Where Does the Gospel Fit in a Divided World?
In times of division and uncertainty, how does the gospel speak to us? Rev. Dennis Patterson Jr., priest in charge of The Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross in Decatur, GA, challenges us to move beyond reading scripture and start living it out. In this thought-provoking conversation, he reflects on how the gospel isn’t just something to be studied—it’s something to be seen, felt, and lived in daily action.
Whether through acts of kindness, justice, or simply showing up for others, the gospel calls us to be active participants in God's work of healing and unity.
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Rev. Dr. Katie Givens Kime:
What role do you feel the gospel has in connecting or healing a fragmented, polarized world?
Rev. Dennis Patterson, Jr.:
I think the gospel speaks to all the ills that we experience in society. There's not a place, there's not a situation that I’ve found myself in where the gospel doesn’t speak to or at least offer some insight.
I’m more of a doer, and so for me, it’s more the lived gospel, right? I think that we have to—the gospel’s place is to live it out. To show people what is expected of them, to show people what is right, to show people what is wrong, to show people what love is.
And so, I think it’s not so much the reading of the gospel but what people see. Folk don’t read that much anyway anymore, but they have to see it. What is this thing that has this person on fire? What is this thing that has this person so excited about helping people and lending a hand?
And so, I mean, I think that’s where the gospel fits in.
Reflection
Rev. Patterson’s words remind us that faith is not just about belief—it’s about action. The gospel calls us to be the hands and feet of Christ in a hurting world.
Practical Takeaways:
- Live the gospel daily. Find tangible ways to embody the love of Christ in your community.
- Show, don’t just tell. People may not read the Bible, but they see how we live.
- Be a presence for healing. In a world of division, our faith must be a bridge, not a barrier.
Reflection Questions:
- How can you actively live out the gospel in your daily interactions?
- In what ways do your actions reflect the love and justice of Christ?
- Who in your community needs to see the gospel through your life?
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Read the full sermon from Episode 4169 >>>
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