Apparently my brother-in-law knows that it’s easier for me to rant and rave than to offer any viable solutions. He recently offered these comments and questions in response to my posts regarding losing my religion:
…How can followers of Jesus make a difference in the church without slipping into the subtle traps of religiosity? It's too easy to walk away, and I don't think that's a valid solution. How do we stay, and make a difference? Is it just a matter of quiet faithfulness over a long period of time? I'm not expecting a pat answer, just wondering your thoughts… Dan
It would be easy to walk away, wouldn’t it? I only wish there wasn’t a warning in the Bible about walking away being proof that we never belonged in the first place. The fact is that organized church is where most followers of Jesus regularly meet. I may not like fast food, but if the consensus in my family is to hang out at the local McGreasy King, then you’ll know where to find me. I’ll be the one ordering a side salad [totally hypothetical- I’m a french fry guy all the way].
I’m guessing that Dan put the words just and faithfulness together to poke me a bit. The idea of faithfulness being the least our virtues is really quite funny. Anyone who has caused God as much grief as I have knows that the definition of faithful is probably closer to obstinate devotion than resigned boredom or frustration. So yes Dan, I think obstinate devotion is critically Christlike.
The key for us is deciding ahead of time what exactly it is we are devoted to.
Are we devoted to our theological heritage? I hope not, because that assumes we don’t have too much left to learn. What about our worship service preferences? I’m not even going to… never mind.
Be devoted to Jesus alone. Like other long term relationships, this one will require us to constantly adjust our comfort zones, personal space, and priorities in order to remain vibrant.
I hope that doesn't sound like a pat answer. I know it's simple, but also understand that it isn't easy.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Courageous Ones
I was thinking today about courage, and how it fits into countless values that Christians claim to hold. I didn't hear about it too much when I was growing up; at least not in church. Courage was the focus of the fearless heroes in Walt Disney movies as a youngster, or Sylvester Stallone and pro wrestlers as a teenager.
At least it seemed that way until I got older. Now I see that the courage I witnessed first hand was both more potent and more subtle. It's power stemmed from the fact that those who modeled it were not imaginary, and neither were the challenges they faced. It was subtle in that courage itself wasn't glorified, and the real life heroes weren't honored with medals or scantily clad, helpless bimbos.
Thank you Grandpa and Grandma, for a home of perpetual peace in the midst of all the storms of life.
Thank you Dad, for never giving up on a self righteous, angry young boy.
Thank you Mom, for raging against the status quo, no matter what it cost your heart.
Thank you, Don M., for staying the course when your heart broke that January 31st so many years ago.
Thank you, David G., for seeing past the Christians and embracing the Christ, and for showing me how to do the same thing.
Thank you, David D., for humbly teaching me to think for myself, and letting me get baptized off your beach. I still like the Christian life!
All these showed me that only the courageous ones will enter the kingdom of God. Those with the courage to acknowledge exactly what they are, and are not, without God's intervention.
And He does intervene.
At least it seemed that way until I got older. Now I see that the courage I witnessed first hand was both more potent and more subtle. It's power stemmed from the fact that those who modeled it were not imaginary, and neither were the challenges they faced. It was subtle in that courage itself wasn't glorified, and the real life heroes weren't honored with medals or scantily clad, helpless bimbos.
Thank you Grandpa and Grandma, for a home of perpetual peace in the midst of all the storms of life.
Thank you Dad, for never giving up on a self righteous, angry young boy.
Thank you Mom, for raging against the status quo, no matter what it cost your heart.
Thank you, Don M., for staying the course when your heart broke that January 31st so many years ago.
Thank you, David G., for seeing past the Christians and embracing the Christ, and for showing me how to do the same thing.
Thank you, David D., for humbly teaching me to think for myself, and letting me get baptized off your beach. I still like the Christian life!
All these showed me that only the courageous ones will enter the kingdom of God. Those with the courage to acknowledge exactly what they are, and are not, without God's intervention.
