La Duda Es Buena

Rev. Dr Mercado predicated en la Iglesia Presbiteriana El Redentor. 

 LA DUDA ES BUENA 

Rev. Dr. Carmelo Mercado

Encuestas recientes han confirmado que 65 millones de adultos en los Estados Unidos han dejado de asistir a los servicios de adoración, y 2.7 millones los abandonan cada año. ¡Esto es antes de la pandemia! Entre 1933–2000, el 70% de los estadounidenses asistieron constantemente a la iglesia, pero ahora es menos de la mitad (47%). Por otro lado, hay un 23% de las personas (generalmente la generación más joven o milenial) llamadas "NINGUNAS" porque no marcan ninguna casilla de afiliación religiosa cuando son encuestadas, y su número está creciendo. No son necesariamente ateos. Por el contrario, pueden ser buscadores espirituales o personas que están justamente desilusionadas con la religión institucionalizada; que tienen dudas sobre los sistemas de creencias fundamentalistas; y que cuestionan el por qué muchas personas religiosas parecen ser tan crueles, críticas, de mente cerrada y racistas (¡muy contrarias a las enseñanzas de Jesús!). Para ellas, la mayoría de los creyentes están menos enfocados en dirigir el camino hacia la justicia social, la equidad racial, el cuidado de la tierra, la reforma migratoria y el establecimiento de la paz; y están más obsesionados con temas de sexualidad, creencias doctrinales “correctas”, posesión de armas, islamofobia, anti-ciencia, conspiraciones de vacunación, políticas partidistas, etc. En lugar de imitar a Cristo al salir y servir a los pobres, rechazados, enfermos y marginados, estos cristianos están debatiendo, condenándose y excomulgándose unos a otros, por ejemplo, ¡sobre la base de si realmente hay un lugar de tormento literal/eterno llamado Infierno o no! En otras palabras, la base de la unidad cristiana ya no es la solidaridad humana o "la fe que actúa mediante el amor [incondicional]" (Gálatas 5:6, NVI), sino la uniformidad a una interpretación dogmática y estrecha de las Escrituras según la definición de ciertas autoridades religiosas (e incluso comentaristas políticos). No es de extrañar que millones estén experimentando una crisis de fe, incredulidad y duda. La duda puede ser desorientadora, solitaria y desgarradora (especialmente cuando se mantiene en secreto). Sin embargo, una fe en la que no hay duda es de hecho una fe superficial. Si su fe se hiciera añicos debido a la duda, entonces era una fe inestable en primer lugar. La duda puede deconstruir sin destruir. Sin incredulidad, no habrá cambios ni reforma del statu quo. La duda nos obliga a cuestionar, repensar, reflexionar, reevaluar y reconsiderar. De hecho, la duda puede conducir al crecimiento. Acabo de terminar de leer Faith After Doubt (o La Fe Después de la Duda) de uno de mis autores favoritos, Brian McLaren, donde describe pastoralmente sus Cuatro Etapas de la Fe (o su desarrollo gradual): 

1. La Simplicidad es donde los niños (y aún los adultos) no cuestionan las figuras de autoridad, y la creencia es dualista (es decir, tener las respuestas correctas contra las incorrectas; nosotros contra ellos; el bien contra el mal). Muchos adultos nunca sueltan la Etapa 1 o 2. Sólo la duda nos impulsa a cuestionar cada etapa. 

2. La Complejidad reconoce las áreas grises de la vida, y que las figuras de autoridad son entrenadores que nos ayudan con los “pasos” para lograr el “éxito” espiritual rezando más y esforzándose más. 

3. La Perplejidad sospecha de los líderes como manipuladores que controlan a los ingenuos, y critica las creencias como prejuiciosas, intolerantes, hipócritas, tóxicas, hirientes o incluso peligrosas. 

4. La Armonía ve a los líderes como imperfectos, toda la vida es sagrada y un regalo misterioso, y las acciones amigables de Dios a través de los demás y su presencia amorosa en toda la creación son primordiales. En Simplicidad, la duda es un pecado o una traición. En Complejidad, la duda es una enfermedad que hay que curar. En Perplejidad, la duda es una virtud que debe nutrirse. En Armonía, la duda es una parte necesaria de la vida para pasar de una etapa a otra. La duda destrona la supremacía de nuestro ego, religión, raza, política, especie o lo que sea. La duda debería llevarnos a confiar más en la suprema bondad y sabiduría de Dios, en lugar de en nuestras propias verdades estrechas acerca de Dios. Como escribió la difunta Rachel Held Evans a los escépticos de todo el mundo: "No son locos, y no están solos". 

Rev. Dr. Mercado es el capellan en Magnolia towers y WestminsterPlaza, fue el pastor anterior en la primera iglesia presbiteriana el redentor en el Presbytery de Florida Central.

