"I repent of optimism." Can I get an amen? What a strange thing to say, right? Doesn't this sound like a recipe for an existential crisis? Why would we ever "repent of optimism"? It gets weirder. Has it ever occurred to you that optimism is not a fruit of the Spirit? That can't be right, can it?
Optimism holds out the view that everything is eventually going to get better. It assumes that, left long enough, the bend of human nature is towards progress, equality, wealth and justice. Our knowledge and technology will eventually pave the way for utopia.
That view of the world is taking a bit of a hit these days, and the result is a whole lot of pain, confusion... even despair. The gospel has a very different take on things, one rooted in realism. But the realism of the gospel, the reality that is rooted in Christ, is FILLED with hope. Not hope in 'our better angels', but hope in Christ. The hope of Advent. Christ here, among us.
To watch service on YouTube click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JKrrQ0XGWs
