http://pvmchurch.podbean.com Weekly sermons from Park View Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:31:53 +0000 http://podbean.com/?v=3.2 http://pvmchurch.podbean.com/2007/10/08/mind-your-table-ethics/#comment-53639 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:50:42 +0000 http://pvmchurch.podbean.com/2007/10/08/mind-your-table-ethics/#comment-53639 Kudos for tackling this tough issue - tough for us both as creatures living in this culture and as beings with a spiritual calling. I think it's right on to point to our first calling as human beings to be caretakers of the earth, to be gardeners. It's right on to point out the communal aspect of our eating. We should be more aware of how we get our food and where it comes from; a connection with our earth will undoubtedly bring us into deeper connection with God. However, one area that I think was overlooked was how our food system that we take part in is an oppressive one not just to our environment. It's oppressive to the people who don't get paid well, treated well, or who are exposed to toxic pesticides. It's oppressive to those in other nations who are struggling against a global food system that leaves farmers unable to feed themselves or escape spiraling debt. These are nuanced, tough, heartbreaking conversations to have, but I think as people who follow a Jesus who calls believers to take part in the redemption of the world by freeing the oppressed and exposing unjust systems of power, we have no choice but to have the conversation. We are called to have it. We can't shy away from it. Thanks very much for the opportunity to comment! Kudos for tackling this tough issue - tough for us both as creatures living in this culture and as beings with a spiritual calling. I think it’s right on to point to our first calling as human beings to be caretakers of the earth, to be gardeners. It’s right on to point out the communal aspect of our eating. We should be more aware of how we get our food and where it comes from; a connection with our earth will undoubtedly bring us into deeper connection with God. However, one area that I think was overlooked was how our food system that we take part in is an oppressive one not just to our environment. It’s oppressive to the people who don’t get paid well, treated well, or who are exposed to toxic pesticides. It’s oppressive to those in other nations who are struggling against a global food system that leaves farmers unable to feed themselves or escape spiraling debt. These are nuanced, tough, heartbreaking conversations to have, but I think as people who follow a Jesus who calls believers to take part in the redemption of the world by freeing the oppressed and exposing unjust systems of power, we have no choice but to have the conversation. We are called to have it. We can’t shy away from it. Thanks very much for the opportunity to comment!

]]>