Faith, Politics, and the Path Home
“It doesn’t matter what country survives. The Way will take us home.” – Dr. William Allen
This week, I read the texts Dreaming In Black And White and High Ceilings: Women in Leadership by Brett Fuller, and God’s Politics by Jim Wallis. I am preparing to travel to Washington, DC for my final DLGP Advance, within my Doctoral studies at Portland Seminary/George Fox University. I can’t wait to explore, once again, the capital city of the nation where I grew up!
I first visited Washington, DC my senior year of high school with my family. My parents saved their dimes to go on that trip. It was the only vacation this time traveler took as a kid and I enjoyed it so much. Much has changed since that time over three decades ago (wow, that hurts to type that). Now I visit the area frequently as two of my children live and work in the area. Our nation has changed so much since then too. Some may say for the good and others may say for the. . . well. . . not so good.
This visit to DC is the first time I have been to our nation’s capital during an election year. I imagine the energy in the city will be heightened as in just over a month our nation will elect a person to lead it. During our Advance experience, I will hear from Brett Fuller and Jim Wallis. Both individuals are authors, activists, and pastors who have written books on some hot topics such as women in leadership, social justice, faith-based activism, and more.
In Pastor Brett Fuller’s book, High Ceilings: Women in Leadership, Fuller brings understanding to the complementarian vs. egalitarian theories of how men and women serve in the church. During a talk on the Vantage Point Podcast, Fuller defines himself as a complementarian egalitarianist. [1] Fuller explains how men and women complement each other. He describes the capabilities of both genders, as strong and capable in different areas. He notes key passages that are often referred to in conversations regarding women in ministry. I appreciated how he articulated the role of women in leadership, in particular ministry. I am an ordained pastor. While I serve as an instructional coach in a public school system, I am an onsite, bi-vocational pastor. My parishioners are the staff and students I serve.
The other book that I enjoyed reading by Brett Fuller was Dreaming in Black and White. In this book Fuller’s thesis centers on the idea that racial reconciliation and personal growth require a deep, transformative engagement with one’s faith and a willingness to confront and address racial biases. The book argues that understanding and bridging racial divides can be achieved through intentional reflection, dialogue, and spiritual growth. The book highlights how Christian teachings and principles can provide a framework for addressing racial issues. Fuller discusses how faith communities can use the teachings of Jesus to foster understanding, empathy, and unity across racial lines. As followers of The Way live and love like Jesus, they will have a tremendous impact on the world for the kingdom.
The third book that we read this week was written by Jim Wallis, titled God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It. Wallis contends that both the political right and the left have misunderstood and misrepresented the role of faith in public life. He argues that the religious right has co-opted Christian values to support conservative policies, while the secular left often ignores the moral dimensions of social issues. Instead, Wallis advocates for a faith-driven political approach that prioritizes social justice, poverty alleviation, and ethical leadership.
I recently watched a conversation with Dave Zanotti, CEO of The American Policy Roundtable, and philosopher and political scientist, Dr. William B. Allen. They were discussing the difference between a democracy and a republic. Dr. Allen helps listeners understand the confusing nuances of the United States government, specifically how the government is upheld by the authority of the people. While I watched the conversation, there were many moments when I had to pause and chew on what was being said. . . so many challenging words and concepts. But I found that Dr. Allen’s words seemed to coincide with the perspectives of the authors that I read this week, “It doesn’t matter what country survives. The Way will take us home.” [2]
Questions for the Authors:
For Jim Wallis. . .
- What are some practical examples of faith-driven political action that have been successful in addressing social justice issues?
- What challenges do you foresee in mobilizing faith communities around issues of social justice, and how can these challenges be overcome?
- How do you respond to critics who argue that involving faith in politics can lead to divisiveness or the imposition of religious views on a pluralistic society?
- What do you see as the future of faith-based political engagement, and how can new generations of faith leaders and activists contribute to this vision?
For Brett Fuller. . .
- What are some common obstacles you’ve encountered in discussions about race and reconciliation, and how can individuals and communities effectively address these challenges?
- Can you elaborate on the practical steps you suggest for individuals and faith communities to engage in meaningful racial reconciliation?
- How can individuals maintain a hopeful and proactive attitude toward racial reconciliation in the face of setbacks or resistance?
- Looking ahead, what do you see as the future of faith-based efforts in addressing racial divides, and how can new generations contribute to this vision?
- Who are some of the women in leadership, particularly ministry leadership, that have had a profound impact on your faith?
