today's quote to ponder

I miss Issues Class! If ever we had things to discuss in Issues Class, it is now. So, so much is going on. Alas, those discussions aren’t happening in person in the same way. However, I still feel a desire to share some new ideas with you. So, last Monday and today of this week, I’m sending you short excerpts to consider. They will be accompanied by a bit of scripture. I invite you to use them in prayer, discussion, or however God leads.

Today’s Excerpt:

From Eleazar S. Fernandez:

"…The gospel is no gospel at all unless it becomes specific. The gospel that is not specific or concrete may even be counter to the gospel. When confronted with diversity, it is a common pulpit discourse in the United States to project a universal (e.g., equality in the sight of God), which is most often a particular dominant perspective masquerading as universal…" but…

"Diversity is not reduced to a common denominator or to a universal abstraction… instead of talking in singular about “ability to love,” [we can talk] about “abilities to love” or about “ways to love.” God’s love is not monotonous uniformity, but has multiple expressions in response to the plight of a people."[i]

Today’s Scripture:

1 Corinthians 13:12 Amplified Bible (AMP)

12 For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God].

[i] Eleazar S. Fernandez. “A Filipino Perspective: Unfinished Dream in the Land of Promise.” Preaching Justice: Ethnic and Cultural Perspectives. (Eugene, OR: WIPF & STOCK, 1998), 63-64.