A Leap of Faith - from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade film

Christianity is a relative newcomer in the history of the world’s great religions. It dates only a little more than two thousand years. I use the phrase “the search for God.” Some wag said that even if God didn’t exist, we would have invented one (or several) to satisfy our need for meaning.

At Christmas sometimes we get so hung up on the birth narrative that we forgot how the story ends - with the Resurrection. We cram the versions in the four Gospels into one contradictory narrative with various timelines. Of course, each of the Gospel writers had a different perspective of the story, so they put emphases on different aspects.

As author Ben Witherington notes, the idea that an unwed mother would get top billing in the story merely authenticates the story because it seems improbable. That often is the case in the Bible. Mary, né Miriam, follows a long line of women in the Bible who assume a prominent role despite coming from poor backgrounds. Protestants think the Catholics venerate her too much and take the focus off Jesus. But sometimes we need someone to intercede on our behalf, particularly when we’re down and out.

Upon his nomination for president of the United States, George H. W. Bush delivers an acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention on August 18, 1988. History.com

I recently was reminded of this phrase that was promoted by George Herbert Walker Bush during his administration. It was interpreted to mean that non-profits and religious organizations should take primary responsibility for charity and not depend upon government social justice programs. It was roundly criticized as merely a token effort and a failure to provide for the basic human needs of everyone.

While the passage of the proposed “social infrastructure” legislation is still in process, the impetus is clearly in that direction. My point is not to discuss whether private or public programs are more efficient in serving the needs of the poor. I hope that we might consider this as an opportunity to reach across the great divide that now separates our nation.