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The spot for the good news, the good word, the quick reports of the many, many wonderful news items I hear all the time and want to share with the rest of you. Expect to find the good news when you come to check out "what’s the good word?"

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Voice

There is a sense in which our collective voice in North America has been increasingly quieted over the past 50 years. It began in the 1960s, which is beyond memory to our youth and young adults; ancient history, like talking about the 1400s. Never-the-less, the quieting began there when we began to hear disturbing questions being raised concerning the many truths we had always held up to the world. Was the Garden of Eden metaphorical rather than actual? Was the flood an incorporation of ancient mythology rather than a historical event? Could the Book of Mormon be true if it was not historical? The list of questions grew and grew, and we began to question every aspect of our sacred story, both ancient and modern.

Slowly but inevitably our voice which once called out with claims of being the “one true church” grew quiet. Our voice went from proclaiming in loud and confident if sometimes brash tones to speaking hesitantly and then to almost whispering. We were no longer sure what to proclaim.

While the latter half of the 20th century was a time of much needed questioning for us, as the 21st century dawned, new understandings began to move from concepts to words. It began with the prophetic leadership of Grant McMurray and has continued with Steven Veazey. Their discerned insights have been formed into words and phrases that await our grasp. Those words need to be lived and spoken.

Read anew the persistent and growing call that is reflected in Doctrine and Covenants Sections 161 – 164. Hear again the divine Voice that calls us to realize and share our blessings. See how often that Voice speaks the word “Community.” The Voice has gone so far as to say that this word not only matters but is so important that it is our very identity and calling! (D. & C. 163:1). This is not some new insight or theology but a fresh way of understanding what has always been true; our call is to create and invite others to community which we used to identify as Zion.

It is time for the Community of Christ in North America to find its voice. Oh we have learned a few things in the past 50 years. We need not shout brashly from the rooftops with inflated claims about who we are, but we do have something to say, and we need to say it. Our voice needs to be heard. It may be a quiet voice, especially at first as we experiment and discover what sharing community really means, but we do need to speak.

Reach out in understanding, clasp their hands and invite all to share in the blessings of community. (D. & C. 161:3a).


It is time we found our voice.

Posted by Carman

6 comments:

  1. Carmen, your blog this morning went a long way to helping me resolve an issue that is bothering me. I have been having trouble putting into words how much I love the present church even though it is different from the one I joined 65 years ago. I have followed its evolving and welcomed each change as "more light and truth breaks from the word". Thank you for your insight and words of wisdom.

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  2. You are welcome, Anonymous. I am so glad you found the post helpful.

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  3. Carman,

    Both Peter and I are very impressed with these thoughts and echo the need you have raised for all of us to share our voice and invitation to community with Christ. We have felt silenced and ashamed. Afraid not only that our answers are wrong, but afraid to impose anything on anyone for any reason. So, learning to share our voice and invitation in ways that are authentic and yet respectful is needed. Thanks for the reminder.

    Kris

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  4. Oh my goodness ... Carman, this is absolutely brilliant! As a newcomer to the church, I cannot identify with bellowing from the rooftops that we are the "one true church" and I would happily bellow from anywhere and everywhere that we are about community. There can be no greater goal that to bring people into community with Christ.

    My unfortunate and increasing challenge is this: How do we engage our long time and life long members into the new ways this can look?

    I have heard much too much grumbling and ney saying about a current proposal before our congregation. It is rather unfortunate as it is the first thing that has excited me and propelled me into wanting to reach out into our community again. I believe so strongly that the "Wholeness and Healing Centre" idea before us will rejuvenate us .... and truly bring us to fulfilling the challenges and path our Prophet has brought to us.

    How do we get there from here? that is the question.

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  5. Thank you Soon2bmrsroach, that is high praise indeed for my humble words.

    I have been hearing little snippets about this Wholeness and Healing Centre. It sounds like an intriguing idea I would like to know more about. Thanks for your comments.

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  6. The post "Voice" continues to stimulate comments, both here on the blog and more often via email or in person. Marion and I are always gratified when our humble thoughts resonate with you the reader, and even more so when you feel encouraged to add a comment. I would ve happy to continue the conversation around "Voice" if you feel so inclined. Please add your voice to this or any of our conversations on What's the Good Word.

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