calling what is, is

Martin Luther, in his Heidelberg Disputation of 1518, stated the following theses: A theologian of glory calls evil good and good evil. A theologian of the cross calls the thing what it is.  This statement forms the basis of a theology of the cross, where the cross is central to how one understands their relationship with God and with others.  The cross is an instrument of torture...the cross causes pain and suffering...the cross brings death and destruction.  The cross, for Christians, is also a place of salvation...it is a place of redemption...it is a place that brings forth life.  For many, it is easier to focus on the second part of this paradox, where the cross is glorified and is only an afterthought to Easter and the resurrection.  For Luther (and for those who now claim him as a founder) it was the place of beginning, where Christ's work was done once and for all, a reflection of what St. Paul meant when he said "I preach Christ crucified." 

For me, this theological understanding is a critical component of good leadership, namely the ability to call what is, is.  Many writers on leadership have noted that leaders must name reality for others and for their organizations.  The ability to do this - to name reality - allows an organization to move forward by fixing issues and not ignoring what might be holding them back.  This is not an easy task for leaders, who are often promoted to their positions because they were good cheerleaders of others and their organizations.  Rather than calling what is is, leaders will often cover up the problem by fixing it themselves, not having to worry others with the situation.  Yet it is precisely the ability to name reality - to act in the same manner as a theologian of the cross - that will serve leaders and organizations well.

This past weekend saw evil manifest itself  through the protests in Charlottesville, where a group of people decided that their race, their nationality, and their status was more important and better than others.  The philosophy behind this group, the remarks that were made, and the actions that were taken are nothing short of wrong...nothing short of evil...nothing short of sin.  For them, their lives are more important than the lives of others, and they saw nothing wrong in making that known and bullying others for that right.  And that, for me, is sin.

It is easy to dismiss these actions as a group of fringe lunatics...it is easy to blame both sides for the bad behavior...it is easy not to be concerned with what happened because it does not affect one's own life or beliefs.  But for me, the beliefs, words, and actions of this group of people made me angry and left me in a state of flux, wondering what I can do to make a difference.  Thus this Friday Morning Blog.

There should be no fear in calling out evil and sin...there should be no fear in naming reality...there should be no fear in calling what is, is.  Leaders, it is time to stand up and call out bad behavior, both in our organizations and in the world.  Those who claim to be white nationalists or believe in their manifesto are nothing short of evil and sinful.  I know those are harsh words...I know those are words that bring division...I also know those are words that name what is, is...and I also know those are words that leaders should speak.