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A biblical theology of the city, part 3: spiritual restoration
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The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
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Part 1 of this series dealt largely with the city as a gift from God, the concrete implication of humanity’s need to create and purpose for which God created us (Genesis 1:28) (why we should value the city). Part 2 explained how cities (via the church) are the modern expression of human diversity in bearing God's image and a glimpse of how Babel is being redeemed (why we need the city). All that is well and good, but if we do not ask ourselves how we need and value the city, we are spinning our wheels.
I was once told by someone passionately involved with serving and ministering to St. Louis' homeless population that, "there is no reason why anyone in St. Louis should go hungry or not spend the night in a bed." Normally I am skeptical of such claims, but this came from one of the most passionate advocates for the homeless I have ever met. Apparently we have some of the best short-term care ministries for the poor in the country.
The church where I intern, City Church, is in the heart of Soulard. Directly behind the building where we meet is Trinity Lutheran Church, which serves soup to anyone in need 6 days a week. Just down the street, Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church has a massive men's shelter that has cots, lockers, food, and basic services for 60 men. Sunshine Mission in North City provides one fo the most effective programs for helping entire families through long term healings from abuse and addiction, and has provided job training for hundreds of men who now provide for their community. Other programs, like Rise Together Ministries, provide immeasurable aid to St. Louis' rapidly growing immigrant and refugee population, most of which walk off the plane with nothing more than the clothes on their back, 3 months free rent, and a bill for their airfare. I could list a dozen other churches, programs, and ministries that provide tangible, concrete restoration to St. Louis City.
Yet we must be careful we do not create a city that is, as F. Scott Fitgerald says in The Great Gatsby, gilded. A "Gilded City" is one that appears to be restored, but is yet hollow. Gilded statues may appear to be solid gold, but are filled with less precious fillers like lead or iron. Fitzgerald used the term to describe the culture of affluence in the 1920's, one that appeared desirable and glamorous, but had only the façade of value. I do not mean to minimize or lessen the amazing attempts at urban restoration going on. This effort is absolutely the responsibility of every Christian, and one that City Church plans to partner with for decades to come. However, if we settle for a merely physical restoration, we will be like a house without a firm foundation (Luke 6:47-49).
Only the Gospel can bring this kind of true, spiritual restoration (Isaiah 57:14-16). Real transformation comes when this simple truth roots in our hearts:
The gospel is the good news that the love and power of God has penetrated history in the person and work of Jesus Christ in order to redeem and renew the world. It is the work and record of Jesus (rather than our own) that makes possible our relationship with God. His power releases us from the trap of religion (the misconception that we can’t be acceptable unless we perform) and from the trap of irreligion (the misconception that we can be happy apart from God). - City Church website, under "Core Values."
The Gospel will rock your world. It should rock the world of everyone who hears it. The fact that God, who never did anything to deserve our rejection of him, would actually enter into our world as one of us to experience the fulness of human pain and suffering, all to bring us back into relationship with him, is nothing short of astounding. It is the greatest love story ever told, and if that does not change the way you see everything, nothing will. And that doesn't even begin to cover the fact that those who trust in this truth also literally have the Spirit of God dwelling within their mortal bodies (2 Timothy 1:14)!
Let's face it, driving in from your home in a safe neighborhood to serve soup is often significantly less challenging than lovingly speaking this truth to our neighbor. We do this by living in community, loving our neighbor unconditionally (whether or not they ever believe the Gospel), and speaking that love into their lives as the opportunity arises.
I have many friends that are not Christian. I am not their friend because I want them to believe the Gospel. I want them to embrace it because I am their friend and, like any friend, I want what is best for their ultimate well-being. I can do many things for them to love them (physical restoration), but without an inward spiritual transformation sparked and fueled by the Love of God, only partial restoration can happen.
Where else is there more opportunity and need for restoration than the city?
For more info: Dr. Michael Williams has written what I believe is one of the best treatments on this wholistic (physical and spiritual) redemption, Far as the Curse is Found. It is very accessible and incredibly inspiring.
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