This is not political analysis. Longtime libertarian Nick Gillespie was interviewed recently in The New York Times.* Indulge a whimsy. Where Gillespie says “libertarian” swap in “Episcopalian.”
““Libertarian” should be seen as a modifier rather than a noun – an attitude, not a fixed object…. It’s wedded to an epistemological humility that proceeds from the assumption that we don’t know as much as we think we do, and so you have to be really cautious about policies that seek to completely reshape the world. It’s better to run trials and experiments…. The whole point of America [Christianity?] … is that it’s in a constant state of becoming, constantly changing and mongrelizing. We’re doing exactly what free minds and free markets allow you to do. Part of why I’m libertarian is that if you restrict people less, interesting stuff happens. It’s like what happens in garages. Rock bands form in garages. Computer companies. And O.K., occasionally serial murders. But as long as you’re not just parking your car there, garages are always interesting.”
Clearly, I’d rather not press the parallel too closely!
Much can be said about the distinctly Episcopalian Way of following Christ.
There is form and structure in our Creed and our practice of Common Prayer.
At the same time, there is a freedom in this Episcopal Way, born of the belief that in every moment God is doing a new thing, that God’s love becomes incarnate through you and me. Each and every person is the embodiment of Christ. Thus, every moment contains the seed of holiness and we are on a path of limitless adventure, seeking Christ and embodying Christ. Are we not “in a constant state of becoming” called “to run trials and experiments” in human love and Godly living?
Today and everyday the Spirit awakens us to a life of wonder, love and praise. ‘Tis no wonder, with a faith like this, interesting stuff happens!
Peace!
Ledlie
* “Freedom Rocks” by Robert Draper, The New York Times Magazine, August 10, 2014