Questions: a Radical Solution
Many years ago I asked youthwork guru Pip Wilson a question. The question was, “How would you describe your churchmanship/theological position?”
I remember that Pip frowned. Maybe he didn’t want to answer. Maybe it wasn’t important to him. It was important to me…at the time. I wanted to have the whole thing nailed. So shortly after I joined a religious ‘Movement’ that had it nailed. No questions asked.
I still remember Pip’s answer. I must have asked a lot of people the same question around that time, but I remember Pip’s answer. After some thought, Pip said, “I am a Radical.”
I didn’t know what he meant at the time but I do now. It’s taken me twenty years, but I think that now I am getting it.
‘Radical’ means to get back to the root (radix [Lt] – root) of a thing.
So, what is the ‘root’ of this whole Jesus thing?
Love, that’s what.
I have just this minute stumbled upon Pip Wilson’s ‘Mission Statement’, which kinda sums up the whole thing. Talk about going full circle!
I really want to share with you my personal Mission Statement. I know It is a risk to share it…but I trust you.
Me – Pip Wilson – Mission Statement
- I will be an effective lover.
- I will live to love.
- Modelled on my developing commitment, understanding and faith in God.
- I will continue to believe, behave, and affirm that all individual persons are unique, special and valuable – beautiful human persons. I will demonstrate that, verbalise that.
- I will live to love myself, family, friends, colleagues and active socially and cosmically.
Pip Wilson, a Beautiful Human Person who became an Adult when he was 40
