the REFUGE

Empires Prefer the Baby and the Cross to the Adult Jesus

From Constantine to Bush, power has needed to stifle Jesus’ revolutionary message

by Giles Fraser

Every Sunday in church, many Christians recite the Nicene Creed. “Who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven; And was incarnate of the Holy Ghost and of the Virgin Mary and was made man; was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried; and the third day rose again according to the Scriptures.” It’s the official summary of the Christian faith but, astonishingly, it jumps straight from birth to death, apparently indifferent to what happened in between.

Nicene Christianity is the religion of Christmas and Easter, the celebration of a Jesus who is either too young or too much in agony to shock us with his revolutionary rhetoric. The adult Christ who calls his followers to renounce wealth, power and violence is passed over in favor of the gurgling baby and the screaming victim. As such, Nicene Christianity is easily conscripted into a religion of convenience, with believers worshipping a gagged and glorified savior who has nothing to say about how we use our money or whether or not we go to war.

Christianity became the official religion of the Roman empire with the conversion of the emperor Constantine in 312, after which the church began to back pedal on the more radical demands of the adult Christ. The Nicene Creed was composed in 325 under the sponsorship of Constantine. It was Constantine who decided that December 25 was to be the date on which Christians were to celebrate the birth of Christ and it was Constantine
who ordered the building of the Church of the Nativity at Bethlehem. Christmas – a festival completely unknown to the early church – was invented by the Roman emperor. And from Constantine onwards, the radical Christ worshipped by the early church would be pushed to the margins of Christian history to be replaced with the infinitely more accommodating religion of the baby and the cross.

The adult Jesus described his mission as being to “preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and to set at liberty those who are oppressed”. He insisted that the social outcast be loved and cared for, and that the rich have less chance of getting into heaven than a camel has of getting through the eye of a needle. Jesus set out to destroy the imprisoning obligations of debt, speaking instead of forgiveness and the redistribution of wealth. He was accused of blasphemy for attacking the religious authorities as self-serving and hypocritical.

In contrast, the Nicene religion of the baby and the cross gives us Christianity without the politics. The Posh and Becks nativity scene is the perfect tableau into which to place this Nicene baby, for like the much-lauded celebrity, this Christ is there to be gazed upon and adored -but not to be heard or heeded. In a similar vein, modern evangelical
choruses offer wave upon wave of praise to the name of Jesus, but offer little political or economic content to trouble his adoring fans.

Yet despite the silence of the baby, it should be perfectly obvious to anyone who has actually read the Christmas stories that the gospel regards the incarnation as challenging the existing order. The pregnant Mary anticipates Christ’s birth with some fiery political theology: God “has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly, he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty”, she blazes. Born among farm laborers, yet worshipped by kings, Christ announces an astonishing reversal of political authority. The local imperial stooge, King Herod, is so threatened by rumors of his birth that he sends troops to Bethlehem to find the child and kill him. Herod recognized that to claim Jesus is lord and king is to say that Caesar isn’t. Christ’s birth is not a silent night – it’s the beginning of a revolution that threatened to undermine the whole basis of Roman power.

Little wonder, then, that influential US Christian commentator Jim Wallis created a storm earlier in the year when he penned an attack upon “Bush’s theology of empire”, helpfully illustrated with a picture of Bush made up to look like the emperor Constantine. “Once there was Rome, now there is a new Rome,” argued Wallis.

Constantine was converted to Christianity by a vision that came to him on the eve of the battle of Milvian Bridge: “He saw with his own eyes, up in the sky and resting over the sun, a cross-shaped trophy formed from light, and a text attached to it which said, ‘By this sign, conquer’ “. Soon the cross would morph from being a hated symbol of Roman brutality into the universally recognizable logo of the Holy Roman Empire. Within a century, St Augustine would develop the novel idea of just war, trimming the church’s originally pacifist message to the needs of the imperial war machine.

Like Constantine, George Bush has borrowed the language of Christianity to support and justify his military ambition. And just like that of Constantine, the Christianity of this new Rome offers another carefully edited version of the Bible. Once again, the religion that speaks of forgiving enemies and turning the other cheek is pressed into military service.

