I agree with everything you said about false martyrdom and Trump. I would add that Jesus warned about false prophets (Greek word for prophet also means public expounder), who act religious, but are "wolves in sheep’s clothing." The verses following give instructions on evaluating leaders. Do they show good fruit? Not that leaders have to be perfect, but overall, what is their fruit? Are they honest? Do they forgive? Are they humble? Jesus stressed in other places that leaders should have a servant's heart. Furthermore, he said that our speech shows what's in our hearts. Repeatedly attacking other people just because they disagree one time is not a good sign. Godly people may fail sometimes, but they admit it and repent, and you see change. False messiahs don't admit to any failures, nor do they repent.
I often read your posts and gain great clarification of important spiritual and theological issues. Thank you once again - I know such insight and wisdom comes with a cost. As stated in another woman’s response, it resonates on many levels. Also, the honor to Navalny was important, especially knowing he is a Christian and so unlike many here that claim to be.
Hello Diana-- I just want you to know that I believe this may be one of your best blogs. I received it early on Sunday morning and then rewrote my sermon to include some of what you shared about martyrdom. I, of course, credited you with what I shared. Thank you for your wisdom and sharing your insights. You have helped me become a better preacher and person. Have a blessed Lent and a holy Easter. Best, --Jo Hudson
Diana, thank you so very much for this helpful and needed distinction between the martyr and the martyr complex. Indeed it is very difficult to make and many fail attempting to do so. Navalnys death has impacted me greatly and reminded me of my upbringing under Russian occupation in the former East. How so many Christian’s in the free America can go so astray has worried me greatly. Thus I am grateful for your work helping to distinguish the spirits.
I did not know about Navalnys faith, but wrote in my Lenten reflection about him as the “inner person” Meister Eckhart describes in his sermons. So thank you for this confirmation.
PS. Also Bonhoeffer came back to Germany when in fact he could have stayed in the US enjoying a life as a distinguished professor.
Thank you for your words. Taking up the cross and following after Jesus is counter cultural in our world today. What is the cost of Discipleship as we take up our crosses?
Thank you for pointing out at the end that the Navalny--the best part of this-- was edited. Reading through my first thought was that there was "no way he was that cogent" along with disappointment until I saw the note at the end.
It was an incredibly light edit - whoever did the Russian to English translation was Ok-ish. But commas and periods needed work as well as some of the connecting words ("and" "but", etc). Nothing substantial was altered. I just wanted to make it a bit smoother for English readers. And, of course, I shortened it slightly. I was very careful and respectful in the process. You can look at the original English translation on the Russian website if you think I may have missed something.
Also, I'm not terribly pleased with your "the rest was OK" remark. Pretty disrespectful to me as your host and the curator of this online space. What's the point of being so rude to someone who has opened her virtual home to you?
The Navalny was smoother than anything I'd previously seen reported--that's what I noticed. I did go back and read the entire statement (thank you for the link).
My "the rest was ok" wasn't a statement of disrespect.
I was surprised by comments saying things like, "one of your best" and didn't think that at all. I may have been reacting to their presence. It happens
When I read anyone I tend to leave a simple "Thanks!" if it's something I like. And if I really like it I say so. A few weeks back I think I said I thought a post I really liked was the equivalent of a 3 point basketball shot where the player makes the shot and is fouled on the play (making it a likely 4pt play). Anyway, I should have waited until I had a moment to say more (as I do now).
This week I really liked the Navalny. The contrast with Trump -- to this Dem leaning independent voter -- reminded me of too many other pieces where folks react to something Trump says. At this point in a third election cycle of similar comments I yawn when that happens.
I saw your reply where you pointed out you were using Trump as a contrast, and I'm in agreement with another commenter who said "if the only words [you'd] written were... Navalny wanted all of Russia to be free; Trump only wants to free himself ... it would have been enough." To my mind brevity there would have made this a stronger piece because of that different contrast.
Thanks again for a thought provoking post. We're not on the same page, no. That's ok though, right? I hope so. Do me a favor, world you? Pray for me. I'll remember you in mine as well. Peace
I agree with the argument, I prefer to avoid reading about his antics. He gets entirely too much press. I can carry the cross and offer compassion without deep diving into contretemps.
I agree with everything you said about false martyrdom and Trump. I would add that Jesus warned about false prophets (Greek word for prophet also means public expounder), who act religious, but are "wolves in sheep’s clothing." The verses following give instructions on evaluating leaders. Do they show good fruit? Not that leaders have to be perfect, but overall, what is their fruit? Are they honest? Do they forgive? Are they humble? Jesus stressed in other places that leaders should have a servant's heart. Furthermore, he said that our speech shows what's in our hearts. Repeatedly attacking other people just because they disagree one time is not a good sign. Godly people may fail sometimes, but they admit it and repent, and you see change. False messiahs don't admit to any failures, nor do they repent.
