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Paul Grench

I recently finished the book The Heart of Christianity, by Marcus Borg. There is plenty of content to digest in this treatise, but some of Borg's statements on faith and works caught my eye, especially as they relate to the recent youth mission trip to New Orleans.

Borg notes that Protestantism has paid scant attention to traditional practices. This has occurred because of the contrast of faith and works during the Reformation, the notion that faith is “belief” and not “doing,” and a modern feeling about the uncertainty of really knowing God, rather than simply believing in Him. However, part of traditional Christian practice has historically been about our relationship to our neighbors.

One part of traditional Christian practice -- paying attention to God -- is through collective deeds of compassion. The work of our young people in New Orleans is a way of showing compassion in the world. In this way, they pay attention to and know God more closely. I think that all of us in the church are inspired by their acts. They have inspired us to think about ways we can promote justice in our country and the world.

I would encourage any of you who wrestle with faith in the context of modernity, science, intolerance, etc. to read this interesting book. It may strongly affirm the faith that you have!