Across the Pastor’s Desk by Kenneth A. Jensen

As an idealistic young pastor in my 20s, I set out in my professional ministry with a passion to change the world. Jesus proclaimed, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

I still hold firmly to that belief. But as I recently shared at a men’s Bible study, I am beginning to wonder if there are times when the world needs to change the thinking and teachings of the church.

There was a time when it was believed that the resources of the earth were primarily for humankind’s commercial exploitation (Genesis 1:26-30); when slavery was sanctioned by God, based upon the story of Noah and his sons (Genesis 9:20-27); when the actions of Judas inspired some congregations to bury victims of suicide outside the cemetery fence (Matthew 26:23-24; 27:5-8); and when women were denied leadership roles in the church. (1 Corinthians 14:34-35)

Today, many Christians are aware of the long-term effects of global warming and environmental pollution. Rather than being exploiters of our planet, they see God calling us to be its caretakers. (Genesis 2:15)

Genetics has proven wrong the rationalization that Canaan, Shem and Japheth, the sons of Noah, were the progenitors of the African, Asian and Caucasian races respectively. They were Semites. There is no Biblical justification for white supremacy or slavery.

Suicide is no longer viewed as the ultimate rejection of God’s grace. It is understood to be the result of depression, a treatable mental illness. As for women, do not Deborah and Esther in the Old Testament as well as Lydia, Priscilla and Aquila in the New, elevate the role of women in the church?

In Matthew, Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said … but I say unto you.” He also spoke of the need to put “new wine” in “new wineskins.” His final word in Revelation (21:5) was, “I am making all things new!”

With 60 percent of the millennial generation no longer looking favorably on the church, I find myself asking, “Are there times when the world is challenging us to rethink how we communicate the good news of God’s love to those with a 21st century world view?” I’m thinking. What about you?

 

Kenneth Jensen is a retired ELCA pastor living in Albert Lea.