Review: ‘The Roots of Social Justice’
Jesus Christ: The Light in our darkness
Viola Larson , Special to The Layman Online, the Christianity of the Presbyterian Women’s groups is mixed with such radical views that only extreme versions of radical theology is allowed in the book lists provided by the Presbyterian Women’s Ministry Area. If those early workshops had been led by women who truly loved Jesus Christ, who in their theology upheld the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the various women’s ministries today might shine with both their advocacy and their proclamation of the good news that Jesus Christ died on the cross for the salvation of sinners.
There are other articles in this November/December issue of Horizons. Some are good articles about the needy, their needs and those who have ministered to that need in the post-Katrina South. One article is about the way some churches are helping the homeless through the Interfaith Hospitality Network. But in all of this there is little said about Jesus Christ. He is mostly absent from the stories of need and the fulfillment of need. He is mentioned in Anne H. Bedford’s article about the Interfaith Hospitality Network. But, here, he still is not Lord or even Savior. She writes of a child who asks what color is Jesus? As Bedford begins to explain Jesus’ Middle Eastern ethnicity, the mother interrupts to say, “Jesus is all the colors of the world.” …”He belongs to everyone.” Bedford agrees.
But Jesus does not belong to everyone. He is not owned by anyone. It is he who owns all creation, which was created by him and for him (Col. 1:16). Moreover, it is in him, Jesus Christ, that we find life, wholeness and community.
Indeed, in the darkness of the Advent season we peer back through the darkness of the centuries. We look back with joy to that time when Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, the unique, beloved Son of God, was born in a manger.
In the darkness of Advent, we remember the Star that came forth from Jacob (Num. 24:17), the bright and morning star who is the root and descendent of David (Rev. 22:16).
In the darkness of the Advent season, the darkness of the fallen world, we look forward toward the time when he, Jesus Christ, the true light, shall return.
- Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds (Titus 2:13-14 NAS).
Elder Viola Larson of California is a member of the board of directors of Voices of Orthodox Women. This article originally appeared on the Web site of Voices of Orthodox Women and is reprinted here with permission.
Footnotes
1. Gary Dorrien; The Making of American Liberal Theology: Idealism, Realism, & Modernity 1900-1950, (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press; 2003); pp. 130, 145, 523.
2. Ibid.; p. 143; Dorrien footnoting Vida Dutton Scudder, On Journey, (New York: E p Dutton & Co., 1947), quotes, pp. 300, 301, 302.
3. Ibid.; p. 147.
4. Juan Esparza Loera, “Huerta leaves UFW speechless,” The Fresno Bee; Sept. 20, 2004; Section: Local News B1.
5. see http://www.losangelesmission.com/ed/news/2006news/ 0609news.htm.
6. From “The Rise of Radical Feminism in Mainline Churches: A History: Part 2” by Viola Larson, found at: , quoting from, Elizabeth Howell Verdesi, “Survival, Change and Promise: Women in the UPCUSA, 1970=1983,” in Our Rightful Place: The Story of Presbyterian Women 1970-1983, Elizabeth Howell Verdesi and Lillian McCulloch Taylor (New York: Presbyterian Church (USA) 1985); p. 12.
7. Ibid.; .