Mercy in a Culture of Contempt

Bishop Mariann Budde spoke about “the culture of contempt” and responses to her message illustrated her point.

Out of Obscurity for 56 Hours

I write in relative obscurity. Jocelyn and I share stories of hope that we think are of interest to our REVwords readers. A good post might get 250 views in a week. 300 views would be in the exceptional category. Not the case with Friday’s post.

Over 2,250 people viewed and many shared the post on social media over four days. It set the record for the most REVwords views in one day over the last thirteen years. Someone said I touched a nerve.

The nerve was evident on social media. I didn’t reply to accusations made against me on my own Facebook page because those who know me best, respect me most. My beliefs, values and character need no defence. I am only saddened by the vitriol that my friends were exposed to. My finger was on the delete button a couple of times but friends advised me to let it ride.

I was impressed that a Christian organization let me know they used the post in a discussion with their staff.

This is a follow-up for our REVwords readers. I’m not posting it on social media. I want to keep the conversation on this site where we have maintained a healthy level of respectful engagement.

Words Matter

On January 31st I wrote about evangelical leaders’ responses to Bishop Mariann Budde’s sermon at the National Prayer Service for the President. My concern was for their effect on the souls of those who don’t know Jesus.

Already, many have written off American evangelicals and by association, Canadian evangelicals. There is a growing trend in the US that “evangelical” is equated with “Republican.” Americans Evangelicals are a voting block that helped elect the present President.

My post drew attention to the vitriolic statements made about Bishop Budde. My post shared their quotes verbatim.

Here’s a sampling of the criticism leveled against Budde and her gender, from representatives and spokespeople for Focus on the Family, Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, Turning Point Faith America, the Institute for Faith and Culture, and others:

• “a false teacher who has no authority or right to speak in the name of Jesus.”
• “not a prophetic voice from the church, but rather pathetic.”
• “Women’s ordination is a cancer”
• “a woke clergy member”
• “a wolf in Bishop garments…. heretical, diabolical”
• “a reflection of the liberal sickness”
• “she used that moment to speak a demonic message.”
• “her sermon was indicative of the heresy being taught by mainline denominations.”

Bishop Budde spoke about “the culture of contempt” and the responses illustrated her point.

Informed

My favourite lines were quoted in ChurchLeaders  – “It’s time for Bishop Budde to swap out her pulpit for a political podium. Her Diocese is in a death spiral. Average Sunday attendance plummeted more than 42% from when she was installed in 2011.”

Every pastor knows that if you want to land a blow below the belt, refer to declining attendance. Ironically, the Sunday services in her diocese on January 26^th and February 2^nd were SRO.

Many American friends (Bible College classmates, members of North Pointe who moved south), and some Canadians, sincerely helped inform me with their insights about illegal criminal immigrants in the States. We exchanged private messages on Saturday. I am learning.

Informed is helpful.

Surprise

During an interview about Budde’s comments, Franklin Graham said he was unaware of Trump’s executive order largely freezing the federal refugee program — a program that, according to faith-based refugee resettlement groups, also welcomes persecuted Christians. News of the executive order caught Graham by surprise.

“I wasn’t aware that this is under Trump, but if it is, I certainly will speak to that issue — privately,” he said.

Perhaps what he’ll say in private is what the Bishop already said in her public sermon.

No one who criticized the content took exception to the words of Christian leaders.

Because I commended the Bishop’s plea for mercy it was obvious I must also commend all of her other beliefs and behaviours.

Stand for mercy and compassion. You won’t stand alone.

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