Jurgen Moltmann, is one of the church’s most prominent thinkers and theologians. Periodically, we will spend some time with his theological ideas primarily related to the Holy Spirit and the Church.  The quote for today is taken from one of my favorite works of his, “The Church in the Power of the Spirit.”  When speaking of the marks of the church, he writes,

The church itself acquires its practical unity as it experiences and lives in liberation from claims to domination in the society in which it exists.  It is only a church liberated in this sense that portrays that unity.  But this also means, as experience shows, that a church that suffers because of its resistance to claims of this kind becomes assured of its unity in Christ in a particular degree.  The church will seize every opportunity to work for unity through liberation, and for peace through justice, in social and political conflicts.  It does this when it works for the liberation of people whose rights have been taken from them and who have to suffer injustice helplessly.  It does this when it offers open friendship to the people who have to suffer enmity and contempt.  It testifies to the fellowship of the crucified Christ when it offers this fellowship and helps the people who are poor, oppressed and rejected to find fellowship themselves.

     When I consider the above quote, many questions swirl around within me.  First, I ask of my self, if I stand out differently than that of the culture around me.  Is there something about me that shows the world Christ?  Or has the imprint of society become so much apart of me, that one cannot see the difference?  How is it that I live in such a way as to fulfil the love of Christ to the world around me?  In what ways do I bring peace and justice to those who are suffering, those who are poor, and those who are oppressed?

     Secondly, I wonder how we as a community of Christ followers, actually live this reality.  Are we as a church in the power of the Spirit living out lives that serve those around us? Do we share the gospel message in word and in deed?  Are we the Church that Moltmann is describing when he speaks of the marks of the Church?

What do you think?  Do we bear these marks of unity that he describes?

Picture: Jurgen Moltmann