Doubt is Good by Rev. Carmelo Mercado

 

 DOUBT IS GOOD 

Rev. Carmelo Mercado, DMin, ChFC® 

Recent polls have confirmed that 65 million adults in the United States have stopped going to worship services, and 2.7 million are dropping out every year. This is before the pandemic! From 1933–2000, 70% of Americans consistently attended church, but now it is less than half (47%). On the other hand, there are 23% of people (usually the younger or millennial generation) called “NONES” because they do not check any religious affiliation boxes when surveyed, and their number is growing. They are not necessarily atheists. On the contrary, they may be spiritual seekers or people who are justly disillusioned with institutionalized religion; who have doubts about fundamentalist belief systems; and who question why many religious folks seem to be so mean, judgmental, closed-minded, and racist (quite contrary to Jesus’ teachings!). For them, most believers are less focused on leading the way on societal justice, racial equity, earth care, immigration reform, and peacemaking; and they are more obsessed on sexuality issues, “correct” doctrinal beliefs, gun ownership, Islamophobia, anti-science, vaccination conspiracies, partisan politics, etc. Rather than imitating Christ in going out and serving the poor, outcast, sick, and marginalized, these Christians are debating, condemning, and excommunicating one another, for example, on the basis if there is truly a literal/eternal place of torment called Hell or not! In other words, the basis of Christian unity is no longer human solidarity or “faith expressing itself in [unconditional] love” (Galatians 5:6, NLT), but uniformity to a dogmatic, narrow interpretation of Scriptures as defined by certain religious authorities (and even political commentators). It is no wonder that millions are experiencing a faith crisis, unbelief, and doubt. Doubt can be disorienting, lonely, and heartbreaking (especially when kept secret). However, a faith where there is no doubt is indeed a shallow faith. If your faith were to shatter because of doubt, then it was a shaky faith in the first place. Doubt can be deconstructive without being destructive. Without unbelief, there would be no changes or reformation to the status quo. Doubt forces us to question, rethink, reflect, reevaluate, and reconsider. In fact, doubt can lead to growth. I just finished reading Faith After Doubt by one of my favorite authors, Brian McLaren, where he pastorally describes his Four Stages of Faith (or its gradual development): 

1. Simplicity is where children (and even adults) do not question authority figures, and belief is dualistic (that is, having the right answers vs. wrong ones; us vs. them; good vs. evil). Many adults never leave Stage 1 or 2. Only doubt propel us to question each stage. 

2. Complexity acknowledges gray areas in life and that authority figures are coaches who help us with “steps” to achieve spiritual “success” by praying more and trying harder. 

3. Perplexity is suspicious of leaders as manipulators who control the naïve, and it is critical of beliefs as bias, intolerant, hypocritical, toxic, hurtful, or even dangerous. 

4. Harmony views leaders as imperfect, all life is sacred and a mysterious gift, and God’s friendly actions through others and loving presence in all creation are paramount. In Simplicity, doubt is a sin or betrayal. In Complexity, doubt is a disease to be healed. In Perplexity, doubt is a virtue to be nurtured. In Harmony, doubt is a necessary part of life to move from one stage to another. Doubt dethrones the supremacy of our ego, religion, race, politics, species, or whatever. Doubt should lead us to trust more in God’s supreme goodness and wisdom, rather than our own narrow-minded truths about God. As the late Rachel Held Evans wrote to doubters everywhere: “You’re not crazy, and you’re not alone.” 

Rev. Dr. Carmelo Mercado is the chaplain at Magnolia Towers and Westminster Plaza, he served as the pastor at Iglesia Presbiteriana El Redentor  (El Redentor Presbyterian Church) in Oviedo Florida and as a seminary professor.

The book cited is Brian D McLaren's "When your beliefs stopped working and what to do about it, Faith After Doubt" published by St. Martin's Publishing Group.  Purchase it at Amazon on line or other fine book distributors. 

A Conversation with Leaders of the Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba (IPRC)

 

Recorded from a video conference call recorded March 4, 2021. Hosted by the PC(USA) Cuba Partners Network. Moderated by Rev. John Potter and Randy Simpson, CPN Co-conveners with IPRC leaders: Reverend Dora Arce, Moderator (General Council) Pastor, San Antonio de los Baños Presbyterian Church Reverend Liudmila Hernández, Vice Moderator (General Council) Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Havana Reverend Edelberto Valdés, General Secretary (General Council) Pastor, Caibarién Presbyterian Church Reverend Izett Samá (General Council) Pastor, Los Palos Presbyterian Church; Secretary of Havana presbytery; Reverend Alison Infante General Council Pastor, Cardenas Presbyterian Church Dr. Reinerio Arce (General Council) Associate Dean, Evangelical Theological Seminary; General Council Reverend Dr. Carlos Emilio Ham Rector, Evangelical Theological Seminary

This video discusses the current crisis in Cuba and discusses the impact of the continued embargo and the Covid pandemic.

