At Pinnacle Presbyterian on Sunday, January 5, 2020 we held our monthly "Courageous Conversations," with 75 filling a room after worship to peacefully and openly discuss the question, "Will there be a 22nd century?" Seemed fitting for the first Sunday of the decade and in light of massive fires in Australia apparently strengthened by climate change, cataclysmic loss of farmland from poorly applied industrial farming over the world, mass plastic trash, a larger percentage of the world dislocated and on the move, more people alive today than have lived in all of human history with even more coming, anon. Theological, scientific, economic, and spiritual responses were offered from many perspectives—respectfully, hope-fully, and earnestly. It was a fascinating and faith-filled moment.
Most of the conversation was about the planet and human responsibility. One participant (and recent Echoes blog contributor), Diane Ruebling, reminded us to think in three buckets: one holding things we can do, another holding things we can influence, and another holding matters over which we have no control. Spend attention on the first two, she suggested. Right on.
I was reminded of a comment made by my former teacher Ivan Illich (that I've used in a blog post before) after the first photos of the earth came from orbiting spacecraft. He noted how it suddenly became fashionable to speak of the "planet," even while losing foothold on the ground. "I've no interest in 'saving the planet,' he said. I have every interest in 'walking decently on the earth.'"
I also thought of the work one of my sons is doing in Peru, at the Lindero Ecological Farm in Tomayquichua. A small piece of earth organized as an organic farm, recreational complex and restaurant, welcoming people from all around to enjoy community, good food, and meaningful labor. 70% of the proceeds from the complex go to support a shelter and recovery programs for girls coming out of sexually abusive situations. Their goal is for 100%. The ministry is wholistic—all part of one work.
Underwriting the theological principles of the farm is a biblically inspired ethic of "nonviolence." And it is based in both solidarity and hope, which shape their commitment to organic, labor-intensive farming of diverse crops as well as to the community. Nonviolence in their activities shows respect for, and solidarity with, the work of the shelter—in spiritual response to the violence the girls have experienced. It demonstrates hope. Linked to that, the nonviolent relationship with the earth that's shown in their means of cultivation, irrigation, nutrition, and animal tending suggests a confidence in the future—for the sake of those still to come to that piece of land. The peace people are invited to share when they enjoy organic dining, recreation, and respite from the very hard life experienced all around is a glimpse of a new tomorrow. It may only be a glimpse, with no global impact at all, but it is still a glimpse. The farm walks decently.
It is said that Martin Luther once quipped: "Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree."
In the flow of our Sunday "Courageous Conversations" we often pause to say together: "Listen for what the Spirit is saying to the church."
