Only One Safe Space

There is a lot of discussion about creating places where people feel safe. I understand how this is a “felt need” when our world is so violent, abusive and dangerous on so many levels. Any quick read of history however, reveals that there has never been a time without the threat of harm to one’s person, even when we think we are safe. The fact is, in this world, life is full of risks and dangers.

I would never want to give up on a dream of creating a safe environment where everyone, no matter age or gender or ethnicity or any other distinguishing factor, would be valued, protected and respected simply because they are human. This ideal world is a place where one could not be hurt outwardly or inwardly. It is safe.

Jesus demonstrated in his life and teaching how we ought to live in this world. We are to love and respect others. He taught this simple formula: “Love God and Love others as yourself”. He challenged people to love family, friends, neighbors and even enemies. This was the ideal, and with the help of God, we have seen the church coming close to creating a truly safe community from time to time. The church, however, is made of imperfect people and can be as dangerous as the world sometimes. This obviously breaks the heart of God.

We remember that even God’s Son experienced horrible things in this fallen world in which we live. When God came and “dwelt with us”, the world was not safe. It is still not safe today and it is an unrealistic expectation to think differently. Things caused by natural disasters, like shipwrecks in stormy seas that Paul endured. Sicknesses left unhealed like the apostle’s thorn-in-the-flesh or persecutions by people in power. All these happened to God’s people. Yet Jesus seemed to call his followers to always take the higher ground of moral purity, kindness, and generosity when it came to responding to the things and people that hurt them. His challenge to his followers was to create communities that were safer than the world. But he never taught that it is their right to be safe. Instead He taught the church that in this world we would always have troubles.

As hard as we try to make places safe for people to live and work and learn, I question if being “safe” is the proper telos or goal. When I am wrong in my thoughts or actions, as a Jesus follower, I desire that someone or something will correct me. Correction is often hard and painful. The place of correction may not feel safe, for correction is rarely pleasant. But correction is needful to produce a better outcome for us or the community in which we live. The more nuanced understanding is that correction can be either loving or abusive. It is abusive correction in our world and the church that seems to be driving this movement to create “safe space”. Unfortunately, in this discussion, often the proponents of “safe space” have suggested the traditional moral values must succumb to one’s feelings of condemnation or guilt or rejection.

We have to admit that people have been abused and hurt outwardly and inwardly in the midst of faith communities. We must ask for forgiveness and repent when we are wrong. Yet we must not shrink back from teaching traditional moral values just because it may offend or challenge people to amend their behavior or self perceptions. We must do better in our loving, challenging and correcting people to live like Jesus lived. The truth is, however, in this age, Christ is the only real safe place. Let us show others the way to His arms. Let us teach others to be wise and recognize dangers around them. And if one is wounded, let us teach others to look to Him, who is the source of healing and restoration. Christ is the only safe place.

“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” Ps. 27:5

A Response to Roe

By Rev. Dave+ Kulchar

We are a divided nation.  Where are our leaders who call forth our better selves? Roe v Wade has been overturned and abortion regulation or restrictions fall back on the States.  I picture Jesus, if this had come to his attention in His day, squatting down and drawing a heart in the sand.  “The Kingdom of God bids you to love your neighbor. Love the frighten unwed mothers. Love the unwanted babies.  Love the morally confused teens, male and female, who are sexually active and invite them to a better way.  Love the adoptive parents and foster families.  Love the Father above who is the author and giver of life.” Let us today pray for peace.  Listen to the fears and pains behind all the anger of those who see this issue differently than ourselves.  Resist the flesh driven and impatient responses.  This issue is far from over or clearly resolved.  It holds the potential for great civil unrest.  Remember peace will most likely be in the middle ground for now until more hearts become pro-life.   Church take to heart Jesus’ words: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9)

Disciples Who Make Disciples

How do we know when we have made a disciple? When the people we are sharing our life with start making disciples too.