In Lexington in early June before GenCon12 there was a “Prequel” event in which Dr. Donald Dayton shared some of the social justice history of The Wesleyan Church. Among other things, this discussion tackled the important question: “What is the assimilation timeline from male prostitute convert to delegate to the Wesleyan General Conference. How long does such assimilation usually take?” 🙂 HA!
Seriously, watch the video–this did come up.
While much of Don’s 80 minute talk might require a bit of an inquisitive academic interest, there’s a whole lot of meat here to digest. I’d be interested to know what you think of it (or thought of it at the time, if you were among those present.)
The last part of the video (starting at 1:35) both Tony Casey and I lead a discussion time about The Wesleyan Church and the implications for us regarding our history, and hopes for the future. Some GREAT stories shared here from the front lines, including stories of conversions of drug users, the abused, a prostitute & one of the group that does gay bar evangelism.
[youtube link=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnpusCRoOY8&feature=youtu.be” width=”590″ height=”315″]
Thanks for posting this. I think this seminar, The Story of the Gavel opening to the first session, and the WIDE variety of music and speakers at GC together served as a great catalyst for reminding us that we have an edgy history–in a good way. We get bogged down sometimes thinking of ourselves (and letting others think of us) as conservative legalists, which is not our true idenity!
In today’s world where “social justice” translates often as pro- gay marriage, uber environmentalistism, and government run everything, it’s great to know that our “social justice” aware church has members serving as the hands and feet of Christ redeeming those caught up in gay lifestyles, on the streets with prostitutes, and literally handing out cups of cold water.
I think some are a bit afraid of our quite liberal past, thinking a return to it will push us into the liberalism of today; unfortunately, all that fear will do is push us further unto the conservative legalist camp to which we don’t theologically belong.
Well said, Jenny… I think you’ve analyzed the situation well– and are naming our fears (and our faults) with precision. Yes.
I even hesitated to describe this post as “social justice” but I think it’s accurate. What do you think of the term “social holiness” to uniquely describe our brand of social action? I’m interested but not sold.
My initial reaction was that I liked the term “social holiness”….but then I began to think about what that would mean to the world (both non-Christian and non-Wesleyan, and some current Wesleyans.) I really dislike that the term “holiness” has been misconstrued in the last 100-ish years ( “Holy Rollers,” Pentecostal Holliness..) and its conatation changed from Wesley’s. I know when I traveled on SWU ministry teams, we all dreaded going to the “holiness camps” within our own denomination (not so much because we were theologically aware, but because it meant wearing skirts/long pants, as you well know!) So, all of that is to say I like it, but I’m not sure it says what we think it says.
I so dislike it when words mean what I think they mean, but say what I don’t want to say.
Holiness is just such a word.