The Martyrs of Uganda and the Jesus of Suburbia

Today the Episcopal Church remembers thirty-two young men, who, in 1886, were burned to death by the King of Uganda for their refusal to renounce the Christian faith. The king who instigated their deaths intended to send a message -- follow the Way of Jesus and die. Ironically, the deaths of these men didn't squelch the spread of Christianity, but instead fueled a Gospel fire that blazed ferociously throughout the country as more and more people were converted and baptized.

There was something in the way these witnesses met their deaths that captured the hearts of their fellow citizens. Rather than begging for mercy or wailing at their fate, these men faced their deaths singing hymns, clapping their hands and praising God. They could have renounced their Faith and lived -- but for these followers of the Way, the only life worth living was a life lived in integrity.  They were faithful to the very end.

Contrast these witnesses in 19th century Uganda with a description of the followers of the "Jesus of Surbubia" (from a book of the same title by Mike Erre): 

"What keeps us from a life of faith is that we have become very good at assessing and minimizing risk. Our culture is all about risk management. We want to hedge our finances against future market downturns, and we have home insurance, life insurance, car insurance, fire insurance, flood insurance...We have become people who focus on managing and minimizing risk everywhere we can see it...We want Jesus to be the same way: all reward and no risk...We want the illusion of faith as long as we are safe...This is one of the reasons we settle for the mundane Jesus of Suburbia; he is predictable and safe." (pp. 34-35)

I'm writing this blog post from the comfort of a climate-controlled house, looking out on a street lined with perfectly manicured lawns, each with its own immaculately maintained house perched perfectly upon it. I sit across the parking lot from a fastidiously maintained building that is set apart for the faithful to gather in comfort from Sunday to Sunday for a brief liturgical respite from the rigors of day-to-day living -- topped off with appetizing refreshments. 

Christians in the "wilds of Wauwatosa" will likely not have to choose loyalties. Our lives aren't in danger because of our religion -- and our religion poses no threat to our every day lives either. 

O God, by whose providence the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church: Grant that we who remember before you the blessed martyrs of Uganda, may, like them, be steadfast in our faith in Jesus Christ, to whom they gave obedience, even unto death, and by their sacrifice brought forth a plentiful harvest; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.