I submit this letter to the editor in a spirit of love and collegiality as a response to Pastor Justin Rumley.

Re: Is There No King In Kewanee? | Kewanee Voice

He begins his letter by quoting Judges 21:25. The book of Judges reflects a 325 year period of the tribes of Israel after the death of Joshua, and before the unification of the tribes under the rule of a single king. The 12 judges (both men and women) were heroes. They settled disputes and delivered Israel from their oppressors. God appointed all of the judges.

I submit that this system of self-rule for Israel was a gift from God because it provided freedom and liberty. True, the people sinned (as well as the judges); however, when they repented, God was faithful to appoint a new judge to lead Israel out of calamity. God did not take self-rule away from the people—they gave it up voluntarily.

1 Samuel 10:19a, “But you have today rejected your God, who Himself saved you from all your adversities and your tribulations; and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us!’” They found self-rule to be too difficult, so they gave up on God’s gift.

Self-rule is messy and frustrating; but it is worth the effort because in the midst of self-rule, we also have the capacity for self-correction. Jeanette Gibson states that we need instruction in critical thinking. I agree. We live in a time when conflicting information abounds. The skills of critical thinking, and especially the teaching of logical fallacies, would help people discern truth from error in a time when we face a constant stream of baloney.

Re: Critical thinking is all humanity needs: No gods or kings need apply | Kewanee Voice

In my time in pastoral ministry, I have served parishioners who were mean and cantankerous. Yet, sometimes, these same people would display some of the most heartwarming acts of compassion, empathy, and grace. I learned that to be a faithful pastor, I needed not only to speak to the wages of sin, but also to guide human hearts in the development of love, empathy, understanding, and justice.

I do not claim to understand the pain people experience when they feel trapped in the wrong body; but I believe that it is my responsibility to seek to understand before I judge.

Incidentally, about 60 years ago, my father and other community leaders dressed in drag to dance in a chorus line at the Toulon High School gymnasium as part of a community talent show. There were no protests or demonstrations. There was laughter, and clapping. No children were harmed in the process.

Jesus is King over individual human hearts. Jesus is not going to pick up my garbage or fix the potholes in my street. We need to cherish self-rule and be willing to do the messy work that it entails. Let us do so with wisdom, cooperation, and grace.

Sincerely,
Rev. Edward S. Jones, Retired United Methodist Pastor
Kewanee

****The opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not reflect the opinions or endorsement of The Kewanee Voice.