Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinson, Contributing Writer
“Dangerous preaching risks challenging those in power…” wrote the Rev. Dr. William Barber in the forward of “How to Preach a Dangerous Sermon.” During the Inaugural Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral, the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde engaged in dangerous preaching.
Her homily (sermon) has unleashed a firestorm of vitriol, criticism, and critique. There have been calls for everything from an apology to deportation. Some have said Bishop Budde was politicizing the event.
A fundamental part of the Christian faith is the ability of preaching and prophetic voices to relate what’s happening in the world to God’s teachings. That is not political; that is addressing the reality of people’s lives. When God’s teachings oppose the administration of laws, those preaching and prophetic voices must be protected and amplified, or we will fall into an age of religious persecution.
While everyone focused on Bishop Budde’s two-minute closing appeal directly to President Trump, her homily lasted approximately 15 minutes. Bishop Budde pleaded for unity in a country that must be unified for its survival. A unity not tied to politics or partisanship but to a shared humanity grounded on three foundations for unity: 1) honoring the inherent dignity of every human being, 2) unencumbered honesty, and 3) humility.
Bishop Budde addressed issues that some have said are not strong suits of President Trump: loving one’s enemies, being merciful, and forgiveness. She even warned against the prevalence of what she referred to as the “outrage industrial complex.”
She never raised her voice above a conversational tone. Not once did she take a condescending posture but instead opted for a confident, inviting, and humble plea for mercy and unity. Long before her direct address to President Trump, Bishop Budde had already engaged in dangerous preaching.
What country are we becoming (or have become) when asking the President of the United States to exhibit mercy and promote unity is dangerous?
The attacks Bishop Budde has received in response to her words and her willingness to speak them in the presence of those in power is the price paid for “dangerous preaching.” However, she should be applauded and cherished because she exhibited the strength and courage to honor the dignity of every human being and to speak that dangerous truth in love.
Amen, Bishop Budde, and well done!
Link to Full Sermon: https://youtu.be/xwwaEuDeqM8
The Reverend Dr. Elliott Robinson is an Adjunct Faculty at Emory’s Candler School of Theology and developed the homiletical system “Imagineer Preaching.” He is also the Founder of Creative Tension, Inc. – creativetension.org. He received his D. Min. and M. Div. from Emory’s Candler School of Theology. He holds a J.D. from Howard Law and a B.S. from SUNY New Paltz.
Dangerous preaching led to the crucifixion. The most dangerous preaching is not to governments or world systems but to people. We must call out what the government is doing but the church must be called out to meet the needs of fellow humans by advancing the Gospel of Jesus. The most important aspect of the Civil Rights movement was that we took care of a supported one another. We opened our homes, supported financially and every church prayed for those marching and sitting. The church speaks truth to power best when we live the teachings in Scripture. When we love God and our neighbors, when we support and nurture one another we are dangerous. We say to the government you’re wrong but you won’t stop us from doing God’s will. The God we love and serve will be our Jehovah Nissi. We need to get our plan and direction from God. Then do as he commanded. These are difficult times but, our God is the same he does not change, he does not lie and he does not fail. So whatever we do in his name shall prosper. Now that’s dangerous preaching. Forget the government our King is King and his Kingdom is forever established.
Well said my sister. The kind Bishop was appealing to what should be a basic human instinct in all of us. Somebody please tell me why preaching on love and decency should ever be categorized as a “Dangerous Preaching”! However, it should be clear that she was speaking to one who defies everything humane when it comes to others who are not of the same color or do not enjoy the same socio-economic status that he enjoys. It’s sad that most Americans couldn’t take the blinders off and see bigotry and racism embodied in an indecent individual for what it is. And yes, he was reelected to a second non-consecutive term in the white house, built by black hands. It’s unfortunate to say the least. I won’t go as far as Dr. Jeremiah Wright in his condemnation of America a few years ago, but there are times that I pause & wonder about America really being the “land of the free, and the home of the brave”.