Pentecost 2008 in Washington, D.C. by Akele Parnell

So I just got back from the Pentecost 2008 conference in Washington, D.C., sponsored by Sojourners. It was a gathering of over 230 people, from a variety of Christian traditions (and a few from other faiths) for the purpose of equipping leaders to become agents of change in their churches and communities. Through faith-based advocacy and organizing the leaders of the conference hope to mobilize a faith based constituency around the issue of poverty, who are capable of influencing congressional and presidential priorities around domestic and global poverty, in order to end extreme poverty. The conference’s slogan “Training for Change,” captures the practical focus of the conference as well as its lively, activist nature. All these aspirations manifest themselves in the Vote Out Poverty Campaign. The major action plan of this campaign is to get voters to get out and to vote on the issue of poverty.

It was wonderful to see hundreds of Christians gathered together to live out their faith by responding to the injustice of poverty. The conference was challenging―in that I was urged to act in ways which cause me to step outside my comfort zone― as well as encouraging to see so many likeminded Christians―meaning, likeminded in our commitment to living out our faith by taking action against injustice.

We should all be encouraged to know that we have brothers and sisters out there who are actively engaged in the fight for justice and paving the way for a just future for all those ravaged by poverty. I sometimes get discouraged because it seems as if those who see the Biblical call to justice and act on it, are too few far and in between.

However, I left the conference encouraged, re-energized and with a new perspective. When faced with the lack of co-laborers, I find wisdom and encouragement in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when he said “almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.” When I can’t see the end he reminds us that “faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase,” and when faced with the doubt that my work is fruitless I realize that just as Christ rose from the grave “that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” Christ is redeeming the world and we can be a part of that now. What’s more, we can be actively engaged in loving our brothers and sisters who are suffering, by speaking out for their rights and getting engaged in the struggle for justice. Finally, although we don’t always see the fruits of our labor we can be sure that what we are doing is making a significant change, of eternal value.

Akele Parnell is a first year Masters of Divinity student at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Pollution vs. Parents by Jeff Liou

I drive what I like to call a “big nasty.” More specifically, it is a full-size, luxury SUV that gets 15 miles per gallon of premium (only!) gas. Perhaps you’ve seen it. I have no way of verifying this, but I suspect that among evangelicals of my generation, environmental stewardship is coming to be seen as a biblical imperative. I’ve internalized this commitment, which is why I am loath to drive this car. Though, some days, this loathing pales in comparison to the pain of paying for 22+ gallons at the pump. So, I guess that’s another thing – it simply doesn’t seem to be the wisest use of the financial resources God gives us.

Yet, this car was a gift of love and sacrifice from my (non-Christian) Taiwanese American parents. Many second generation children (children born in the US to immigrant parents) understand gifts of this nature in the context of their parents’ struggle to secure a better life for their children. How, then, can a second generation child like me reject a gift like this without dishonoring my parents’ generosity (they knew we can’t afford a car on our own) and concern for safety (they very genuinely emphasize the safety of the vehicle)???

Do I choose between care of creation and the fifth commandment? Or can I somehow ‘have it all’?

Some might think it the easier route to say that since my parents aren’t Christians, I don’t have to obey them. I don’t think it’s that simple. Is honor only deontological? That is, is there some prewritten game-plan for how to honor parents? OR, is honor also, to some degree, existential and situational? That is, if my parents feel dishonored (relationally AND culturally), am I not in some way responsible?

I’d love to hear what you think! And pity me the next time you me driving the “big nasty!”

Jeff Liou is a first year Masters of Divinity Student at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.