And He does intervene.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Beyond Religion
If you've read Losing My Religion Part 1 and 2 you'll understand that I believe a true spirituality centered upon Jesus Christ exists, and is sometimes overshadowed by the organized Christian religion. On the other hand I think this Jesus Society can never be hidden, much less destroyed by those who simply want to follow a list of rules. The graciousness, patience and courage of those who know Jesus always surpasses that of the most pious snob.
Religious people are always caged by their own standards, but they don't need to cage you too. It's time to just accept the fact that they exist and move on. Let me tell you a story that may illustrate this better.
When I was a young boy I visited an old church in Three Hills, Alberta. It had a peculiar smell, like a mix of old wooden pews, brass offering plates and stale choir robes. I was sitting there probably wondering how many verses there really were to Amazing Grace when I felt a tap on my shoulder. When I turned around something happened that created in my little heart a strange mix of honor and disappointment- an elderly gentleman with a kind face gave me a nickel. I was honored because I knew at that moment I had become part of a special Hallmark moment. I was disappointed because my parents were in Amway. I knew the value of a nickel and by gosh I couldn’t even play one videogame at the local bowling alley with that! Honor eventually won though, and I turned that shiny nickel over and over in my little fingers.
Then my little fingers dropped it.
Now, you have to understand something about this old church. It was a cavernous building filled at that time only a quarter full, and had a concrete floor that sloped from the back at least five million feet down to the front. That nickel hit that floor and rolled and rolled and rolled all the way down to somewhere from whence it never returned, protesting loudly about its fate all the way.
The next thing I know, that old gentleman leaned over and gave me another nickel! By this time I thought I was completely humbled. But I wasn't. Not until I dropped the second nickel.
Yes, now there were two nickels down at the altar where before there had only been one. And then came one of the most defining religious moments of my young life.
I was so drawn to this old man’s kindness that I actually turned around to face him, hoping for one more nickel- the Third Nickel that I would guard with my very life. The nickel that I would save in an account with compound interest or invest until I could afford to by an orphanage. Later in life I could come back to Three Hills and visit that old man and tell him what a difference he and the Third Nickel had made in my life.
That old gentleman sat there stone faced not even acknowledging my presence. I all of a sudden did not exist. I’m a young man with a family now, but I’ve not forgotten the look on that man’s face. It’s all I’ve ever needed to know about religion. It only goes so far. When you've gone too far out of bounds you'll find yourself in no-man's land with no map and no guide and no canteen.
Jesus would have done one of two things, I think. He would have either had another nickel to give me (maybe), or He would’ve taken my hand when the church service was over and we'd have walked the long steps to the front of the church, and searched for those two lost nickels together (more likely). Maybe He would’ve done both! Then I’d have had three nickels- enough to give one to my brother and sister if I so desired.
Honestly, I’m aware that perhaps that kind old gentleman may not have had any more nickels, and he had already been more than generous. That’s not the point. The point is that the grace of Jesus keeps going and going and never stops, and neither do the members of His family.
Have you ever been mysteriously drawn to Jesus, but His people keep getting in the way? Don't give up. There are Three-Nickel People out there. They can help you find this Jesus. And when you find Jesus you'll find your nickels too... and some other things you may not have even known were missing.
Religious people are always caged by their own standards, but they don't need to cage you too. It's time to just accept the fact that they exist and move on. Let me tell you a story that may illustrate this better.
When I was a young boy I visited an old church in Three Hills, Alberta. It had a peculiar smell, like a mix of old wooden pews, brass offering plates and stale choir robes. I was sitting there probably wondering how many verses there really were to Amazing Grace when I felt a tap on my shoulder. When I turned around something happened that created in my little heart a strange mix of honor and disappointment- an elderly gentleman with a kind face gave me a nickel. I was honored because I knew at that moment I had become part of a special Hallmark moment. I was disappointed because my parents were in Amway. I knew the value of a nickel and by gosh I couldn’t even play one videogame at the local bowling alley with that! Honor eventually won though, and I turned that shiny nickel over and over in my little fingers.
