As quickly as I was welcomed, I was challenged just as fast. Denton: a wonderfully remarkable culmination of the church and the unchurched. We begin our series by discussing religious backgrounds in need of a Savior. We begin with Grace and Identity.
Los Vallucos y Familia
In El Valle, despite Catholic cultivation and traditions, the majority didn't come from a churched background. For many, the model of religious principles was being raised as Mexicans and indoctrinated as Catholics which meant that being called Catholic was another way of being called “Hispanic.” Frankly, I never met a Christian that was a Mexican until I became a one!
Several years ago, some friends and I went to a local pub in McAllen where the Catholic Church had an open-question session called "Theology on Tap." While the priest didn't drink, I'll be the first to say that my beer was delicious. More importantly, it was the young priest's response to a question from someone in the audience: "tradition can trump Scripture."
Family is the official religion. Parties are the gathering, dinners are community groups, tortillas y tequila are the elements of communion, and getting drunk is being filled with the Holy Spirit. Religion was stellar and following this model meant having a "pass" on everything else.
You remember, member?
Identity is founded the family; teaching against this was considered heresy.
The Bible Belt of Texas
North Texas is referred to by many as "The Bible Belt" and the claim many will make is that everyone is a Christian. The majority of the population was raised in the church, come from generations of church attendees, and could recite verses from the Bible by the time they could speak. Orale.
I've had the privilege of sitting down with several people and having heard their stories, it seems everyone can remember their upbringing in church: bible trivia games during Sunday school, wearing their “Sunday’s Best,” knowing clear and distinct differences between Baptists and Presbyterians, and most importantly finding their self-worth in religious morale.
Questioning the Christian Checklist is heresy.
The "Nitty-Gritty"
As I reflected on both cultures, I realized that there is a dismissal of grace and identity, though it is the same Gospel that brings them to Jesus.
In El Valle, identity is grounded in the matters of the family. Disgrace or disapproval meant the abandonment of god; leaving little to no room for forgiveness. Anyone suffering from an identity crisis turns to whatever is pleasing to the flesh in hopes that it will give them value, security, or peace.
In the Bible Belt, identity fell in the matters of "Christian Law" and when the law was broken many were left in confusion, shame, and at loss of value bearing remorse and a tragic understanding that taught repentance was only for the perfect.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one may boast." -Ephesians 2:8
The Grace of Jesus' Gospel
How does Jesus’ gospel draw these two cultures to Him?
By extending grace, forgiveness, and faithfulness that is found in Him.
For the Valluco, the Gospel means hearing some of the most significant words anyone could say to their children, “You are forgiven and I love you.” The Gospel means finding value, security, and peace in Jesus because He is faithful, just, merciful, gracious, and kind. It's not about perfection, but forgiveness.
For the Bible Belt Christian, the Gospel is being covered by the grace that is in Jesus not by works or lack of work, but because of His finished work on the Cross; works are a response to the saving grace of Jesus Christ not a means of acceptance.
It is through Jesus where grace and identity are restored as He reconciled the churched and unchurched to Himself through His work on the Cross. Amen.
Hasta manana, si Dios nos da la vida, amigos...
Oso
Give To The Mission: Valluco En Denton