The story of Christmas, properly understood, asserts that God is not best imagined as an all-powerful despot but as a vulnerable and pathetic child. It’s a statement about the nature of divine power. But in the hands of conservative theologians, the Nicene religion of the baby and the cross is a way of distracting attention away from the teachings of Christ. It’s a form of religion that concentrates on things like belief in the virgin birth while ignoring the fact that the gospels are much more concerned about the treatment of the poor and the forgiveness of enemies.

Bush may have claimed that “Jesus Christ changed my life”, but Jesus doesn’t seem to have changed his politics. As the carol reminds us: “And man at war with man hears not the love song that they bring, O hush the noise ye men of strife and hear the angels sing.”

· The Rev Dr Giles Fraser is vicar of Putney and lecturer in philosophy at Wadham College, Oxford – giles.fraser@btinternet.com

Dear Friends, Supporters, and the Curious,

Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday’s to Everyone. I trust that the business of season has not caused us to lose focus and what it is all about. Consumerism too often suffocates the true meaning of this time. A time when Peace on Earth and Good will toward all people can be lost.
As I reflect on this time of year, I often spend time with my children trying to instill in them a sense of what it is all about. Recently, we watched the film, ” A Christmas Carol” based on the novel by Dickens. During the film, which is one of my personal holiday favorites, there is a scene where representatives of a charity ask the main characted, Scrooge, if he would contribute to their charity and he states that he must be about his business of making money and tells them to go about their business. They then state that humanity is their business. As I reflect on that and what the Christian tradition teaches about Wealth and poverty and the meaning of this season, as well as what other faith traditions teach about Greed and power, I am reminded of the fact that all of us should be about the “business” of humanity. That we should be concerned those struggling to make it. That their struggle is our struggle.
It is with that in mind, that I must be candid with you about both myself and the ministry of the Refuge. We are really struggling to make it. We have recently lost 2 donors due to the Economy. Their combined gifts amount $725 per month. This has really hurt us! We have greatly appreciated their support. And, they have expressed sincere regret at having to stop supporting us. Both of them have supported us since the begining of the Refuge, more than 16 years ago. We have truly appreciated their support. And, of course, in addition to all that, we continue to more families and individuals coming to us that are in great need. Let me just share you some of the current needs.
First of all, thanks to everyone who responded to the call for help. We were able to serve about 200 homeless on Thanksgiving. We were also able to help 32 families with complete Thanksgiving dinners. In addition, we were able to help several pay their bills, including some medication for some. Thanks for you help.
However, many families we could not help. We hope and pray that support will come in for the Christmas Season. We help anyone regardless of Race, Creed, Ethnicity, religion or no belief, marital status, or sexual orientation. At this time we have some various serious need. We need to raise about $700 to help with 3 different electric bills for 3 families. THey are facing shut off in next few days. Additional, an older gentleman, who has physical limitations is going to lose his auto insurance and it is the only way he can get to appointments. We need $100 for that.
Lastly, the Refuge is in desperate need of nonperishable food items, gift cards, a lap top and a minivan, as well as blankets for out street outreach to the homeless and for our food pantry. If you can help in any way with any of this or support us in an ongoing way, please email me at bgcwright @aol.com or go to www.refugestpete.org for paypal. Checks can be sent to the Refuge 1818 29th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, Florida33713

Sincerely, Rev. Bruce Wright MA, DMin., CPAC, MAC

PS. From a personal note. These loses in financial support have taken their toll personally. My own ability to support my family is in jeopardy. I am having a hard time making bills and at this point I am what is called “couch homeless”. Please consider supporting us with special gifts and with regular monthly support. Any amount of support helps. No gift is too small. Thank you and God bless.

TIS THE SEASON?