Then my little fingers dropped it.
Now, you have to understand something about this old church. It was a cavernous building filled at that time only a quarter full, and had a concrete floor that sloped from the back at least five million feet down to the front. That nickel hit that floor and rolled and rolled and rolled all the way down to somewhere from whence it never returned, protesting loudly about its fate all the way.
The next thing I know, that old gentleman leaned over and gave me another nickel! By this time I thought I was completely humbled. But I wasn't. Not until I dropped the second nickel.
Yes, now there were two nickels down at the altar where before there had only been one. And then came one of the most defining religious moments of my young life.
I was so drawn to this old man’s kindness that I actually turned around to face him, hoping for one more nickel- the Third Nickel that I would guard with my very life. The nickel that I would save in an account with compound interest or invest until I could afford to by an orphanage. Later in life I could come back to Three Hills and visit that old man and tell him what a difference he and the Third Nickel had made in my life.
That old gentleman sat there stone faced not even acknowledging my presence. I all of a sudden did not exist. I’m a young man with a family now, but I’ve not forgotten the look on that man’s face. It’s all I’ve ever needed to know about religion. It only goes so far. When you've gone too far out of bounds you'll find yourself in no-man's land with no map and no guide and no canteen.
Jesus would have done one of two things, I think. He would have either had another nickel to give me (maybe), or He would’ve taken my hand when the church service was over and we'd have walked the long steps to the front of the church, and searched for those two lost nickels together (more likely). Maybe He would’ve done both! Then I’d have had three nickels- enough to give one to my brother and sister if I so desired.
Honestly, I’m aware that perhaps that kind old gentleman may not have had any more nickels, and he had already been more than generous. That’s not the point. The point is that the grace of Jesus keeps going and going and never stops, and neither do the members of His family.
Have you ever been mysteriously drawn to Jesus, but His people keep getting in the way? Don't give up. There are Three-Nickel People out there. They can help you find this Jesus. And when you find Jesus you'll find your nickels too... and some other things you may not have even known were missing.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Losing My Religion Part 2
[prerequisite: please read Losing My Religion Part 1]
Some of my angst springs from the flaws that are inherent in any formal gathering of human beings. Organization structures, bylaws, traditions, and unspoken rules of conduct can be found from the boardrooms of the most powerful multinational conglomerates to the humblest little country churches.
These scaffolds of human interaction aren’t evil. A man once challenged me to consider why churches need committees and ‘Rob’s Rules of Order’. I thought it was obvious: people weren’t filled with the Holy Spirit! My mentor commented on my demonstration of spiritual kaka and said it’s because we can’t get along. Wisdom often shows herself in the blatantly obvious.
Formal organization of some kind is as necessary for the church as your skeletal system is for you. But a quick look at the Christian religion worldwide will show you an organism of bones covered with a paper mache of ancient scripts, statements of faith, worn out tradition and dogmas. Where is the heart? What is the heart? Good questions, but it's important to note first that the answers can be found in the trappings of the the Christian religion.
What I began to suspect years ago is that there may be a secret society hidden behind all the altar calls and choir robes. A group of people for whom church and maybe even the Bible (I'm going to get in trouble for that one) were merely the props on a stage where real drama was actually taking place. A true fellowship where any democrat, republican, conservative, liberal, woman, man, child, Arab, African, Native American, prochoice, homosexual, homeless person, or convict could conceivably be closer to God than even I was.
The more I began to watch for people belonging to this movement, the more real the possibility became that I was on to something. There were no obvious signs. There were no secret handshakes that I could discern. Looking at the hymnbook from a distance while squinting cross-eyed didn’t reveal any hidden symbols. These people seemed to weave themselves in and out of the fabric of both church and secular life in a way that made them all but disappear. And yet what they’d leave behind made their constant presence undeniable.
They left behind hope. They demonstrated a faith that was more than smoke and mirrors. They loved. Perhaps in the presence of these mystics could be found the answers to my deepest longings.
(more to come...)
