Hello, My Name is ...

Hi, my name is Scott Andrew Peterson. – That’s my given name. That’s what my birth certificate, passport, and driver's license say, but some refer to me by other monikers.

Recently, I’ve been wrestling with a question: When do we stop calling each other names? We did it in elementary school, and everyone laughed, but at some point, we all grow up ... don't we?

When do we stop using derogatory statements and words to describe those we disagree with or struggle with? In fairness, I grew up in a family full of nicknames.

            My parents referred to me as Sonny for most of my life.

            My uncle called me Doodle, and I have no idea why.

            My granddaughter calls me Pop Pop.

            My friends call me Scotty or Pete.

            My work peers started calling me Doc once I finished my doctoral degree.

            And for decades folks have called me Pastor or Chaplain.

Over the last 20 years I’ve also been called a variety of derogatory names: An embarrassment, the enemy, an apostate, a heretic, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a fraud, and scum.

I’ve been told that people like me (progressive Christian leaders) are the problem with today’s church. Some call me a lib-tard, a liberal looney, mentally ill, a traitor, insane, a monster, evil, and a fool.

Incredibly, most of this ugly stuff has come from ordained elders in the church. Men who proclaim to serve, lead, and care deeply about their faith and the church. These men have told me numerous times that the church is at war because of people like me. Somehow, not agreeing with everything the conservative church states has brought me to the edge of society.

It’s an interesting idea and one that causes me to think. Perhaps names and labels are not the best way to engage with those we disagree. What if we chose to approach the world as the late Rev. Dr. Billy Graham suggested when he said, “God judges, the Spirit convicts, and I’m simply called to love.”

I believe the world would be a better place if I chose to love those who disagreed with me. This isn’t easy, but it is a choice. Names and phrases that demean or dehumanize those who disagree with me don't have to be part of my vocabulary.

I can choose to love, care for, converse, and treat those who see the world through a different lens with respect. It is my prayer and goal to love others. I choose to rise above name-calling and threats. My joy, calling, and view of the world aren't reliant on how others speak of me. I can choose the best, and I can choose to see the best in others. That’s my goal today. What about you?