Nothing Good: Have we got it wrong on success

Posted by Edward Green  ·  Be the first to comment

Church of England Priest and blogger Edward Green challenges our thoughts on success

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." John 1.43-46 NRSV

 

 

 

 

 

Nazareth - Small town rural Galilee - Hardly a social, intellectual or religious – let alone rabbinical centre. No wonder Nathanael says:

"Can Anything Good Come out of Nazareth?"

It sums up the Kneejerk reaction we can so easily have to people that are different from us. Unfortunately in our society there is still racism, sexism and ageism. A huge range of reality television shows could be understood to be laughing at minorities as much as laughing with them. Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and The Only Way is Essex come to mind – we tread a fine line between entertainment and ridicule.

But however hard we try - we all make judgements of people based on the way they talk look and dress. Having been involved in the alternative music scene and in vintage fashion it is something I have seen and experienced first-hand.

I don't believe we should pretend that we don't make these judgements. But we should seek to overcome them. That first emotional response that someone is not quite like us should be overcome by a second voice that says like Philip 'Come and See'. Overcome the prejudice and see what a person is really like.

But what when the circumstances are reversed?

If you read certain newspapers you might get the impression that Christians are an increasingly persecuted minority. I am not sure this is the case but I am sure that there are plenty that see the Village Church as a modern Nazareth. Backward? Out of Touch? Bumbling? Compromised? Even Dying? These views may come from those outside the faith or even from other Christians.

And of course we must guard against believing these things ourselves. Because whatever struggles we may have as individual parishes, as a benefice, or even as a national Church, what lies at the heart of our Christian community is far greater.

At Phillip's invitation Nathanael 'Came and Saw' looking beyond his prejudices, beyond the earthly Nazareth to Jesus. This is a most remarkable unveiling, or epiphany, that despite all our human shortcomings and struggles, within the Church is something infinitely greater and more precious.

The challenge to us, the challenge that we must share with others is the same. 'To Come and See', not the Nazareth that can sometimes be the reality of parish church life, but Jesus Christ at the centre, worshiped, present in bread and wine, and lived in our lives. As we intimately encounter Christ in the sacrament let us recommit to Seeing the Church not as a negative Nazareth, but rather as the home and dwelling place of Christ. Let us also be willing to share that with others, working beyond prejudice and inviting them too, to 'Come and See'

Edward Green is a Church of England Priest based in Oxfordshire. He blogs regularly at The Future Shape of Church.

24th February

February 24th, 2012 - Posted & Written by Edward Green

Thumbs Down 0
Thumbs Up 0

Did you find this article useful?

0 Visitor Comments

Join in the Eden community and comment on this article

Leave A Comment

Leave your comments or suggestions in regards to this article.

Please login to post a comment.
Most Popular Articles
Prayer Books Every Christian Should Read
Posted on Monday 15th of January
New Lent Bible Study Guides 2024
Posted on Monday 15th of January
LENT COURSES - How to choose the right one for you
Posted on Monday 15th of January
When is Easter 2024?
Posted on Friday 5th of January
Christian Christmas Cards
Posted on Friday 20th of October
Prayer Books Every Christian Should Read
Posted on Monday 15th of January
New Lent Bible Study Guides 2024
Posted on Monday 15th of January
LENT COURSES - How to choose the right one for you
Posted on Monday 15th of January
When is Easter 2024?
Posted on Friday 5th of January
Christian Christmas Cards
Posted on Friday 20th of October
LENT COURSES - How to choose the right one for you
Posted on Monday 15th of January
New Advent Study Guides
Posted on Monday 16th of October
Where to Watch the New C.S. Lewis Film
Posted on Thursday 12th of May
Free Christian Resources for Children
Posted on Friday 1st of May
The Eden Bible Guide series
Posted on Monday 17th of February
Recent Article Comments

Nia Wright has made 0 posts.

34 useful comments

A Reader has made 70 posts.

28 useful comments

Les Ellison has made 44 posts.

11 useful comments

James Warwood has made 4 posts.

9 useful comments

Lyn Myers has made 5 posts.

8 useful comments

Last updated: 3 days7 hrs50 mins ago