Mr. Roger's Theology

"Once you realize that everybody's your neighbor, you have a choice. You can either be an advocate or an accuser. An accuser is somebody who only sees what's awful about themselves so they look through those eyes and look for what's awful about their neighbor. An advocate is somebody who looks through the eyes of God at their neighbor and sees what's good about that person because they're created in God's likeness."

"I like you just the way you are."

These are two amazing quotes from Rev Fred Rogers - one of the most influential advocates for children's television in history.  

Fred was a minister in the Presbyterian faith. He loved God's creation, especially children who needed to hear the affirming message that "Mr. Rogers" shared each day that he was on PBS channels throughout the US.

I personally believe that Fred was a revolutionary man after God's heart who wanted to share that heart with everyone he encountered. Watching some of his videos recently, I was amazed at how applicable his message is to today's church message.

What if we were to take seriously his message - "I like you just the way you are"? What if we were to accept anyone who walks in the door without any need to seek change in those who are in our midst? How would that increase our church body? How would that align our message specifically for the UMC denomination "Open hearts, open minds, open doors"?

What if?

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to have dinner with a young clergyperson who is serving a small church in Arkansas. I was in the midst of someone who loves God, loves his wife and son, loves his church, and loves all. I was excited to hear all his story at how God has made him a witness to God's sustaining power and grace.

That is what we need in our church - we need to stop looking at the "awfulness" of people, and look at every relationship, every interaction, and every point to install goodness in God's creation because they are created in God's likeness.

Because I do like you just the way you are, not who I wish you could be. You are God's likeness wherever you are on your journey.

Did Jesus Give Hugs?

The other day, I was watching a video called "homophobes get their first gay hug." I was kind of struck by it in that I saw such a group of visibly-uncomfortable people offered something as simple as a hug from another human being. 

Now, I don't believe in the word "homophobe" but that's another blog for another time.....

Seeing the love and understanding that eventually came out of the interactions, I immediately thought of the life of Jesus - did Jesus Christ give hugs?

A brief Google search shows that one must look at the culture of the time in order to identify whether or not Jesus gave hugs. I don't know that I necessarily agree with that as Jesus did things outside the culture - he was Jesus, after all.

So, that begs the question - did Jesus give hugs?

In order to truly answer that question with all honesty, one must looks at the function of the gospel - to take a broken world and bring it in harmony with God. Looking at the essence of a hug - it is giving comfort and being comforted at the same time. It is an art of affection. It is a mutual invitation to the healing power of touch, making one whole, and offering a warm embrace.

So, did Jesus give hugs? Absolutely!