Saying and doing

For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes Henry's current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and blog content. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.

Recently, a friend and I were talking about how disturbed and saddened we’ve been by the hateful and decidedly unchristian words spoken by self-proclaimed Christian leaders in recent years. The examples are too numerous to cite, and each has its own agenda of hatred and division. I complained that it was so deeply unfair that such intolerant and offensive perspectives were being allowed to speak for me and all other Christians.

My friend offered a profound and simple response: “Chris, they only speak for you if you don’t speak for yourself.”