LENT 2020: DISSIDENT DISCIPLESHIP BY JASON EDWARDS

It may feel unsettling to see the word “dissident” paired with the word “discipleship.” A dissident is usually one who stands in opposition to established doctrine, policy, institution, or some other societal norm. Dissidents, by their very nature, unsettle things. Does this mean this year’s Lenten series will be unsettling? It could mean that. Perhaps it should mean that. Lent is, after all, meant to be an unsettling season.

We begin Lent with the imposition of ashes on our forehead, a messy sign of the cross, imposed to remind us of our fragile humanity and God’s loving claim on our lives. With this reminder, we move through this season of penitent reflection, often giving things up and taking things on in an effort to renew our commitment to Jesus as we prepare to celebrate His Easter Resurrection. Lent is a season of deepening discipleship, and as our discipleship deepens our own way in the world may seem increasingly dissident.

This is the idea that undergirds the book that shapes this year’s Lenten theme, “Dissident Discipleship,” by David Augsburger. In it, Augsburger roots the way of Jesus within his claim that the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27) Usually described as two commands, Augsburger argues that when presented as Jesus does, they become one. Love your neighbor is more than a second command, it’s guidance for how to live out the first. Love of neighbor is love of God and vice versa. They are inseparable.

Augsburger describes this as tripolar spirituality. Tripolar spirituality is a three-dimensional approach to faith. It means that love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self are all an intertwined part of the same whole. It means that the committed Christian must live a life that is upwardly, inwardly, and outwardly directed. It means that we cannot claim that we love God and yet hate our sisters or brothers. Tripolar spirituality is a spirituality for all of life. It’s about our relationships with God, others, and self.

Jesus says: “Do this, and you will live.” (Luke 10:28)

Our Lenten series is focused on doing this. In his book, Augsburger describes eight practices rooted in the tripolar spirituality of Jesus: radical attachment, stubborn loyalty, tenacious serenity, habitual humility, resolute nonviolence, concrete service, authentic witness, and subversive spirituality. We’ll examine these practices. As we do, some may choose to engage and even integrate them newly into their own life. If so, be ready. A spirituality that calls us to love God, self and all of our neighbors can manifest in stirring, even unsettling ways. Some might even begin to experience you … as a dissident.