We Do Not Need a Pope

One of the members of my church was kidding with me last night, saying that we Methodists need to elect a pope so we can draw some attention our way.  He was remarking on how amazing it is that all the world seems fascinated by the conclave of cardinals - the election accompanied by the traditional white smoke.

Elections, whether in the church or in larger society, are always accompanied by hope.  I commented on the U.S. elections last fall that we seem unfailingly optimistic about the candidates we support.  We imagine that if only the people will elect our candidate of choice then the problems we face will be rectified, and progress and prosperity is sure to follow. 

I think our personal agendas must cloud our memories.  Surely we have seen enough candidates fail to achieve their stated platforms to know that no matter who we elect, he will eventually disappoint us.  So, regarding the election of Pope Francis I, I will pray for him and hope for the best, but I suspect that people will, in time, become disappointed in him, too.    When half the world’s Catholic Christians want a progressive pope, and the other half a conservative, what are his chances of getting everyone on the same page?  The Roman Catholic Church is such an unwieldy institution that even the greatest Pope can only do so much.  I imagine him sitting on a mechanical bull in a Texas bar, trying to hold on while being tossed to and fro.  I am not a pessimist, really.  I simply remember that at the end of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem there was a cross awaiting him.  We human beings can be dangerously fickle.

I am encouraged that the new pope has a reputation for humility and concern for the poor.  That’s a good sign.  Hopefully, he can straighten out the web of other problems and challenges facing Catholicism while maintaining that missional thrust.  As for us Methodists, no, we do not need a pope.  We have enough challenges these days without adding a new wrinkle to our administrative structure. 

All churches, no matter how we are organized, have blessings to give to the world, and flaws to overcome.  We don’t need media attention, necessarily.  What we need is more Christlikeness -  among our leaders, among our clergy, among those of us who worship in the pews.  I’ll take one Christian who will visit the sick and elderly, for every two who want to do the latest, greatest popular Bible study.  I’ll take one Christian who will check each week to make sure the homeless have food and blankets, for every two who are offering their opinions about the music we are singing on Sunday mornings.  I’ll take one Christian who is willing to teach the children the stories of Jesus, for every two who are enthralled with my preaching. 

Again, the answer to every challenge facing the church is Christlikeness.  From me.  And from you.  And perhaps, for those of you who continue to be put off by the church, a little more Christlikeness on the part of more Christians might make you change your minds.  In the mean time,  don’t be disappointed in us Christians.  As with any pope, we will undoubtedly let you down at one time or another.  Much better to keep your eyes on Jesus.  He’s the one who reveals the will of God.  Really.   

Why Jesus? (Being Part of the Big Picture)

I know I just asked the above question a few blogs ago, but there are many answers to this question, so plenty of blog-fodder. 

I was thinking about my cousin, Mary Ann, presently on a short-term journey to the Central African Republic to conduct a Bible school (for adults) and to encourage the Christian community in the region of Zemio.  The Christians there can use all the support they can get as they have had to deal with the terror campaign of Joseph Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army. 

Mary Ann  and her husband, Les, served in Africa as missionaries for over 40 years and in retirement they keep going back for short-term projects and programs like the present one.  The question you may ask is, “Why would anyone do this?”  After all, when retirement comes don’t we all want to put  our work behind us, especially if it puts us in a place that could be a threat to life and limb?

Now, I admit that one of the motivations for travel is the fact that Les and Mary Ann have children still serving in that region, but that is not the only reason they return again and again. They return because they love the people there – after forty years one can’t help but establish a bond.  But they also return because God has called them to something beyond themselves, and they feel both compelled as well as exhilarated by that calling.

Which returns me to the question, “Why Jesus?”   Mary Ann and Les might articulate this differently,  but I think they would agree with me – Jesus calls us out of an unsatisfying life of self-absorption into a life that plays itself out on the grand stage of history.  Jesus proclaimed that the kingdom of God was  breaking in upon the world.  The apostle Paul picked up on the theme by declaring that through Jesus God was doing nothing less than restoring the fullness of creation.

So, maybe all you want out of life is a decent job, a happy relationship with your significant other, or time off for good behavior.  Maybe all you care about is beating your best score in World of Warcraft.  Maybe your biggest dream is to make the cheerleading squad.  Or maybe all you want to do is retire so you can play golf.  Go for it.  Sounds stimulating.

But if you want to be part of something bigger than yourself, if you want to be part of a movement that is changing history, indeed, transforming  creation itself, then that’s “Why Jesus?”  If you haven’t heard this grand vision in the words and life of Jesus, then I suggest you haven’t really been listening.