God ≠ Church
A reminder for those of us who love one and struggle with the other
In this week’s somewhat personal episode of the Raised Catholic podcast, I reflect on the eleven-month long ‘in-between time’ between the two meetings of the Synod on the Synodality, and ask the question, “What are we supposed to do in the meantime?”
What do we who see the dangers of clericalism, politicization of the clergy, and growing Christian nationalism in the American Church supposed to do now, particularly as we enter into the run-up to the 2024 presidential election? What do we do if the clergy abuses their pulpits and directs the votes of the people with their words and their contributions as they did the last time around?
What do we who long for a Church that reflects not a grab for worldly and political power, but a place of mercy and welcome for all of God’s people supposed to do? How long should we wait for reform? How do we pray and what do we pray for? How do we lead our children and grandchildren in this time?
No easy answers here, but the one that rises to the surface for me over and over is that God ≠ Church. The Church belongs to God, it is His body, full of disparate and bickering parts, sure, but at the end of the day, God does not equal church because God is bigger than the Church. For me, that simple statement does not solve the problem of ‘what do we do now’, but it is an important touchstone for me to remember about our big God who is always at work making all things new.
Listen to episode 150: God ≠ Church at the Raised Catholic podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (or read the transcript) and then let me know in the comments your take on church today. What is your relationship to church, your practice, or your struggle? Let’s talk about it together.
I appreciate your vulnerability on this topic. The issues within the Church feel similar to the issues in the world at large. It all feels extremely overwhelming and so what can I do but focus on trying to make a little difference in my little corner of the world? It is certainly helpful to remember that God is bigger than the Church. I don't have any answers either, but I'll keep listening for wisdom and looking for light. I pray for you in your quest as well.