I use "people in the mainstream" rather than solely "Christians" because relationships between the rich and poor are important no matter what one's religious beliefs. I saw that this summer. Homeless persons, for example, can benefit from relationships with anyone who is genuinely interested in establishing friendship. In addition, I was influenced by a non-Christian colleague who shared once in a conversation that framing my work or argument from a Christian perspective can be a turnoff to those who do not embrace Christianity. I can therefore share the importance of building relationships, using Jesus as a model of one who did this, and be even more effective than prefacing my argument with Jesus' actions as a model for all people. Yes, I wish to encourage Christians to be Christ to the outcast. But I also wish for anyone to build relationship with the outcast; perhaps then, even those who do not identify as Christians will share Christ, through human love, without even knowing it.
A final note: Even through answering these questions in the relatively full way that I have, I recognize that the ways in which I approached, thought about, or understood my summer experience, were not black and white. My time this summer was one speck in a kaleidoscope of experiences that have enriched me. I hope to use the experience to help others, sharing it in ways so they may be enriched, as well. My experience this summer has been influential to me, hopefully bringing me to a new place in my life and my concern for social causes.
John Frame has a diverse educational background in criminal justice, leadership, business administration, public administration, and theology. He will be graduating with a Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree from Harvard Divinity School.
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