To expand or not to expand? That is the question. We are not about dogmas or doctrines, unless you are talking about the doctrine of expansionism.
One of the things I enjoy about our current wave of new Christian expression is the focus on story and narratives. One story that has shaped the U.S. version of Christianity more than any other has been the story of expansionism.
No matter if the expression is conservative, progressive, or a child of both, every good Christian leader wants to reach as many people as possible with their good news. While trying to do good by spreading their message and products, they are just as oblivious as previous generations to the damage they do while pursuing their goal of holy expansion. While many mocked the old fad brought by the Prayer of Jabez in asking for a territory enlargement, they pray and hope that their influence and connections will grow in order to expand their little kingdoms.
[to be continued...]
Eliacín Rosario-Cruz serves as Community Cultivator for Mustard Seed Associates in Seattle, Washington. This article is excerpted from the forthcoming "Experiments With Truth" issue of Geez magazine due out March 10.
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