I have spent some time recently considering where I am in this art of gentle cynicism. For lately, I have found myself angry (the overly and unproductive kind) and bordering on bitterness, only to be awakened to a better reality—a taking of stock, a stock that includes a reminder that the world is filled with many unhappy people who live with the fruits of injustice and without much chance to escape what feels like a meaningless existence. Connected with this is the need for us (yes, me) to struggle with what is happening around us in ways that put us in places to make some difference, to offer meaning, and to alter some of the discomfort through real change. I realize getting to such a “place” requires some—if not a lot—of imagination and endurance.
In this recent taking of stock, having learned from others, is the practice of cultural critique (maybe a better way of to live out the idea of “gentle cynic”). Culture critique on one hand, is given to some important debate and discussion, while on the other hand, it is given to action, even if it is experimental upfront. As a consequence from an ongoing succession of action and critical reflection, there just might emerge real answers to the injustices which grab our attention and call us to action.
To borrow from James McClendon’s clever image of the human condition, we are “swiss cheese folk poked with holes from head to heel.” Perhaps through a full expression of culture critique, we might find that some of our gaping holes will be found filled with human wholeness in significant aspects of life through the embodiment of the “true humanity” as measured against “authentic, undiminished humanity,” embodied in Jesus, who is “the Truly Human One.”* Thanks be to God!
* James Wm. McClendon, Jr. Doctrine: Systematic Theology, Volume II.
> A recent story for illustration: “An Architecture of Decency” at Speaking of Faith
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