The Method Matters
by Rebecca Barceló, AdventInnovate Editor
I come from a family of teachers that are truly prolific advice-givers. Whether you’re asking for the advice or not is a different story, but there is always advice to be given.
Sometimes, this advice is life-saving and practical and you realize that you’ve been lovingly protected from falling into one of life’s ditches. Other times, you’re inundated with enough wisdom for four lifetimes and just need some space to figure things out on your own.
Regardless, the method in which the advice is given, matters.
Think about it. It’s one thing if a church aunty, who doesn’t remember your name, lays into you about the health message at potluck while you’re reaching for the real brownies instead of the carob chip cookies at the dessert table. But, it’s a very different thing if your best friend, who knows you’ve been trying to get fit for the summer, sends you a link for a fun aerobics class at the local gym along with a text that says “Hey, do you want to try this together on Sunday?”
What’s the difference?
One is based on the principle of innominate and forced compliance. The other is based upon a personalized relationship and free will.
Which one does Jesus use with us?
While religion and politics often default to the quickest path—resorting to forced compliance for immediate results, Adventist Today attempts to make room for questions such as:
- How do we share what we find valuable, without steamrolling people with our beliefs?
- Who are the marginalized people that we should attempt to understand?
- How can religion do the least emotional and spiritual violence possible?
At AToday, we believe that our methods of doing religion together, matter.