00:00 - Welcome 00:45 - Prayer 01:25 - Introductions 02:44 - Overview of the Current Crisis in Cuba 10:25 - Responding in Partnership 16:40 - Why Support the Synod? 22:00 - What is the Magnitude of the need? 27:15 - What about the Seminary (SET)? 32:47 - How We Can Provide Assistance 38:05 - Question: Is Food Available? How are People Managing? 43:20 - Question: How Important is Communication During this Crisis? 45:15 - Question: Are Living Waters, Gardening and Other Programs Working? 48:10 - Slide Show with Community Programs (Brief) 50:30 - Thank You and Closing 51:30 - Prayer 53:09 - Goodbye 53:28 - (End)

FPCU's Priscilla Chase Getchell: A Salute

 

Salute: Umatilla's Priscilla Chase Getchell was put here to serve

Keith Oliver

For the Daily Commercial

UMATILLA – She belonged to the Chiefs' Mess an astonishing two and a half years after enlisting.

With her late Army officer veteran husband, Ralph, she raised nine children – all sons.

This 1984 Lake County Citizen of the Year and inaugural inductee into the U.S. Navy's Flight Simulator Hall of Fame will be 100 years old this summer - and she's still displaying the wit, sharpness, physical health and life-is-a-wonder exuberance most folks dearly hope to enjoy in their 80s.

She is Umatilla force of nature Priscilla Chase Getchell, a joy-filled voluntarism addict and unabashed community cheerleader whose philosophy of life is simple and direct:

"You were put here to serve."

That's according to the town's Vice-Mayor Laura Wright, a Navy brat and fellow Massachusetts gal who regards her dear friend of 30 years as "my mentor."

"She is a scream and I love her," said Wright, referring to Priscilla Getchell's no-excuses, take-no-prisoners approach to "getting it done … for others."   

Chatting with Mrs. Getchell at her picturesque, real-Florida lakefront property on a sunny morning in Dona Vista last week, her skills in flower gardening were obvious, as was her practical, country furniture and distinctive doors, shelving and trim.

Even more obvious was her bright-eyed, go-grab-it take on living that has always been shot through with the rich ore of gratitude for:

- receiving an anonymous scholarship to Boston University upon graduation from high school.- being recognized by the Navy for her chutzpah and extraordinary math skills which obliterated any supervisors' real or imagined notions of what a WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) could or could not do for the war effort.

- a gift for music which led to some extraordinary performing and kibitzing opportunities with an All-WAVE choral group, including exposure to the original Von Trapp Family and Hollywood musical superstar Jeanette McDonald.

- a family-infused love for physical fitness and the outdoors that has included field hockey and softball in high school, a lifelong walking habit and owning a Lake County horse ranch which included daily trail rides for the public in addition to the normal punch list of loading hay, mucking stalls and chasing down recalcitrant geldings.

- a decade-plus of joyous, symbiotic energy on behalf of Angel Flight and the Umatilla Library.

- and an extraordinarily "giving and involved" church family (Umatilla's First Presbyterian).

The Sons of Katie Elder, a classic western starring John Wayne, have nothing on Priscilla Getchell's accomplished lads:

John is a retired Lake County sheriff's deputy who founded the LSCO Color Guard while David and Stephen earned regional and national reputations in the worlds of engineering and construction, respectively. 

Five of her boys pulled duty in the Armed Forces: Adam served at the Jet Propulsion Lab at Edwards Air Force Base; Paul was a Mediterranean Sea patrolling U.S. Marine NCO; and Tim (the Marine gunny), Andrew (the Army MP) and Ralph (the hotshot Air Force pilot) all found themselves sharing the same swath of real estate during Operation Desert Storm.

In fact Ralph, who retired as a colonel, had the distinction of leading the first bombing raid into Baghdad.

Sadly, son Peter died at mid-life, succumbing to terminal illness - nursed through the ordeal by his mother.

Priscilla's growing-up family moved to Maine where she met her future husband before leaving home; the pair corresponded, as friends, throughout the war. 

In one letter, the future Mrs. Getchell mentioned that she "always wanted a big family," to which the lieutenant responded with, "sounds good to me."

"Oh, boy," a mischievously grinning Priscilla told an interviewer, "I was thinking, 'your goose is cooked.'"

Reprinted by permission: original article at Daily Commercial can be linked below by

author Keith Oliver.  

Daily Commercial original article

Priscilla is a member of First Presbyterian Church.  I got to know her during my tenure as Pastor.  She is a beloved member of the community.  It was truly a blessing to get to know her, she has known heartbreak and triumph, yet has always maintained a wonderful spirit about her.  She is truly a remarkable person.  This article is posted in honor of her upcoming 100th birthday. Happy Birthday Priscilla!  May you celebrate many more.