During a recent working session at a coffee shop, I looked up from my computer to see a gentleman who was sitting across the room from me make the sign of the cross before digging into his morning muffin.
Later, I noticed a beautiful faith-inspired painting hanging on the wall that happened to be for sale. There was a large cross that dominated the canvas, complete with the nails on which presumably Christ hung.
Asking price: $200. I love the painting, but it’s a little outside of my art budget.
And then, spotting the painting helped me remember that in the coffee shop’s kitchen, in plain view of everyone who orders, there is a Jesus-themed decorative wall hanging.
A business free to hang faith-based art and interior decorations. A man comfortable enough to make the sign of the cross for everyone in the coffee shop, and even passersby, to see. And there was other merchandise lying about that espoused a gospel message!
To top it off, there I was, laptop open, Christian-themed day planner alongside, writing both my next sermon and last week’s faith column.
All right there in the open. No legislation needed. No fear of reprisal.
The set of circumstances inspired me to think about all of the times I’ve prayed in public, even in public schools; introduced myself as a clergy member to a myriad of strangers in a myriad of professional and public settings; and shared deeply faithful conversations in bars and restaurants and even bookstores.
Truth is, I’ve never, ever once in almost eight years of ministry feared that I couldn’t practice my Christian faith in any single setting. Additionally, I can’t recall one time when anyone disrespected me for it either.
But I am certain I could write down a very long list of faithful who practice other religions who couldn’t say the same.
The list would grow even longer if I included all of the plethora of Amercians considered “others” because of their race, gender, nationalities, disabilities, body shape, sexual preferences, addictions, homelessness, joblessness and immigration status.
The push to legislate Christianity into the public space is trendy as some in the faith push the false notion that Christians are persecuted. When in reality Christians are one of the least persecuted communities of people in America.
Rather than waste the time and energy creating shadow enemies, we’d further Jesus’ mission far more productively by just loving our neighbor; especially the ones who truly do have to fear just being themselves in public. Amen.
Devlyn Brooks is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and serves Faith Lutheran Church in Wolverton, Minn.