The Nakedpastor is Robed!

Last updated on: September 20, 2011 at 7:01 pm by David Hayward

The Nakedpastor is Robed! 2011-09-20T19:01:34-04:00 David Hayward

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

I’ve been thinking a great deal since my trip to speak at Northaven United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. I had an incredible weekend. This is me in a clerical robe and the green-themed Guatemalan stole getting ready for the Sunday morning service. I am naked underneath. Just like you.

The first thing that hit me was that it is a very inclusive community. It was very mixed company, with heterosexuals, married, gay and lesbian couples, etc. But what got me was that there was no tension in the room. There was a peaceful sense of community. This is something I hadn’t experienced before, and I was happily blown away by it. It is possible!
The second thing that struck me was that even though the church is very well organized, liturgical, with classical tastes in music and traditional in worship, the quality of community was not negatively affected. I’ve always argued that often style is just that: style. It is the cover that does not necessarily betray the book. I’ve been in very relaxed churches that are very controlling and I’ve been in very structured churches that are very free.
The third thing that blew my mind was that, even though I felt tentative and a little nervous because I’ve received so much criticism and rejection because of my blog and cartoons, I was relieved to discover that there are plenty of people who really love my work. Not that this has motivated me before. I would have continued my work regardless, as I have until now. But to watch people laugh uproariously and stand and applaud my cartoons was a powerful affirmation that I am grateful for. I would have proceeded without it. But to proceed with it is better!=
The fourth thing I discerned was that this relatively small community is a powerhouse. Think of the fascists and dictators. What do they do to their remote monasteries? Do they leave them alone because they are considered harmless? No! They march far out into the desert, crawl deep into the jungle and scale high into the mountains to murder the monks and burn down the monasteries. Why? Because they know these small communities are unaccountable outposts of protest and resistance. They are alternate realities signalling a better way to live.

Previous Post

September 20, 2011

different but not too different

Next Post

September 21, 2011 inappropriate tees 2

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category art cartoons cartoons 2 freebie music one minute message podcast Sophia teaching technology thought

Select a Month February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 June 2006 May 2006 March 2006 February 2006

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What question did Jesus ask Saul on the road to Damascus?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? Why do you hate me? Why do you persecute my followers? Do you not know who I am?