Monday, June 25, 2007
Transgender, Transfaith ... Does It Matter Anymore?
I realize it's practically illegal nowadays to blog about old news—you know, something that happened more than eight hours ago and is now a distant memory on CNN’s ticker. But sometimes an article catches your attention in a way that you just have to share it with those who may not have heard the news. Call me outdated, out of the loop and an online outcast … whatever you do, just take a look at this from the Seattle Times.
A few weeks ago we highlighted a transgender pastor in Baltimore. Now our attention shifts to a transfaith minister in Seattle. Yes, you read that right. The Rev. Ann Holmes Redding, an Episcopal priest of more than 20 years at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, is also a newly converted Muslim who sees no issue with following both religions. Redding used to serve as St. Mark’s director of faith formation; now she’ll be teaching New Testament this fall to malleable-minded collegians at Seattle University. Phew.
There are so many angles from which to take on this sign-of-our-times story. Redding’s bishop characterizing her dual faith as “exciting.” The so-called “religious scholars” who somehow deem this possible. The Muslim leaders who have opened their arms to Redding. Yet I want to focus on one crucial element that relates you and me, a telling point that cuts deep for every born-again believer.
Redding first became interested in Islam when a local Muslim leader gave a talk at her own church and, following his message, dropped to the ground to pray before the group. The Times reporter describes Redding as “moved … [because] it seemed to her that his whole body was involved in surrendering to God.” Not long after, another Muslim leader taught a group how to chant a prayer and meditate on opening one’s heart—this time at a St. Mark’s-hosted interfaith class. Once again, Redding was inspired: “I was in a situation that I could not handle by any other means, other than a total surrender to God.” Her response was to become a Muslim because, in her own words, “when God gives you an invitation, you don’t turn it down.”
Let’s set aside Redding’s contradictory logic here and misconceptions of God. The sad truth is that she saw more authentic passion, devotion and worship in these Muslim leaders than the Christians around her. She saw faith in action, worship in motion. Christianity as a religion was not enough for this woman because it was simply that: a religion. She longed for a divine yet personal touch that went beyond stuffy religious routine. In fact, she compares her newfound Islamic prayer times to being in love all over again and looks forward to “all these dates with God. … Living a life where you’re remembering God intentionally, consciously, just changes everything.”
Yes, it does. But how sad is it for us believers that Redding—and countless other Christians willing to compromise their beliefs—can only find this authenticity in another faith? Is it any wonder that those looking for something “real” often pass over Jesus because of those who represent Him? What does that say about the church at large? Just as important, what does it say to you and me as far as how we live out our faith? Jesus did not lead people to worshipping another God; He drew people straight to Himself, which in turn led them straight to the Father (see John 12:32). Are we doing the same?
A few weeks ago we highlighted a transgender pastor in Baltimore. Now our attention shifts to a transfaith minister in Seattle. Yes, you read that right. The Rev. Ann Holmes Redding, an Episcopal priest of more than 20 years at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, is also a newly converted Muslim who sees no issue with following both religions. Redding used to serve as St. Mark’s director of faith formation; now she’ll be teaching New Testament this fall to malleable-minded collegians at Seattle University. Phew.
There are so many angles from which to take on this sign-of-our-times story. Redding’s bishop characterizing her dual faith as “exciting.” The so-called “religious scholars” who somehow deem this possible. The Muslim leaders who have opened their arms to Redding. Yet I want to focus on one crucial element that relates you and me, a telling point that cuts deep for every born-again believer.
Redding first became interested in Islam when a local Muslim leader gave a talk at her own church and, following his message, dropped to the ground to pray before the group. The Times reporter describes Redding as “moved … [because] it seemed to her that his whole body was involved in surrendering to God.” Not long after, another Muslim leader taught a group how to chant a prayer and meditate on opening one’s heart—this time at a St. Mark’s-hosted interfaith class. Once again, Redding was inspired: “I was in a situation that I could not handle by any other means, other than a total surrender to God.” Her response was to become a Muslim because, in her own words, “when God gives you an invitation, you don’t turn it down.”
Let’s set aside Redding’s contradictory logic here and misconceptions of God. The sad truth is that she saw more authentic passion, devotion and worship in these Muslim leaders than the Christians around her. She saw faith in action, worship in motion. Christianity as a religion was not enough for this woman because it was simply that: a religion. She longed for a divine yet personal touch that went beyond stuffy religious routine. In fact, she compares her newfound Islamic prayer times to being in love all over again and looks forward to “all these dates with God. … Living a life where you’re remembering God intentionally, consciously, just changes everything.”
Yes, it does. But how sad is it for us believers that Redding—and countless other Christians willing to compromise their beliefs—can only find this authenticity in another faith? Is it any wonder that those looking for something “real” often pass over Jesus because of those who represent Him? What does that say about the church at large? Just as important, what does it say to you and me as far as how we live out our faith? Jesus did not lead people to worshipping another God; He drew people straight to Himself, which in turn led them straight to the Father (see John 12:32). Are we doing the same?
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Thank you for this very important article.
First, I applaud Ann Redding for saying, "I pray not to cause scandal or bring shame upon either of my traditions.", but she obviously found a place outside the Body of Christ where she felt loved evidenced by her statement that it seemed as if she were "coming home".
What disillusioned Christians need to understand is that the behavior of other Christians has no bearing on the Leader, i.e. Jesus. So what happens is that when Christians become disillusioned with Christianity because _________ (fill in the blank), they end up fully or partially embracing other belief systems. And when that happens they get caught up in vain philosophies (as per Paul's prophecy) when searching for love and place where they fit in.
Jesus prayed to the Father that there would be unity among his followers. But his John 17 prayer has yet to be completely fulfilled. And from what I read, Ann Redding had found the 'family' of believers - the communion of saints - unsatisfactory. And unfortunately, that's a legitimate concern in the Body of Christ. Very sadly so.
I was disillusioned at one time because my expectations weren't met by other Christians when they were 'supposed' to be loving with a display of dynamic and an unshakable faith. But I've since come to realize that it is in the Lord Jesus with whom I place my faith, hope and expectations, and not in any other.
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First, I applaud Ann Redding for saying, "I pray not to cause scandal or bring shame upon either of my traditions.", but she obviously found a place outside the Body of Christ where she felt loved evidenced by her statement that it seemed as if she were "coming home".
What disillusioned Christians need to understand is that the behavior of other Christians has no bearing on the Leader, i.e. Jesus. So what happens is that when Christians become disillusioned with Christianity because _________ (fill in the blank), they end up fully or partially embracing other belief systems. And when that happens they get caught up in vain philosophies (as per Paul's prophecy) when searching for love and place where they fit in.
Jesus prayed to the Father that there would be unity among his followers. But his John 17 prayer has yet to be completely fulfilled. And from what I read, Ann Redding had found the 'family' of believers - the communion of saints - unsatisfactory. And unfortunately, that's a legitimate concern in the Body of Christ. Very sadly so.
I was disillusioned at one time because my expectations weren't met by other Christians when they were 'supposed' to be loving with a display of dynamic and an unshakable faith. But I've since come to realize that it is in the Lord Jesus with whom I place my faith, hope and expectations, and not in any other.
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