Consumerism too often suffocates the true meaning of this time. A time when Peace on Earth and Good will toward all people can be lost.
As I reflect on this time of year, I often spend time with my children trying to instill in them a sense of what it is all about. Recently, we watched the film, ” A Christmas Carol” based on the novel by Dickens. During the film, which is one of my personal holiday favorites, there is a scene where representatives of a charity ask the main characted, Scrooge, if he would contribute to their charity and he states that he must be about his business of making money and tells them to go about their business. They then state that humanity is their business. As I reflect on that and what the Christian tradition teaches about Wealth and poverty and the meaning of this season, as well as what other faith traditions teach about Greed and power, I am reminded of the fact that all of us should be about the “business” of humanity. That we should be concerned with those struggling to make it. That their struggle is our struggle.
We must be concerned about those who continue to struggle to make in the times we live. With the high unemployment rate and the foreclosure rate, more and more are ending up on the streets. And, it seems that the power brokers in both Government and the Corporate world seem more and more removed and unconcerned.
It is in times like this that we must pull together. Dickens in his novel, “A Tale of Two Cities”, characterized the period in which the novel took place as, “ It was the best of Times, and the Worst of times”. We live in a time like that again. It is the best of times for those with money and power as they continue to exploit the poor, but it is the worst of times for those who are at the bottom, especially those in poverty or those who are struggling with homelessness.
We must be committed to one another and to a movement that seeks human rights for all. It must be a struggle from the bottom up. It must be informed and led by those affected by the struggle. We can no longer afford to allow solutions from the top down. Most of those who attempt to solve the problem from an “Ivory Tower” have no understanding of the struggle and therefore have no vested interest in solving the problem. We can and we must work together to create a just and cooperative society. A society where those who struggle are counted and looked to for leadership. It is something that must be done. If it is not sooner or later the people must stand up and demand that it be so. We can no longer afford to allow the Rich to be bailed out at the expense of the poor and the working people of this country.
As a minister of the Gospel, I am told to preach the Gospel of the Good News to the poor (Isaiah 61). I therefore have a call towards justice for the poor. All people of Faith must commit themselves to this call. The one we call the Prince of Peace demands this. And, states in Matthew 25 that those who are part or not part of God’s Beloved Community, Dr. King called it, are judged by what they do with or for those who are oppressed in society. Dr. King stated that “the arch of history bends towards justice”. If that is true, then may we work toward that end.

By Rev. Bruce Wright MA, DMin., CPAC, MAC

REFUGE NEWSLETTER FOR NOVEMBER 2009

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we approach the holiday season this year, it is with the backdrop of 2 wars, the highest unemployment rate since the 60’s (almost 13% in the Tampa Bay Area), more people that are homeless than ever (6200 in Pinellas County), Millions have lost their homes due to foreclosure (Tampa Bay Area in the top 5), and 50 million people without Healthcare, it would seem difficult for many reading this newsletter to consider what they may do to help those that are struggling to make it. I know some who read this newsletter are barely making it. But, we are in need of your help.
The situation has gotten to the point where it is even difficult to get bread to serve the homeless community and needy families. Sources that we normally go to for that simple item are having a difficulty getting bread. It should not be that way. But, unfortunately it is. Currently, our food pantry is empty, our bank account is empty, and our resources are exhausted. We urgently need you help! It is our believe that God will provide, but that God will do it through people of Faith and people of good will. We are literally turning people away that need financial help or food. This is very difficult to do.
We have been blessed in the past by many of you. But, now your help is urgently needed. We are trying to build up our food pantry again. We are trying to build up our benevolence fund again. At this point, we are in need of several items. These items include gift cards (gas cards, dept store cards, mall cards, grocery store cards), canned goods, blankets, jackets, sleeping bags, a lap top, and financial support. We are trying to increase our financial support by $1800 per month. Gifts of any size would help. Please consider giving monthly.
Fortunately, some resources are coming through. It appears that we will be getting 200 “ditty” bags with basic survival items for people on the street, including hygiene items. Additionally, it appears that we will be getting enough Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, as well as toys for 30 families. But, we have several more families that need help.
In closing, let me share one positive story with you. For several months, a single mom who is part of our ministry and on government assistance, has been looking for a job. Well, yesterday, while we were helping her look for a job, she was offered a job at no less than 3 eating establishments. Thanks be to God! This one small thing that we do helped someone get out of depression.
So, please consider helping the Refuge. You can go to www.refugestpete.org to our pay pal site to support us financially. You can also send checks to the Refuge at 1818 29th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33713. If you have any questions, please call me at 727 278 1547 or email me at bgcwright@aol.com. Thank you.

