The 2012 Presidential election is over with. We can all experience a sigh of relief that the bombardment of political ads has ended. Of course, there are other moods. There is the happiness and relief on the part of those who favored the winning candidate. There is sadness and grief on the part of those who supported the losing candidate. Being a diverse congregation, we have a lot of both.  

In the midst of all of this, we need to hear a powerful reminder from a recent column written by Cal Thomas, an evangelical Christian who is a political conservative. In his  column, he reminds his fellow evangelical conservatives of “a power superior to the state.” His message is equally important to Christian liberals:  “The One you follow demonstrated a power superior to the state, the power to change lives. Employ that power… We the people can still change the country in ways politics and governments never have and never will.” 

In his book, Is Jesus a Republican or a Democrat?, Tony Campolo writes, “What you ought to have figured out from all that I am trying to say is that each political party has much for Christians to embrace. And each has much for Christians to criticize. The last thing we should do is to ally the church of Jesus Christ with either of them.”  

The focus of the Christmas story was not on who was in the king’s palace but who was in the stable. When the Babe of Bethlehem grew up, he continually had to struggle against those who wanted him to be a political Messiah who embraced worldly power. He chose an entirely different way to change the world. He chose an entirely different sort of power, the power of conquering love, the power of the manger and the cross, a power that sometimes even we Christians do not yet understand.


©2012 C. David Hess

Sometimes life is complicated. One of our biggest problems is that we forget that. In this day and age, there are those who would try to convince us that all issues can be reduced to a slogan that will fit on a bumper sticker. Nothing could be further from the truth.

This is something that has come through in our Adult Christian Education class’s study of the documentary, “God in America.” It has dealt with the some of the most controversial issues which have split America---slavery, war and peace, civil rights, religion in the public schools, abortion. I hope one of the things that we have gained from our study is a sense of humility and less of a tendency to demonize others that might hold differing opinions.

We also have had a current lesson in how complicated the issue of religious freedom can be. There was an absolute furor when the federal government proposed a regulation that would require religious institutions like Catholic hospitals and colleges (churches were exempted) to provide insurance which would provide free contraceptives, including the “morning after” pill, to their employees. The interesting thing was how unpredictable the response was. The division was not just along the usual Republican vs. Democrat and liberal vs. conservative lines. The issue was too complicated for that. Many Democrats and Republicans, conservative and liberals, Protestants and Catholics  found themselves opposed to the new regulation. Many of all of these groups found themselves supporting the new regulation. It involved the deepest questions about the health of women, the beginning of life, human autonomy, the role of the government, and religious freedom. Each of these alone is complicated. Taken together, we all found ourselves drawn into an ocean of moral complexity. We weren’t sure what to think.

The longer I live, the more convinced I am that we are not as divided as we think we are on life’s most complicated issues. Take abortion, for example. Some would have us believe that we are neatly divided between pro-life and pro-choice groups and we feel no commonality on the issue of abortion at all. This may be our perception if we only look at the surface, but I find that this is not the case at all if we dig deeply into individual thinking. I find that many “pro-choice” folk are deeply uncomfortable with abortion and want to make it as rare as possible. Many “pro-life” folk really don’t regard the life of a fetus and the life of a born person as being of equal value. This is true of even the most ardent.

This came home to me in a fresh way when I was reading Kevin Roose’s book, The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University. Kevin was a secular student at Brown University who decided to go underground and become a student at Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University. The experience was full of revelation for Kevin and for his readers. One of the things that struck me was how Liberty University dealt with student who had abortions. Obviously, there is no more anti-abortion institution than Liberty University and no stronger abortion opponent than Jerry Falwell. Their policy prescribed that any student who had an abortion would be fined $500, receive 300 demerits, and possibly be expelled. I wonder what Liberty’s policy would be if one of their students murdered her roommate. I doubt that a $500 fine and 300 demerits would be regarded as being sufficient. The point is, despite their language to the contrary, Liberty didn’t really regard abortion as being the same as murder.

Deep down, everybody seems to know that life is complicated and that bumper stickers are not enough. Let’s not ever forget it.


©2012 C. David Hess

We have been inundated recently with stories of greedy Wall Street bank executives who have paid themselves richly while their institutions lost billions and their employees were fired. There seems to be no more despised member of society today than rich bank CEOs. That’s why we are surprised by the story of the generous banker. It’s kind of a “man bites dog” story.

The generous banker is Leonard Abess, Jr., who recently sold a majority stake in Miami-based City National Bancshares. He took $60 million dollars of the proceeds and split it between all 399 bank employees, including tellers, bookkeepers, and clerks. He even tracked down 72 former employees and gave them a share.

His father, Leonard L. Abess, founded the bank in 1946. Abess Jr. was first employed in the bank’s print shop, which made documents and forms. He worked his way up from there. Along the way, he gained appreciation for the role that employees paid in the bank’s success.

