Chapter 27—“Stay Loyal to Reality”
Brian McLaren opens this chapter with a 2004 anecdote from journalist Ron Suskind in which a White House aide (Karl Rove?) explained his belief that America is “an empire” now, and “when we act, we create our own reality.” And, we can change that reality before we’ve fully understood and accepted the current reality. Thus the term, “reality-based community,” was born. It’s used primarily as a “derisive” term to describe those who depend on facts to make judgments.
Christianity, McLaren says, has had “an uncomfortable relationship with available data.” Even discerning what is true or factual is difficult when we are bombarded with information from sources both questionable and reliable, when memory alters reality from person to person, and when our desire to believe is stronger than the facts we are presented.
Uncertainty is difficult to deal with, and we are by nature impatient with not knowing. Even prayer can be an attempt to gain control over uncertainty. But prayer can also be a way of settling into uncertainty and finding peace. McLaren advises that in order to remain part of a “reality-based community,” we must do all we can to be at ease with our unknowing. Sitting with our unknowing, refusing to leap to conclusions, staying with evidence until we understand it, consulting with wise counselors, and keeping our minds open are ways we can remain true to reality.
Remaining loyal to reality, McLaren concludes, is remaining loyal to God, and remaining loyal to God is to remain loyal to reality. As uncertain as our world is, accepting our unknowing is a way to greater personal peace and a stronger relationship with God, whether or not we choose to stay Christian.
Chapter 28—”Stay Human”
In this final chapter, McLaren outlines his own realizations in the writing of this book.
–One, knowing what we now know about Christian traditions that have been hurtful, political, and anything but Jesus-like, we have a responsibility to work toward change.
–Two, asking the question “Do I stay Christian?” leads him and many of us to a second question, “How do I stay Christian?”
–Three, in McLaren’s words, “I really don’t care if you stay Christian.” His primary goal in the book has been to give us the tools to help us decide for ourselves.
–Four, the most important question for him is “What kind of humans do we want to become?”
He brings it down to Micah, the Jewish prophet, who asks: what does God really desire of human beings?
Micah’s response: “O human being, this is what God desires for you. That you do justice. That you love kindness. That you walk humbly in the presence of your God.”
Whatever we choose to do—stay Christian or leave—McLaren most simply wants us to be good humans.
Afterword
When all is said and done, our decision is less about what we say and more about what we do. Our most important purpose as human beings is to sing, and it is up to us to figure out for ourselves how we can sing our best song.
Grace Episcopal Church 