Last week the daughter of one of my older members called me up to invite me to go to lunch with her, her daughter and her two nephews, all of whom are home schooled teenagers. She said that they had just finished studying the Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy. (I thought, "um, wow. I had very little notion of those events until...well, seminary!")This woman and her daughter worship at a non-denominational "Bible" Church and the nephews and their family are members of a Presbyterian Church of America congregation-very conservative, with no women in ordained leadership. Not even Elders or Deacons.
She said that she was aware that these young people were pretty insulated religiously and she thought it would be good for them to have a conversation with a "thinking, faithful person who comes at things from another perspective." Also, she said, "They have never met a woman pastor before." She probably said four times, "We aren't going to grill you!"
Because of the sweet way she asked and because I have a lot of affection for her father, I said I would be glad to meet them for lunch, which we had today.
I met them at Panera Bread and they bought me lunch! Yay! (1/2 Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich and Harvest Orchard salad. Yum!) After we ate and chatted a bit, they began with their prepared questions, asking for my thoughts on the infallibility of scripture, creation, heaven and hell, end times, miracles, interfaith dialogue and the person of Jesus Christ.
I was so very impressed with the respectful way in which they asked the questions and how they seemed to really listen to my answers. Although I could tell that they disagreed with many, if not most, of my answers, they never argued with me or looked visibly disgusted by my more liberal take on things. Actually, I could tell that they were really thinking about my answers, especially as I spoke about my emphasis on the authority of scripture rather than inerrancy.
Of course, they may be praying that I become a Christian someday. :)
6 comments:
what a nice story. there is hope for the world!
That is cool. It's those conversations that make a difference. To really listen to each other. Good for you for going. Still thinking of you...
Way to go!
Iris, that is way cool. You were a field trip! Thanks for doing us (women pastors with progressive theology) proud!
sounds great--very hopeful the church as well!
hooray! you done the ttf (pup) proud too!
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