He said, “I saw that if the president doesn’t come to work, it’s not a big deal, but if the tellers don’t show up, it’s a serious problem.”

When he received the huge purchase price for his shares in the bank, it didn’t seem right to him that his employees would receive nothing, particularly considering that many had recently lost large amounts in their 401(k) plans due to the recent fall in the stock market.

We know the world has its Bernie Madoffs. It’s nice to know that the world also has generous people like Leonard Abess, who recognize the value of the contribution of the average person.

I rejoice every day that I am surrounded by generous people who contribute to the kingdom of God in little and not so little ways. That is how the kingdom is built and always will be.


©2009 C. David Hess

No matter one’s political affiliation or racial identity, it would be difficult to not be moved by the inauguration of Barack Obama as the first African American President of the United States on the day following  Martin Luther King Day.  

Early that day, I saw an interview of former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Colin Powell. He pointed out that when he began his military service he was a second class citizen. He recounted that when he was traveling to Fort Benning, Georgia that there was only one motel south of Baltimore in which he was permitted to stay the night. 

I couldn’t help but think of Rosa Parks and “mustard seeds.” If Rosa Parks had not refused to give up her seat on the bus, it is doubtful that a black man would have been inaugurated the 44th President of the United States. Of course, she had no idea what the ultimate result of her action would be. She might have thought her act  to be futile or of little significance.. That’s how it often is with mustard seeds. The seed seems so small and insignificant, but it is from such that the Kingdom of God springs. 

Jesus said, "What is the kingdom of God like, and to what shall I liken it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and cast into his own garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air dwelt in its branches.  

Keep that in mind, the next time you are tempted to perform an act of faith, thinking that it won’t matter. One can never see the future or how God might use your mustard seed faith.  

As the rapper Jay-Z put it, “"Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King could walk. Martin Luther King walked so Obama could run. Obama ran so we can all fly."

Go plant those mustard seeds!


©2009 C. David Hess

As many of you know, my almost 13 year old Keeshond, Teddy, died in August. Many of you have met the new “replacement,” Buster.I always find “puppyhood” a shock. All of the commands that worked so well and effortlessly with Teddy have no effect on Buster (at least at first). It was never a problem to leave Teddy unattended in the house. I’m always fearful at what I might find when I leave Buster alone even for a short period.

Of course, some things about “puppyhoods” are really cool. Last week, I happened to look out into my backyard and saw a beautiful snowfall. Huge flakes were floating to the ground. Buster was even more delighted. He was running as fast as he could, jumping as high and as often as he could, catching as many flakes as he could. It was one of the funniest things I have ever scene. It was a joy to see a first snowfall though a puppy’s eyes.

This is one of the joys parents, grandparents, and all adults have in witnessing Christmas through a child’s eyes. There is an innocence and freshness, and that innocence and freshness somehow enters into us too.

This is also what we feel when we gaze upon the Christ child. It helps us to begin to understand Jesus’ words, “Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

It is akin to the magic I feel when I contemplate the words of one of the carols (by Sabine Baring-Gould) our choir will be singing during the Christmas season:

Sing lullaby!
Lullaby baby, now reclining,
sing lullaby!
Hush, do not wake the infant King.
Angels are watching, stars are shining
over the place where He is lying:
sing lullaby!

Sing lullaby!
Lullaby baby, now a-sleeping,
sing lullaby!
Hush, do not wake the infant King.
Soon will come sorrow with the morning,
soon will come bitter grief and weeping:
sing lullaby!

Sing lullaby!
Lullaby baby, now a-dozing,
sing lullaby!
Hush, do not wake the infant King.
Soon comes the cross, the nails, the piercing,
then in the grave at last reposing;
sing lullaby!

Sing lullaby!
Lullaby! is the babe awaking?
Sing lullaby!
Hush, do not stir the infant King.
Dreaming of Easter, gladsome morning.
conquering death, its bondage breaking:
sing lullaby!


©2009 C. David Hess

A recent poll found that a record number of Americans (89%) think that our country is on the wrong track. Considering the bad economic news and the state of world affairs, this is no surprise. What is surprising is that 7% of those polled think that our country is on the right track! Who are these people? How can they hold such a position? Are they just blind optimists who are completely out of touch with reality? I read an article (whose author I can’t recall) who remarked that these may be people who recognize that things could be a whole lot worse. Or to put it another way, maybe these are people who still know how to be thankful and count their blessings.

 There is a lesson here for all of us as we approach the Thanksgiving season. I believe God calls us to engage reality with grateful spirits.

 Sometimes we are tempted to flee reality and escape into denial. Such denial may make us feel better for a time, but refusing to face or deal with our problems is a prescription for disaster. 

