idea that wars could be fought in the sign of the cross and in Jesus' name. Jesus didn't approve of starting wars.

The religion of Christianity was used to take away the land of my Cherokee ancestors by those who believed that the Natives could not be "Christians." Slave owner Andrew Jackson claimed to be "Christian" and as the US President, he signed the papers to remove the Civilized Tribes from their native lands to Indian Territory.

Evil has been done in the "name of Christianity;" but, Jesus the Christ had/has no connection with any of that.

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

08-25-2010 @ 6:50pm

"Mainline Churches" are those churches which have the Roman Catholic Church as as part of their official church histories.

Most of the Pentecostal Denominations, such as the Assemblies of God, do not have a direct connection with the RCC nor to Martin Luther. They were not split from Mainline denominations. Some of the AG's founders were not even saved in regular church buildings in the early 20th Century. Some of the early Pentecostals had never been to a mainline church before they got saved and filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

08-25-2010 @ 6:50pm

"Mainline Churches" are those churches which have the Roman Catholic Church as as part of their official church histories.

Most of the Pentecostal Denominations, such as the Assemblies of God, do not have a direct connection with the RCC nor to Martin Luther. They were not split from Mainline denominations. Some of the AG's founders were not even saved in regular church buildings in the early 20th Century. Some of the early Pentecostals had never been to a mainline church before they got saved and filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

by: Phil Groom

08-25-2010 @ 9:17am

Thanks for the plug :)

by: duhsciple

08-24-2010 @ 11:50pm

Jesus died so that we might be free to love even those of other faiths.

What else did Jesus die for?

by: SamHamilton

08-25-2010 @ 12:41am

This all may be true, but what does it have to do with what Becky writes?

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

08-25-2010 @ 7:01pm

I don't really like the epithet "Christian" which was created by Greek-speaking pagans in Antioch, Syria when Paul and Barnabas were preaching about The Anointed (One) [Ho Christos in Greek]. The text where that is used is in the passive voice "were called Christians."

The followers of Jesus called themselves "Believers." But, they NEVER called themselves "Christians."

The politicized religion of Christianity is not Biblical either. The true history of Christianity began in 325 AD in Nicea when the Byzantine Emperor Constantine decided to make his own denomination to support his own agenda. He even presided over the 1st of the Seven Church Councils. The idea of a creed came from Constantine himself.

Constantine was also the one who got the stupid idea that wars could be fought in the sign of the cross and in Jesus' name. Jesus didn't approve of starting wars.

The religion of Christianity was used to take away the land of my Cherokee ancestors by those who believed that the Natives could not be "Christians." Slave owner Andrew Jackson claimed to be "Christian" and as the US President, he signed the papers to remove the Civilized Tribes from their native lands to Indian Territory.

Evil has been done in the "name of Christianity;" but, Jesus the Christ had/has no connection with any of that.

by: libmodcon

08-25-2010 @ 12:15am

America's mainline churches have moved steadily leftward, those churches' memberships declined as a percentage of the U.S. population while the number of Christian evangelicals exploded. Left-wing clerics may be buying greater political influence with their alliance through methods of teaming up with labor and other groups , but the price may be further alienating their shrinking flock.

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

08-25-2010 @ 6:50pm

"Mainline Churches" are those churches which have the Roman Catholic Church as as part of their official church histories.

Most of the Pentecostal Denominations, such as the Assemblies of God, do not have a direct connection with the RCC nor to Martin Luther. They were not split from Mainline denominations. Some of the AG's founders were not even saved in regular church buildings in the early 20th Century. Some of the early Pentecostals had never been to a mainline church before they got saved and filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

by: FMAWG

10-14-2010 @ 2:26pm

"Jesus died for nothing I suppose."~ John Prine to the world

Jesus had no particular agenda. He came so that we may have life abundant. He died so that we may live life eternally. Politics and "social justice" divide our house.

by: FMAWG

10-14-2010 @ 2:26pm

"Jesus died for nothing I suppose."~ John Prine to the world

Jesus had no particular agenda. He came so that we may have life abundant. He died so that we may live life eternally. Politics and "social justice" divide our house.

Comments sorted by highest rated. After voting you must refresh your page to see the sort order change.

by: duhsciple

08-24-2010 @ 11:50pm

Jesus died so that we might be free to love even those of other faiths.

What else did Jesus die for?

by: duhsciple

08-24-2010 @ 11:50pm

Jesus died so that we might be free to love even those of other faiths.

What else did Jesus die for?

by: libmodcon

08-25-2010 @ 12:15am

America's mainline churches have moved steadily leftward, those churches' memberships declined as a percentage of the U.S. population while the number of Christian evangelicals exploded. Left-wing clerics may be buying greater political influence with their alliance through methods of teaming up with labor and other groups , but the price may be further alienating their shrinking flock.

by: libmodcon

08-25-2010 @ 12:15am

America's mainline churches have moved steadily leftward, those churches' memberships declined as a percentage of the U.S. population while the number of Christian evangelicals exploded. Left-wing clerics may be buying greater political influence with their alliance through methods of teaming up with labor and other groups , but the price may be further alienating their shrinking flock.

by: SamHamilton

08-25-2010 @ 12:41am

This all may be true, but what does it have to do with what Becky writes?

by: SamHamilton

08-25-2010 @ 12:41am

This all may be true, but what does it have to do with what Becky writes?

by: libmodcon

08-25-2010 @ 2:23am

I thought she was advocating denominational particpation.

by: libmodcon

08-25-2010 @ 2:23am

I thought she was advocating denominational particpation.

by: Phil Groom

08-25-2010 @ 9:17am

Thanks for the plug :)

by: Phil Groom

08-25-2010 @ 9:17am

Thanks for the plug :)

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

08-25-2010 @ 6:50pm

"Mainline Churches" are those churches which have the Roman Catholic Church as as part of their official church histories.

