Last night I gave a talk at the Stone Church in Independence, Missouri on the “Pursuit of Peace.” I used the opportunity to explore an idea I have been thinking about lately — using Dietrich Bonheoffer’s observations on “cheap” vs “costly” grace to consider the different types of peace that people pursue.
I believe that too often, our society and our church, settle for pursuing “cheap peace” — that requires little commitment, little sacrifice and little chance of making sustained fundamental change. By contrast, I tell the story of grassroots peacebuilding efforts in Western Kenya, which have been conducted at great difficulty and personal risk (for those interested in learning more about these efforts, click here).
Saints Herald 
Brilliant!
I concur. Your sermon does raise the question if WHICH areas of peace we are each individually called to pursue. I’m glad to see that you spoke truth in a citadel of church power.
Very well done. I am also a lover of Mark, and for similar reasons.
To add a bit of overlay on to your thoughts about the church and its stance on peace, perhaps we are not moving at the pace you would like, but my feeling is that we are working on heading in that direction.
The difference between where we are and where we want to be can be vast, but a key is to understand where it is that we want to be. Then we take the steps in that direction (and hopefully pick up the pace).
Good sermon and thought-provoking. Speaking of cheap peace vs. costly peace makes me think of this article I read regarding the controversy over different factions of Islam and other historical times when there is the decision to keep quiet and keep the peace:
http://www.icjs-online.org/index/php?article=1414
The correct site is:
http://www.icjs-online.org/index.php?article=1414
Reflecting more on your sermon, I have been drawn again to the question of what is our response — our stewardship — to the discovery that we are privileged and that there are privileges we are not willing to give up, even to someone we love as much as a wife.
If I do not accept the responsibility of my privilege to use my gifts to the fullest as called (in the broadest sense) by God for the benefit of all, then I do become complicit in the losses of others.
And I am reminded by Christ’s example, that I never find it within me to give fully, am always complicit, and always need grace to repent.
well put, FT