Logo

 

Banner Image:   National-News-banner-Purple
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet


'Lean into the suffering of the world'


Shane Claiborne invited Baptists 'to make a fresh commitment to lean into the suffering of the world' in his address to the Assembly on Friday night

Shane Claiborne800 2

Speaking live from his home in Philadelphia, Shane shared a number of reflections from Luke 10: 29-37, the parable of the Good Samaritan, in a 20 minute talk. 

He said Jesus came to show us how to live, to teach us how to love - the Kingdom of God is something we are to bring here on earth. That means that as well as being, concerned about the transformation of hearts and conversion of souls, but we can also have a theology that engages the world. 

He pointed out the this story would not have happened if people hadn't walked down the street where people get beat up. The gravity of the Gospel pulls us towards the pain. 

He highlighted the inconvenience of interruption. Everyone in the story probably had other things to do. Many of us have very little room for that interruption to take place. 'So let's leave space for interruptions.'  

A 'scandalous' aspect of the story was that the heroes are not the people of religion - while the Samaritan may not have had his theology right, 'he had his compassion right'.

Shane also pointed out we know very little about the person in the ditch - except they are a child of God, made in the image of God. 'There life matters!' 

But after you lift so many out of suffering - you also need to begin to reimagine the whole road to Jericho - and look at the underlying causes of injustice. 

'Invite us to make a fresh commitment to lean into the suffering of the world. Allow our schedules to be interrupted by the pain and suffering of love and around us.'

Listen to the address here from 56.35.  

Baptist Times, 15/05/2021
    Post     Tweet
Ripples of Change - a service of celebration and thankfulness
A service has been organised to mark the role Jane Day served in our Baptist family as Centenary Enabler, combining thankfulness for the progress made, as well as a time of lament for many of the findings of Project Violet. Lisa Kerry explains more
I Will...Leave a lasting legacy
The Baptist Union of Great Britain with BMS World Mission have now launched a new church resource to help those considering an ongoing blessing to support God’s mission both in the UK and overseas
Church planting: a national perspective on God at work
A report from the latest meeting of the The National Church Planting Network, which aims to spot emerging trends - and seek God’s direction together for the future of church planting in the UK
Calling previous members of the Joppa Group
Were you a member of the Joppa Group? Do you have historic papers about it? An invitation-based roundtable event is being co-convened to mark the 40th anniversary of the group's founding. Paul Weller explains more
Graduation for Baptist local leaders course
The first cohort of students on a two year course designed to help Baptist church members deepen their understanding of faith and develop skills in ministry and mission has graduated
New Brian Haymes book launched
Contributions and Struggles: Some Theological Contributions brings together a selection of Brian's essays and sermons, edited posthumously. It launched at a thanksgiving service for Brian's ministry and life
     Latest News 
    Posted: 04/06/2025
    Posted: 21/05/2025
    Posted: 07/01/2025
    Posted: 07/01/2025
     
    Text Size:  
    Small (Default)
    Medium
    Large
    Contrast:  
    Normal
    High Contrast