Most of the Pentecostal Denominations, such as the Assemblies of God, do not have a direct connection with the RCC nor to Martin Luther. They were not split from Mainline denominations. Some of the AG's founders were not even saved in regular church buildings in the early 20th Century. Some of the early Pentecostals had never been to a mainline church before they got saved and filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

08-25-2010 @ 6:50pm

"Mainline Churches" are those churches which have the Roman Catholic Church as as part of their official church histories.

Most of the Pentecostal Denominations, such as the Assemblies of God, do not have a direct connection with the RCC nor to Martin Luther. They were not split from Mainline denominations. Some of the AG's founders were not even saved in regular church buildings in the early 20th Century. Some of the early Pentecostals had never been to a mainline church before they got saved and filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

08-25-2010 @ 6:50pm

"Mainline Churches" are those churches which have the Roman Catholic Church as as part of their official church histories.

Most of the Pentecostal Denominations, such as the Assemblies of God, do not have a direct connection with the RCC nor to Martin Luther. They were not split from Mainline denominations. Some of the AG's founders were not even saved in regular church buildings in the early 20th Century. Some of the early Pentecostals had never been to a mainline church before they got saved and filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

08-25-2010 @ 7:01pm

I don't really like the epithet "Christian" which was created by Greek-speaking pagans in Antioch, Syria when Paul and Barnabas were preaching about The Anointed (One) [Ho Christos in Greek]. The text where that is used is in the passive voice "were called Christians."

The followers of Jesus called themselves "Believers." But, they NEVER called themselves "Christians."

The politicized religion of Christianity is not Biblical either. The true history of Christianity began in 325 AD in Nicea when the Byzantine Emperor Constantine decided to make his own denomination to support his own agenda. He even presided over the 1st of the Seven Church Councils. The idea of a creed came from Constantine himself.

Constantine was also the one who got the stupid idea that wars could be fought in the sign of the cross and in Jesus' name. Jesus didn't approve of starting wars.

The religion of Christianity was used to take away the land of my Cherokee ancestors by those who believed that the Natives could not be "Christians." Slave owner Andrew Jackson claimed to be "Christian" and as the US President, he signed the papers to remove the Civilized Tribes from their native lands to Indian Territory.

Evil has been done in the "name of Christianity;" but, Jesus the Christ had/has no connection with any of that.

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

08-25-2010 @ 7:01pm

I don't really like the epithet "Christian" which was created by Greek-speaking pagans in Antioch, Syria when Paul and Barnabas were preaching about The Anointed (One) [Ho Christos in Greek]. The text where that is used is in the passive voice "were called Christians."

The followers of Jesus called themselves "Believers." But, they NEVER called themselves "Christians."

The politicized religion of Christianity is not Biblical either. The true history of Christianity began in 325 AD in Nicea when the Byzantine Emperor Constantine decided to make his own denomination to support his own agenda. He even presided over the 1st of the Seven Church Councils. The idea of a creed came from Constantine himself.

Constantine was also the one who got the stupid idea that wars could be fought in the sign of the cross and in Jesus' name. Jesus didn't approve of starting wars.

The religion of Christianity was used to take away the land of my Cherokee ancestors by those who believed that the Natives could not be "Christians." Slave owner Andrew Jackson claimed to be "Christian" and as the US President, he signed the papers to remove the Civilized Tribes from their native lands to Indian Territory.

Evil has been done in the "name of Christianity;" but, Jesus the Christ had/has no connection with any of that.

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

08-25-2010 @ 7:01pm

I don't really like the epithet "Christian" which was created by Greek-speaking pagans in Antioch, Syria when Paul and Barnabas were preaching about The Anointed (One) [Ho Christos in Greek]. The text where that is used is in the passive voice "were called Christians."

The followers of Jesus called themselves "Believers." But, they NEVER called themselves "Christians."

The politicized religion of Christianity is not Biblical either. The true history of Christianity began in 325 AD in Nicea when the Byzantine Emperor Constantine decided to make his own denomination to support his own agenda. He even presided over the 1st of the Seven Church Councils. The idea of a creed came from Constantine himself.

Constantine was also the one who got the stupid idea that wars could be fought in the sign of the cross and in Jesus' name. Jesus didn't approve of starting wars.

The religion of Christianity was used to take away the land of my Cherokee ancestors by those who believed that the Natives could not be "Christians." Slave owner Andrew Jackson claimed to be "Christian" and as the US President, he signed the papers to remove the Civilized Tribes from their native lands to Indian Territory.

Evil has been done in the "name of Christianity;" but, Jesus the Christ had/has no connection with any of that.

by: FMAWG

10-14-2010 @ 2:26pm

"Jesus died for nothing I suppose."~ John Prine to the world

Jesus had no particular agenda. He came so that we may have life abundant. He died so that we may live life eternally. Politics and "social justice" divide our house.

by: FMAWG

10-14-2010 @ 2:26pm

"Jesus died for nothing I suppose."~ John Prine to the world

Jesus had no particular agenda. He came so that we may have life abundant. He died so that we may live life eternally. Politics and "social justice" divide our house.