Sincerely, Rev. Bruce Wright

PS. We are in desperately in need of a minivan to pick up donated items and transport people to appointments. We are also looking for volunteers. For more info. about issues of poverty go to www.economichumanrights.org

Dear Friends, Supporters, and the Curious,

Wow, has it been a busy time both for the Refuge and the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign, and for Social Justice issues. Many of you have been reading about our updates during the G20, some of you have been following the whole Civil Liberties and Free Speech issues at Baywalk, and of course some have followed the issues around the attempt to get a tent city, run by Catholic Charities and the Local Government, started in Tampa.
All of this, which we have had some involvement in, is happening while we continue to serve the poor, the addicted, the homeless, and troubled youth through our programs and outreaches. And, with the backdrop of many families and individuals coming to us for financial help to avoid utility shut off or evictions. Things do seem out of control at times. But, I also believe that we, potentially, live in very revolutionary times and have some important opportunities. So, my hope is that you consider the times we live in and also look at these opportunities and consider some of thoughts that I will share.
First of all, let me say that the potential for the expansion of the “Police State” is of grave concern. What we saw at the G20 was horrendous and over the top. The Militarized Police and the National Guard were out of control. Unprovoked attacks by the Authorities on Students, Neighborhoods, Journalists, by-standers and nonviolent protesters was uncalled for and over the top. They used teargas, rubber bullets, sound disrupters, shields, and batons. They had armored vehicles and helicopters and high tech surveillance and weaponry. All this for peaceful protesters. For more info. go to www.resistg20.org, www.economichumanrights.org, and www.bailoutpeople.org. You can also go to utube to see the many videos. During this time the Poor People’s Campaign continued it’s mantra of Housing for All, Jobs for All, and Healthcare For All.
Not only has there been a battle against the Corporate Greed Monster at the G20, but locally there has been some very important battles against the Rich and Powerful. Case in point, is of course Baywalk and CW Capital, an 11 billion dollar Corporation, with ties to the multi-billion dollar bailed out Wells Fargo. The Fact, that the City would consider giving away public space to a multi-billion dollar corporation is bad enough. But, to blame the failed business, due to a bad economy and poor management, on protesters, black youth, and the homeless is unbelievable! But, to make matters worse, after voting to not give away public space, it appears that city council may give way to greedy corporate interests and re-vote to give away public space. So much for democracy and the people! Needless to say, if it is given away, we and others will be out there demonstrating, letting our voice be heard, in non-violent civil disobedience, as well as a law suit being filed. Let’s hope and pray that the council comes to it’s senses and doesn’t vacate the sidewalk. Kudos to the Council members that have stuck to their call to uphold the constitution and not giving up public space.
Another controversial issue is the whole city/Catholic Charities sponsored bureaucratic mess called tent city or Pinellas Hope. So many in the community have been duped by this very expensive ( more then 2.1 to 3 million dollars) venture. Why is it that the City and our Mayor push the homeless out of our city? Why is it that ordinances have been passed that criminalize the homeless? Why does it cost so much to put people in tents on donated land with donated food? Where is all the money going? Why can’t the homeless community run it? Why are Police there and allowed to question anyone? Why is it near the county jail and a graveyard? Could this be part of the reason why many did not want it in Tampa? Why is there no real investigation into the lack of success of Pinellas Hope? Why hasn’t there been shelter’s put in St. Pete? What about all the vacant land and property in St. Pete? Could someone answer these questions? This is very important to the Refuge and The Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign.
All of the above mentioned things are interconnected. Cause harm to one, cause harm to all. Dr. King said, “Injustice anywhere, is a threat to Justice Everywhere”. Isaiah the Prophet warned, “Woe to You who make unjust laws to deprive the Poor of their Rights…..” (Isaiah 10: 1-4). It is time to Rise Up and Fight, to be counted! Not only with protest, but with financial support, especially to those who are hurting, homeless, foreclosed on or about to be. This month is “Zero Evictions” month and it is time for people to stay in their homes and not be foreclosed on, to take over abandoned homes and homestead. It is time to take to the streets and highways and byways!!
Please consider joining us in this struggle and helping us, work alongside and support the hurting. They are us, we are them. If you can help us in this struggle, please consider supporting the Refuge and send checks to help the hurting or go on line to support us. Our address is the Refuge 1818 29th AVe. North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33713 or go online to www.refugestpete.org. You can also support the Poor People’s campaign by going to www.economichumanrights.org. Please help us we are $3200 short this month. Thanks for your thoughts, gifts, and prayers. God Bless!!! Rev. Bruce