 Sometimes we are so in touch with our problems that they are the only things we can see. All we do is complain and gripe, and there is not an ounce of gratitude in us.

 It is important for us to face our difficulties head on. During these times of trial, it is also important for us to count our blessings, and “name them one by one.” When we do so it puts us in touch with our resources, with those things that we have going for us, those things we will need to overcome our difficulties.

 Scripture tells, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” It is most important to do so when things are on the wrong track.


©2008 C. David Hess

The American Baptist News Service has issued a press release about Rev. Jeremiah Wright and the controversy about him in the media. I am posting it below. First, I want to share some thoughts of my own.


 Rev. Wright, the retired pastor of the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, has been vilified in the media for some excerpts from some of his sermons deemed to be un-American, non-patriotic and anti-Christian. I do not know Rev. Wright personally nor have I ever heard him preach in person; however, there are several people whom I hold in high regard who hold Rev. Wright in great esteem. For seven years I was the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Hamilton, NY, the Mother Church of Colgate University. Rev. Wright was invited to preach the Baccalaureate sermon at Colgate in 1998 (after I came to the West Henrietta Baptist Church). He was one of two to whom Colgate rewarded honorary degrees at their Commencement that year (the other was New York Governor George Pataki). Neil Grabois, the president of Colgate, said that Rev. Wright's voice "is consistently raised for the radical inclusivity of the human community and whose rooting is profoundly biblical."


 I would point out that it is unfair to judge any preacher by taking a few small quotes out of context. Take for example, Jesus' words: "“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:26).


 It is proper not only to pray that God bless America but also recognize that all nations, including America, stand under the judgment and righteous condemnation of God for their sins. It is not just black preachers who have pointed this out. Read Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address -http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/speeches/inaug2.htm 


 Note also the words of Thomas Jefferson (inscribed on his memorial in Washington, D.C.) - "I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever." Jefferson's words, as were Lincoln's, were in regard to slavery.


 There are many sins for which God should damn American. There are many sins for which God should damn me.


 I would encourage those of you who have broadband Internet connections to listen to Rev. Wright's remarks in context. See the article and video here - http://www.alternet.org/blogs/election08/80481/


See this video which contains the "God damn America" remark - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvMbeVQj6Lw 

Lastly, see this video where Wright preaches on Jesus' unending love, not hate -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqphQcOUI4A&feature=related


 This is from the American Baptist News Service -

©2008 C. David Hess

Even a casual reader of the Gospels would notice that Jesus pretty much experienced life as an outsider. He spent some of his early life in Egypt because it was too dangerous for him to remain in his homeland. Some interpreters have speculated that the young Jesus also might have experienced some isolation because of his questionable parentage. His own outsider status, no doubt, contributed to his tendency to befriend other outsiders like tax collectors, lepers, and the despised Samaritans. Jesus’ championing of outsiders only made him more an outsider. As our mothers told us, you do become known by the company you keep. He became known as a “friend of sinners” At last he died “outside the gate” (Hebrews 3:12) as the ultimate outsider.

It seemed that Jesus never missed an opportunity to praise an outsider whether it be the faith of a Roman centurion (Romans 8:10), the prayer of a tax collector (Luke 18:9-14), the gratitude of a Samaritan leper (Luke 17:11-19), or the courage and generosity of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37).

No doubt, if Jesus were among us today, he would continue to challenge our prejudices by telling stories wherein the heroes were outsiders.

Who would be the outsiders in Jesus’ stories today? No doubt he would tell us at least one story in which an illegal immigrant would be the featured character. Such a story would be easy to find. One happened just a few days ago.

A 45 year old woman was killed in a car wreck on Thanksgiving Day. She had taken her 9 year old son camping just north of the Mexican border. The boy’s father had died 2 months earlier. The woman lost control of her vehicle on a U.S. Forest Service road. Her van vaulted into a canyon and landed 300 feet from the road. She did not die immediately, but she was pinned in the vehicle. The boy, unhurt but disoriented, crawled out to get help and was found about two hours later by Jesus Manuel Cordova, 26. Unable to pull the mother out, he comforted the boy while they waited for help. The woman died a short time later.

Here is the account as reported in an Associated Press article with information given by Santa Cruz County Sheriff Tony Estrada:

"He stayed with him, told him that everything was going to be all right," Estrada said.

As temperatures dropped, he gave him a jacket, built a bonfire and stayed with him until about 8 a.m. Friday, when hunters passed by and called authorities, Estrada said. The boy was flown to University Medical Center in Tucson as a precaution but appeared unhurt.

"We suspect that they communicated somehow, but we don't know if he knows Spanish or if the gentleman knew English," Estrada said of the boy.

"For a 9-year-old it has to be completely traumatic, being out there alone with his mother dead," Estrada said. "Fortunately for the kid, (Cordova) was there. That was his angel."

