How refreshing it is when one comes across US citizens of faith who don't support the Iraq war, who put the fight for poverty, justice, and equity above the abortion debate, and speak out on the biblical basis for these views. Such a person was in Melbourne yesterday: Jim Wallis of Sojourners. Jim, hosted by Micah Challenge and introduced by Micah Challenge International Council member and Tear Fund Executive Director Steve Bradbury, spoke yesterday at the Melbourne Town Hall.
Also speaking in support of Jim was World Vision's, Tim Costello.
Jim is in Australia promoting the Australian edition of his book, God's Politics: why the American Right gets it wrong and the left doesn't get it.
Tim Costello wrote the Foreword for the Australian edition. Quotes
How did Jesus become pro-rich, pro-war and pro-America alone?
The good news is that the monologue of the right is over...Dialogue is always better than a monologue.
There are two great hungers in our world today, one for spiritual integrity and the other for social justice. And the connection between the two is the one the world is waiting for.
The churches ask for the edges of people's lives, and that's what they get, the edges. A whole generation of young people are looking for an agenda worthy of their energy and gifts, something big enough to give their lives to.
If I'm an unborn child I should stay unborn. Once I'm born I'm off the radar screen of the religious right - no child care, no support for mothers. It's pro-birth, not pro-life.
The choice is between hope and cynicism.
Cynicism is a buffer against commitment.
Hope is not a feeling nor a state of mind. Hope is a choice, a decision we make because of faith.
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
For a review of God's Politics which points out flaws as well as applauds, read Elizabeth Castelli's critique at Slate.