Rev. Jeremy Smith, of HackingChristianity.net, discusses a "Fuddling Cup" and how the current state of the UMC is similar. Citing Elisha, he calls for something new to be added to the mix--and gives a suggestion or two.
September 23, 2019
...In United Methodism right now, there’s a prevailing narrative that we are a church of three separate cups: Progressive, Centrist, and Traditionalist. We are at the breaking point of contention without a common future, and we should separate in some way to drink from separate cups.
- Progressives should drink from their cup of full LGBTQ+ inclusion.
- Traditionalists should drink from their cup of continued LGBTQ+ exclusion in peace.
- Centrists should drink from their cup of prioritizing the institution over inclusion or exclusion.
Many of the plans for our future (see this helpful list here from Rev. Becca Girrell in New England) have us dividing into separate cups, or dissolving the connecting handles altogether.
The prevailing narrative in the church today is that we are three cups, and we should divide to allow each of us to be on our own and seek the fullest expression that cup can provide. Only then can we head into a stronger future with full cups of our own making.
Unfortunately, we will be fuddled indeed if we fall prey to this narrative that we would be better apart than together. [Read his complete analysis]