Alien Drums

“John Cotton provoked bitterness, for he saw the light, considered the effect, and then deliberately helped to put it out.” (Edith Curtis, quoted in Eve LaPlante’s American Jezebel, p. 138)

Curtis is talking about John Cotton’s failure in 1637 Massachusetts Bay Colony. The minister’s theology had given rise to the unorthodox ministry of Anne Hutchinson, yet as the political and ecclesiastical power built against her, Cotton backed away. He compromised in order to keep his pulpit, while Hutchinson stuck to her theological guns and was banished from the colony.

I don’t particularly like the theology of either Cotton or Hutchinson, but I have more respect for Hutchinson because she remained true to her beliefs despite the consequences. More importantly for me personally, I don’t want to be another John Cotton. I don’t want to compromise just to keep a job. More importantly still, I don’t want to compromise and thus put out a light that might burn brightly otherwise.

I do this blog anonymously because I work for a Christian organization, and this is my means of exploring ideas without fear of retribution. I pray that if I become convinced of light that is contrary to the accepted beliefs of the organization that pays my salary that I will have the courage to stand in the light. I doubt I am alone in facing this challenge.