February 2006 - Antidotes for Creeping Cynicism

Smirks.
Sneers.
Exclamations like, “So, what did you expect?” or “What else is new?” or “What difference will it make?”

No, I am not describing the attitude of my 18-year-old son; I am describing my own attitude far too often.

Jesus’ beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” comes to my mind. Lent is almost upon us. I am in a confessional mood. I confess to you all that I have allowed a creeping cynicism to overtake me, to occupy the space once reserved for hope. Better to believe that nothing and no one can change than to risk acting on our dreams. Cynicism loves company. Lately, I have been convinced that I am not the only progressive Christian with a creeping case of cynicism.

Well, people of faith are in the business of choosing hope over cynicism and despair. James Forbes says we are called to identify the Grace that abounds even while recognizing that these are bad times for many people. I want to tell you all about some signs of Grace – God’s abundant Grace!

These signs are an antidote to creeping cynicism:

The Episcopal Divinity School chapter of The Beatitudes Society has created and sent me its first podcast! It is a wonderful thing. When Chris Wendell told me that a techno-savvy seminarian, B.K., was enthusiastically pursuing podcasting, I confess skepticism if not cynicism. A techno-savvy seminarian? At EDS? Impossible! But now I am confident that this is the first of many to come. Watch for it – coming soon! – on the EDS Chapter page of our website.

I have gotten used to the idea that in the well-organized, well-funded campaign to undermine science by mandating that some form of creationism be taught in our public schools, it comes down to right wing clergy against secular scientists. When I heard that at the University of Wisconsin, a scientist was seeking the support of clergy by signing a petition to back the teaching of evolution, I thought it was a great idea. But I wondered how many dozens of clergy would actually sign. More than 10,000 clergy had signed that letter of support by Evolution Sunday two weeks ago! Ten thousand. The Clergy Letter Project – with no budget, just good organizing and enthusiasm – is one to watch. Learn about it.

A few weeks ago, CrossLeft, a group of technologically sophisticated, progressive Christians who have fresh, new energy, had the audacity to convene a summit in SF. No “headliners” were announced to draw more attendees. Lots of phone calls went back and forth about the usefulness of yet another summit. However, overfilled schedules were rearranged. Passionate, progressive religious leaders met, prayed, discussed and came up with an action plan. Time will tell, but seeds were planted. Read their plan and see how you might feel called to respond.

“Earth Mission: Some Evangelicals break from Bush policy to join fight against global warming.” A dream? April Fools? No! An ABC News video from February 10, 2006. Evangelical leaders have joined to support a global warming initiative even against the determined opposition of evangelical leaders tied to the Bush administration! Mega-church pastor Rick Warren now proclaims that a purposeful life requires a commitment to care for the earth and to address climate change. When Rick Warren talks, people in power listen!

Last of all, we are almost ready to announce our first set of summer internship opportunities in Washington, DC and San Francisco, CA. If you seek ways to put your faith into action and if you have not yet firmed up your summer plans, you may want to apply for one of our Beatitudes Summer 2006 internships to be announced in early March.

My cynicism is better already. How is yours?
Grace abounds!

Frannie Hall Kieschnick
Executive Director
The Beatitudes Society

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