Monday, May 13, 2013

Tough Questions, Real Answers



Jim Rayburn, the founder of Young Life, was fond of reminding staff to “major in the majors.”  What I think he meant was that in Young Life’s mission to teenagers, it should focus on the most essential aspects of the Christian message, teaching young people what it means to meet the person of Jesus Christ and follow him.  Surely the universal church concerns itself with many other issues, but Rayburn wanted Young Life to remain committed to the “heart” of the gospel.

Does the Catholic Church beat with the same heart? Is it majoring in the same majors?  Does it preach the same gospel?  Or is it teaching another religion altogether?  In this exclusive interview with Pope Francis, these critical questions are addressed head on.[1]  Is it about tradition?  Moral change?  What about merits or good works?  What really separates a true Christian from a nominal one? 

These are questions that many people are asking as this work to bridge the gap between Young Life and the Catholic Church continues.  These are questions I have asked myself.  As for the answers?  Take the next four minutes and hear it directly from the pope’s mouth (click on the video below).  This is one of the most incredible pieces I’ve ever seen:


            [1]  This interview by Alejandro Rodriguez, president of YWAM Argentina, was conducted before Jorge Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013.





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2 comments:

  1. Jim Rayburn III (son of founder)May 14, 2013 at 10:12 AM

    Wonderful Michael. Thank-you for posting this. It's already circulating among many friends and acquaintances in South America - I sent it. Jorge Bergoglio (the Pope) shared the same message here thet we do with kids. How wonderful to have a pope with this inner intimacy with Christ. It's inspiring for me to see a pope put it simply and truthfully. God bless you, friend. Jim C. Rayburn jimcrayburn@cs.com

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  2. mhavercampMay 14, 2013 at 2:30 PM

    Thank you Jim! So good to hear from you. I know of your passion for unity and for every kid to have that life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. It was the beating heart of your dad that has inspired multitudes in the mission of Young Life. What the pope has articulated is the common vision that the entire church shares - Protestants and Catholics - that every single person allow themselves to be found and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit through a dynamic relationship with Christ. We are one body of one Lord with one mission - to proclaim the Lordship of Jesus to every nation. Thank you for your work in spreading the message and building bridges. God bless and keep you. ~Michael

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Thanks so much for your input. I pray that this dialogue may be a blessing to you personally and to the ministry you exercise in Christ.

Michael

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