I’m reminded today of words spoken to me by J. Christy Wilson, Jr, my missions and evangelism professor at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary who was also my friend and father in the faith.
It was 1951 when he and wife, Betty, first set foot in Afghanistan. Christy served for 22 years as a missionary and pastor in that country, and his father before him had served in Persia.
Christy told me he believed Islam to be “a failure of Christian missions.” Muhammad received only bits and pieces of the faith from Jesus followers and so diverged from foundational Gospel truths. We’re suffering the consequences of that failure today…
Here’s a perfect poetic picture of the pablum served up in the pseudo-churches so endemic in the United States. Feed me the fuzzies. Send me home happy.
From my brilliant friend, Tom Graffagnino:
“The dogma lives loudly within you,” Diane Feinstein said with a condescendingly dogmatic sneer.
* * *
If you’re wond’ring how we got here…
How we drove into this ditch.
Don’t look far, church, check the mirror
In this land of Bait ‘n’ Switch.
* * *
Welcome to our Puppy Dogma,
Quite the soft and cuddly sight,
Waggy-taily, always friendly…
And this Dogma doesn’t bite.
Here’s religion we can hang with,
Here’s a good God to enjoy!
Puppy Dogma co-existing,
Quite laid back …a real good boy!
If you want, he’ll just roll-over,
Or he’ll fetch and play all day!
Guaranteed to keep you happy,
In a pluralistic way.
He’s a faithful little fella,
Take him for a ride….You’ll see!
Always nice and always grateful
For your generosity.
He can “Stay!” right where you want him,
Or he might just tag along!
He will never be judgmental,
In the face of right or wrong!
When you’re down, he’ll lift your spirits.
When you’re low, he’ll get you high.
Therapeutic Puppy Dogma,
True blue, trusty, semper fi.
Bottom line, he’s reassuring,
He’ll make sure you’re feeling good!
He’ll come running when you whistle…
Like good Puppy Dogmas should!
* * *
[The poem above is from of Tom’s book (“No Border Land”, p. 124)]
Here’s a link to an inspiring story about J. Christy Wilson, Jr. and his worldwide discipling ministry. Oh, that we might follow his example of faithful and courageous service! Wake up, Church!!!
