LABC Update – Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Family,

Wednesday greetings. I trust that the week is going well for each of you.

On Sunday, I used the third criminal indictment of Donald John Trump as the starting point for a a reflection on Jesus teaching that it is what comes out of us, rather than what we take into us, that is of the greatest moral and spiritual consequence.

After worship, we had a marvelous conversation about the topic in which the question “must we always tell the truth?” was raised.

Thank you to Dale Edmondson for this insight from martyr/pastor/theologian Deitrich Bonhoeffer.

Jim,

Bonhoeffer has an interesting discussion of lies in his Ethics. Lies need to be viewed within the broader context of the nature of “truth.” In his chapter, “What is meant by ‘Telling the Truth,'” he says, “‘telling the truth’ means something different according to the particular situation in which one stands.” And, “‘Telling the truth’ is not solely a matter of moral charter; it is also a matter of correct appreciation of real situations and of serious reflection upon them.”

He gives a fascinating example of teacher asked a young boy in front of his class whether his father regularly comes home drunk. It is the case, but the boy denies it. He gives an arresting analysis including the nature of the family and the immaturity of the child, finally saying, “The child’s answer can indeed be called a ‘lie’ yet this lie contains more truth, that is to say, it is more in accordance with reality than would have been the case if the child had betrayed his father’s weakness in front of the class.”

Dale

In worship we offered a prayer of blessing on the households that are part of the start of the school year. Here is a beautiful prayer of blessing from Nate Milheim of the Oakland Leadership Center

I would appreciate it if you some of you could represent us by participating (by Zoom) in Saturday’s Evergreen Baptist Associational Meeting. (10:00 – n00n)

Another opportunity for Saturday – Stand with LABC and FIAEB for Housing Justice

Rally for Housing Flyer (1)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83850825002

Peace,

Jim H.