2022 is the Year We Become Super, Natural Christians

Pastor Steven's fall reading has led him towards preaching on the subject of CREATION: in the sense of the world we live in, its shape, and its conditions. The phrase Super, Natural Christians comes from the title of a book by theologian Sallie McFague (Fortress Press, 1997), whom Pastor Steven has referenced in recent sermons.

Recognizing that most of us have a healthy appreciation of nature, McFague asks us to take that appreciation a step further by asking, "How are Christians to love nature?" She suggests that we should approach nature with the same relational posture that we approach God and our neigh- bors, as subjects rather than objects (1–2). "Objects," McFague explains, "are 'things' that others can change as they please with no consequences, while subjects both affect others and are affect- ed by them" (8).

McFague's purpose is reflected in the title of her book, "We will begin to get things right . . . when we see ourselves as natural, as belonging to the earth utterly and completely, as well as super, natural by responding to this earth, our beleaguered home with special attention and care– –that is, with love" (6).

Each Sunday we read Immanuel's vision statement in our Order of Worship, "God is calling Immanuel Baptist Church to practice the radical, compassionate discipleship taught by Jesus Christ." McFague's work asks us to consider "extending the radical, destabilizing, inclusive love of Jesus Christ to the natural world" (24).

As we contemplate what it means to love nature as Christians this year, we hope that you will find ways to work this theme into various aspects of church life and your own devotions. The pastors are happy to provide reading recommendations for personal use and small group study. We will also be offering practical suggestions and opportunities to put practice-in-action in the coming months.

Let heaven and nature sing in this new year!

~ Your Staff