Sunday, October 16, 2005

Rediscovery of my Past through "The Picture"

The Asbury Community is a place of much offense. When you drive across the "Wilmore Bridge," you see the tall Wilmore city water tower. On top of the tower, a great neon cross beams its light onto a dangerous seductive romance between religion and state. Oh how I wish the ACLU would come and take that ugly thing off the water tower.

If you would have walked into the seminary library last week, you would have seen a beautiful painting in the stairwell. If you slowed downed, and took the time to look at it, you would notice how the native Americans are portrayed. Some think they come across as vile savages.

I really dont find it offensive. There are so many things on our campus that are offensive. But if I were to make a list of the top five things, "The Painting" would not be on it.

Here is my list:
1. The Cross on the Water Tower.
2. The hasty generalizations of our African students.
3. The lack of seriousness about our study and vocation
4. The call for community made by people who adhere to the social norms of 90210
5. The whole "Its all about me" attitude of Christian service in our students

Well, there is some irony though about "The Picture." It turns out that I might actually be more "Native" then some people who are saying that this offends their heritage. Only time and my grandfather's birth certificate will tell.