I attended a town hall hosted by Christ Church on April 11, my first such soiree. I had cautiously transected the gauntlet of students thrusting strongly-worded placards against the Church, and arrived inside University of Idaho’s auditorium to a similar horde, hurling accusations and insults. Pastor Doug Wilson appeared accustomed to the chaos and calmly yet assertively fended them off with touches of humor. Continuous reminders to “text in your questions” came from Wilson and the other Church panelists, Benjamin Merkle and Toby Sumpter.
The texted questions clustered around several themes: the methods the Church deploys to “make Moscow a Christian town,” internal Church protocol that governs behaviors ranging from sexual abuse to gender roles, and doctrinal questions intended to clarify what distinguishes Christ Church beliefs from other branches of Christianity. Christian nationalism also was touched upon. Most answers were candid and direct.
To be sure, Christ Church desires that everyone worldwide be Christian. Yet given their evangelical basis, I was left with the impression that this religious enclave is deeply committed to “loving their neighbor.” Even without delving into their psychology — it is safe to assume that Christ Church members are no different than any human, in that they too are in need of love. They need our love, the love from citizens of Moscow who are theists and atheists alike, of every stripe and color. Love is an exchange.
Moscow is blessed with diversity and Christ Church is equally welcome to share in Moscow’s diversity. We mustn’t see them as a “them” and us as an “us.” There is a coincidental quip from Woody Allen: “I love New York because you can order Chinese takeout at 4 a.m. I would never do that. You’d have to be crazy to do that. But I love that you can.”
Even if you don’t “order” off Christ Church’s evangelical Christian menu, don’t you prefer to live in a town where their believers sit comfortably beside a rich banquet of faiths: Mormons, Methodists, Unitarians, Buddhists, Moslems, Jews, Sufis, Bahais and assorted other paths? Whether one God, many Gods, or no Gods — regardless of scripture. They have done as much: declared their love for the “unbelieving” Moscow neighbors, as Sumpter said, “because they (unbelievers) are made in the image of God.”
Wilson furthered that sentiment by dispelling rumors that Christ Church has plans “to send in the 82nd Airborne Division.” Christ Church desires genuine “cultural engagement,” not tanks and grenade launchers. Why are we still so hesitant to reach out? Pour the wine and bourbon (yes, they imbibe) and let us clink glasses to our children’s health and share in our common dreams.
God forbid I take to quoting Bible verses in my column, but here goes: Matthew 22:37-40 — “Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second: Love your neighbor as yourself.” I have atheist friends who love deeply from a place of humility. They would love those who love God with all their heart. Therein lies a bridge to Christ Church members (and other believers). Secular neighbors not placing conditions on their love for Christ Church members.
For whether we are contemplating the reality of Santa Claus or a Supreme Being, each individual activates the imagination. With heads bowed in houses of worship throughout Moscow, that intent translates into faith. There is beauty in that subjective experience that can be shared with others, including Christ Church members. Rather than ridiculing them for close-mindedness, why not act in line with loving your neighbor and invite a member into your mosque, church or temple. Pray, rejoice together.
And let’s grow and transact local business together as well. Christ Church member-owned small businesses in Moscow are examples of what they would call “Christian leadership.”
We also know of stellar examples of small retailers owned by unbelievers. Would it be too much trouble to likewise be leaders and post a small sign, “Christ Church community welcome here”?
Christ Church members are a minority in Moscow. We know that members of other minority groups have felt judged, even rejected from the town’s majority. Let us act in line with the attitude that they have an equal right to call Moscow their hometown. Who knows — perhaps the tables will be turned someday, and they won’t be the minority.
After years of globetrotting, Broadman finds himself writing from his perch on the Palouse and loving the view. His policy briefs can be found at US Renew News: usrenewnews.org.