Cordova was taken into custody by Border Patrol agents, who were the first to respond to the call for help. He had been trying to walk into the U.S. when he came across the boy...

Cordova likely saved the boy, Estrada said, and his actions should remind people not to quickly characterize illegal immigrants as criminals.

No doubt, Jesus is proud that Mr. Cordova bears his name.


©2007 C. David Hess

I must admit that I have been fascinated by the recent political debate about the importance of words. I also must admit that I am a highly biased observer. You had better believe that us preachers get our hackles up when somebody starts talking about “just words.” After all, “words” are pretty much what we do. (It’s even what I am doing right now as I write.)

The recent debate has centered upon Barack Obama as an inspiring speaker. Hillary Clinton has responded that she offers solutions, not “just words.” John McCain has picked up the same refrain.

Obama responded with a speech (of course): “Don’t tell me words don’t matter,” Obama said. “‘I have a dream.’ Just words? ‘We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal.’ Just words? ‘We have nothing to fear but fear itself.’ Just words? Just speeches?”

Then Clinton accused Obama of plagiarism because he had echoed similar words of his friend, Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts. (I must confess that Hillary really had me squirming here. I very much identify with that preacher who said that the first time he quotes someone he names the author. The second time he uses the quotation, he says, “As someone once said…” The third time he uses the line, he says, “As I have always said…”)

I want to affirm a couple of things. The first is that I want to affirm the importance of words. Powerful oratory, whether it be spoken by Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan, Franklin D Roosevelt, Winston Churchhill or Adolf Hitler can move millions and can change history.

Secondly, I want to acknowledge that we need and want more than words. The Word of God, itself, seems to acknowledge that even God’s words are not enough. The Word of God had to become flesh. (John 1:14)

Words are most powerful when they are not just spoken, but lived. Saint Francis of Assisi once said, “Preach always, and when necessary use words.”

May God be with us all in the differing ways we give witness to His Truth and Glory.


©2008 C. David Hess

Even a casual reader of the Gospels would notice that Jesus pretty much experienced life as an outsider. He spent some of his early life in Egypt because it was too dangerous for him to remain in his homeland. Some interpreters have speculated that the young Jesus also might have experienced some isolation because of his questionable parentage. His own outsider status, no doubt, contributed to his tendency to befriend other outsiders like tax collectors, lepers, and the despised Samaritans. Jesus’ championing of outsiders only made him more an outsider. As our mothers told us, you do become known by the company you keep. He became known as a “friend of sinners” At last he died “outside the gate” (Hebrews 3:12) as the ultimate outsider.

It seemed that Jesus never missed an opportunity to praise an outsider whether it be the faith of a Roman centurion (Romans 8:10), the prayer of a tax collector (Luke 18:9-14), the gratitude of a Samaritan leper (Luke 17:11-19), or the courage and generosity of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37).

No doubt, if Jesus were among us today, he would continue to challenge our prejudices by telling stories wherein the heroes were outsiders.

Who would be the outsiders in Jesus’ stories today? No doubt he would tell us at least one story in which an illegal immigrant would be the featured character. Such a story would be easy to find. One happened just a few days ago.

A 45 year old woman was killed in a car wreck on Thanksgiving Day. She had taken her 9 year old son camping just north of the Mexican border. The boy’s father had died 2 months earlier. The woman lost control of her vehicle on a U.S. Forest Service road. Her van vaulted into a canyon and landed 300 feet from the road. She did not die immediately, but she was pinned in the vehicle. The boy, unhurt but disoriented, crawled out to get help and was found about two hours later by Jesus Manuel Cordova, 26. Unable to pull the mother out, he comforted the boy while they waited for help. The woman died a short time later.

Here is the account as reported in an Associated Press article with information given by Santa Cruz County Sheriff Tony Estrada:

"He stayed with him, told him that everything was going to be all right," Estrada said.

As temperatures dropped, he gave him a jacket, built a bonfire and stayed with him until about 8 a.m. Friday, when hunters passed by and called authorities, Estrada said. The boy was flown to University Medical Center in Tucson as a precaution but appeared unhurt.

"We suspect that they communicated somehow, but we don't know if he knows Spanish or if the gentleman knew English," Estrada said of the boy.

"For a 9-year-old it has to be completely traumatic, being out there alone with his mother dead," Estrada said. "Fortunately for the kid, (Cordova) was there. That was his angel."

Cordova was taken into custody by Border Patrol agents, who were the first to respond to the call for help. He had been trying to walk into the U.S. when he came across the boy...

Cordova likely saved the boy, Estrada said, and his actions should remind people not to quickly characterize illegal immigrants as criminals.

No doubt, Jesus is proud that Mr. Cordova bears his name.

©2007 C. David Hess