Right on time - Navalny, the lectionary, and Diana's reflection.
Outstanding!
So clarifying and important distinctions. Thank you. I hope this wakes up a few people caught in 45th's spinning web of self promotion and poison.
I often read your posts and gain great clarification of important spiritual and theological issues. Thank you once again - I know such insight and wisdom comes with a cost. As stated in another woman’s response, it resonates on many levels. Also, the honor to Navalny was important, especially knowing he is a Christian and so unlike many here that claim to be.
Hello Diana-- I just want you to know that I believe this may be one of your best blogs. I received it early on Sunday morning and then rewrote my sermon to include some of what you shared about martyrdom. I, of course, credited you with what I shared. Thank you for your wisdom and sharing your insights. You have helped me become a better preacher and person. Have a blessed Lent and a holy Easter. Best, --Jo Hudson
This resonates with me at ALL levels — and it connects scripture with truth and with life! This is what changes perspective. Thank you for this🙏.
Thank you, Diana, for reminding us of the great heart beneath Navalny's action. it is a beautiful and moving piece.
Your insight and clarity was very much appreciated and discussed at our Sunday evening gathering. Thank you!
Diana, thank you so very much for this helpful and needed distinction between the martyr and the martyr complex. Indeed it is very difficult to make and many fail attempting to do so. Navalnys death has impacted me greatly and reminded me of my upbringing under Russian occupation in the former East. How so many Christian’s in the free America can go so astray has worried me greatly. Thus I am grateful for your work helping to distinguish the spirits.
I did not know about Navalnys faith, but wrote in my Lenten reflection about him as the “inner person” Meister Eckhart describes in his sermons. So thank you for this confirmation.
PS. Also Bonhoeffer came back to Germany when in fact he could have stayed in the US enjoying a life as a distinguished professor.
Navalny R.I.P.
Now let him have a Christian burial service of Resurrection!
When I read this I thought of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the price of discipleship.
Yes, he also came back when he could have stayed save in the US instead!
Thank you for connecting it all.
Thank you for your words. Taking up the cross and following after Jesus is counter cultural in our world today. What is the cost of Discipleship as we take up our crosses?
Thank you for pointing out at the end that the Navalny--the best part of this-- was edited. Reading through my first thought was that there was "no way he was that cogent" along with disappointment until I saw the note at the end.
The rest was ok.
It was an incredibly light edit - whoever did the Russian to English translation was Ok-ish. But commas and periods needed work as well as some of the connecting words ("and" "but", etc). Nothing substantial was altered. I just wanted to make it a bit smoother for English readers. And, of course, I shortened it slightly. I was very careful and respectful in the process. You can look at the original English translation on the Russian website if you think I may have missed something.
Also, I'm not terribly pleased with your "the rest was OK" remark. Pretty disrespectful to me as your host and the curator of this online space. What's the point of being so rude to someone who has opened her virtual home to you?
Hello Diana,
Thank you for the kindness of your comment.
The Navalny was smoother than anything I'd previously seen reported--that's what I noticed. I did go back and read the entire statement (thank you for the link).
My "the rest was ok" wasn't a statement of disrespect.
I was surprised by comments saying things like, "one of your best" and didn't think that at all. I may have been reacting to their presence. It happens
When I read anyone I tend to leave a simple "Thanks!" if it's something I like. And if I really like it I say so. A few weeks back I think I said I thought a post I really liked was the equivalent of a 3 point basketball shot where the player makes the shot and is fouled on the play (making it a likely 4pt play). Anyway, I should have waited until I had a moment to say more (as I do now).
This week I really liked the Navalny. The contrast with Trump -- to this Dem leaning independent voter -- reminded me of too many other pieces where folks react to something Trump says. At this point in a third election cycle of similar comments I yawn when that happens.
I saw your reply where you pointed out you were using Trump as a contrast, and I'm in agreement with another commenter who said "if the only words [you'd] written were... Navalny wanted all of Russia to be free; Trump only wants to free himself ... it would have been enough." To my mind brevity there would have made this a stronger piece because of that different contrast.
Thanks again for a thought provoking post. We're not on the same page, no. That's ok though, right? I hope so. Do me a favor, world you? Pray for me. I'll remember you in mine as well. Peace
I agree with the argument, I prefer to avoid reading about his antics. He gets entirely too much press. I can carry the cross and offer compassion without deep diving into contretemps.