[1] Vantage Point Podcast: High Ceilings: Women in Leadership
[2] Dr. William B. Allen, “Democracy or Republic?”, THINQ Media, https://thinqmedia.com/videos/democracy-or-republic
About the Author
Cathy Glei
Cathy Glei serves as an instructional leader and pastor with over 27 years in education and ministry. She is dedicated to discipling others as they grow in their relationship with God, others and the world. Cathy has facilitated numerous professional development sessions, trainings, and workshops in both education and ministry. Passionate about supporting others in uncovering the Creator's design within them, Cathy lives in Michigan with her husband, Steve, and their eight-year-old Springer Spaniel, Otis. Cathy is a mother of three daughters and "Gooma" (grandma) to two adorable grandsons (emphasis on adorable 😊). She enjoys listening and exchanging laughter and stories with others, hanging out with friends, both old and new, as well as being outdoors, enjoying activities such as cycling, camping, hiking, and kayaking.14 responses to “Faith, Politics, and the Path Home”
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Cathy, I really appreciated this question for Jim Wallis: What do you see as the future of faith-based political engagement, and how can new generations of faith leaders and activists contribute to this vision? With the current rise of Christian nationalism and the understandable fear it creates in many religious and non-religious citizens of the USA, I too am curious what Jim Wallis sees as the future of faith-based political engagement. Will people of faith need to be more nuanced in how they approach politics in the future? Good question!
Thanks Kally! See you in DC!
Hi Cathy,
I am so glad I read your post. Life intrudes and I was floundering in wrapping my mind around these three books. I will have to go back to read them.
I appreciate the questions you propose. All I could come up with was, “How do we do this?”
For some reason I hearken back to another book, Stay In Your Lane: worry less, love more, and get things done Paperback – April 20, 2023
by Kevin A Thompson
While I want to be sensitive to societal issues, I wonder if I am distracted by them. Distracted from the real work of “kingdom building” in Ukraine and Kenya.
Sigh….Time will tell…shalom
Hi Cathy,
Thank you for such a thoughtful post. I liked your questions, especially, “Who are some of the women in leadership, particularly ministry leadership, that have had a profound impact on your faith?” for Pastor Fuller. I asked a similar one for Jim Wallis. I would love to hear their answers. But I would also love to hear yours. Who are the women leaders that have inspired you the most, and why?
Jenny,
I feel so blessed to have had many women that have led the ancient path in my life. My mom, grandmother, and many Sunday School teachers, pastor’s wives, and friends. I had several “ammas” in the faith too. One particular Amma was Nettie Munn. There is a long back story to the context of her influence in my life, but my sister and I lived with her while my family was displaced. She wore her hair in a bun and had difficulties breathing. Her husband was a professor at a local university. Every morning she would walk several laps around her property, worshipping and praying. While my sister and I would stand out waiting for the bus, she would stop at each lap and share a word of scripture, promise and encouragement with us. There were many more like her, who faithfully lived out their faith, having a profound impact on mine.
When Fuller calls himself a “complementarian egalitarianist” it reminds me of a very important book I read last year:
“Neither Complementarian nor Egalitarian” by Michelle Lee-Barnewall
I highly recommend it. It supports Fuller explaination of how men and women complement each other. It describes the capabilities of both genders, as strong and capable in different areas.
I resonate with this approach. It isn’t EITHER / OR. It’s BOTH / AND. I always wonder if there is a “third way” – rather than being so binary and drawing such hard, fast lines that divide.
Love the post Cathy. See you in DC.
Could the “third way” be living in “The Way”?
See you soon!
Cathy, you’ve given us great summaries of these three books, something I struggled to do comprehensively. Two things jumped out at me from your post. I love the way you describe yourself: “I am an onsite, bi-vocational pastor. My parishioners are the staff and students I serve.” I think that’s a really beautiful calling. Secondly, all of your questions for Wallis are spot-on, insightful and now I’m even more eager to hear him speak. Thanks for your post!
Hi Cathy!
I enjoyed reading your post, which inspired me a lot. I appreciate it. You wrote, “Wallis advocates for a faith-driven political approach that prioritizes social justice, poverty alleviation, and ethical leadership.” In your opinion, do churches in the United States display the characteristics that Wallis describes? If so, what concrete actions are being taken? If not, what is preventing churches in your context from doing so?
I look forward to seeing you in DC. Blessings!
Thank you for asking Dinka.
I think the Holy Spirit is waking up “the church”. But within the church are people and the building is not the church, the people are. The denomination in which I serve has been and continues to prioritize social justice and poverty alleviation. One of our five values is love-driven justice. There is always so much more potential to love others as Jesus loved us.
Oh Cathy I love your blog. It was a great summary and I really like the questions you have for Brett Fuller. Very well thought out!
Thank you! See you in DC!
Cathy, I like this: What challenges do you foresee in mobilizing faith communities around issues of social justice, and how can these challenges be overcome?
Especially because often the challenges associated with social justice are conservative challenges and Wallis is more progressive. But if he is trying to convince all of us (conservatives included) he will have an thoughful answer to this. I hope you get to ask it.
See you soon. Safe travels.
See you soon!