Surprise

Sometimes we find theology in unexpected places.  In the 11/17 News-Gazette, sports writer Loren Tate quoted New York Times writer, David Brooks.  Brooks was discussing the events at Penn State and how many people have commented, "If I were there, I know what I would have done.  I would have acted much more appropriately than they did." 

Quoting Mr. Brooks:  "Commentators ruthlessly vilify all involved from the island of their own innocence.  Everyone gets to proudly ask: 'How could they have let this happen'  The proper question is:  How can we overcome our natural tendency to evade and self-deceive?  That was the proper question after Abu Ghraib, Madoff, the Wall Street follies and a thousand other scandals.  But it's a question this society has a hart time asking because the most seductive evasion is the one that leads us to deny the underside of our own nature."

That sounds like a great secular description of Genesis 3 and of the denial of original sin.  Lutherans ought to have some good understanding of original sin that infects us all and of the only means to salvation.  A work righteousness world needs a strong dose of Law/Gospel preaching.

Happy Evangelizing!

Pr. Jim Lehmann -- Dean