Some of my angst springs from the flaws that are inherent in any formal gathering of human beings. Organization structures, bylaws, traditions, and unspoken rules of conduct can be found from the boardrooms of the most powerful multinational conglomerates to the humblest little country churches.
These scaffolds of human interaction aren’t evil. A man once challenged me to consider why churches need committees and ‘Rob’s Rules of Order’. I thought it was obvious: people weren’t filled with the Holy Spirit! My mentor commented on my demonstration of spiritual kaka and said it’s because we can’t get along. Wisdom often shows herself in the blatantly obvious.
Formal organization of some kind is as necessary for the church as your skeletal system is for you. But a quick look at the Christian religion worldwide will show you an organism of bones covered with a paper mache of ancient scripts, statements of faith, worn out tradition and dogmas. Where is the heart? What is the heart? Good questions, but it's important to note first that the answers can be found in the trappings of the the Christian religion.
What I began to suspect years ago is that there may be a secret society hidden behind all the altar calls and choir robes. A group of people for whom church and maybe even the Bible (I'm going to get in trouble for that one) were merely the props on a stage where real drama was actually taking place. A true fellowship where any democrat, republican, conservative, liberal, woman, man, child, Arab, African, Native American, prochoice, homosexual, homeless person, or convict could conceivably be closer to God than even I was.
The more I began to watch for people belonging to this movement, the more real the possibility became that I was on to something. There were no obvious signs. There were no secret handshakes that I could discern. Looking at the hymnbook from a distance while squinting cross-eyed didn’t reveal any hidden symbols. These people seemed to weave themselves in and out of the fabric of both church and secular life in a way that made them all but disappear. And yet what they’d leave behind made their constant presence undeniable.
They left behind hope. They demonstrated a faith that was more than smoke and mirrors. They loved. Perhaps in the presence of these mystics could be found the answers to my deepest longings.
(more to come...)
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Losing My Religion Part 1
I’ve found it interesting to note how well books can sell when they bash God or religion. The same subject is a great conversation starter too. People who seem to not want anything to do with God are more than comfortable exploring all His faults. I’ve run into a bit of a dilemma though: the average response of a fairly religious person is expected to be somewhere between a defensive rant and a roll of the eyes, but I’ve found myself nodding my head or giving examples to back up the negative publicity. I suppose part of the problem is that I don’t like conflict. I am Canadian, after all. And being only basically educated (which some take to mean primarily uneducated), I’m not too good at thinking on my feet.
But what if a bigger problem is that many of the issues unbelievers face never go unanswered? Or perhaps they are tired of hearing that if they were only on the inside (where it is nothing but warm fuzzies and potlucks) they would see things so much clearer. Like a plate full of potato salad and lasagna with the last fried chicken drumstick soaked in melting Jell-O makes all the difference.
So here I am on my little soapbox ready to admit to the world that yes, religion may not be all we’ve made it out as. Now, I know the politically correct way to go about this would be to lump all religions, especially those that are monotheistic, and stick them all in a verbal piñata together. I’m afraid I can’t do that, because this blog largely reflects my own personal spiritual journey as a Christian.
Regardless of what I believe makes me a Christian, I believe most people would lump me in with them as well. Not only do I admire Jesus and want to be a disciple of his, but I also attend church, pray fairly regularly, and celebrate Christmas and Easter. I’ve even been to Bible School. I’ve gone to church forever- what most people would call a conservative Baptist church, I guess. I’m well acquainted with VBS, tithes, youth retreats, summer camp, flannel graphs, and Christmas programs. I know a lot of hymns by heart. For a long time I was what I thought every young Christian man should be. Regardless of some serious character flaws, a part of me wondered what took them so long to make me a deacon. I’ve been part of the prayer team, the music team, and the missions committee.
So why after voluntarily checking off so many things that identify me as a Christian, have I found the tag Christian, or Christianity, so problematic, so frustrating, so annoying? If someone asks me what I’m doing for the weekend part of my answer usually involves going to church, and then often I’m asked if I’m religious. Why does that make my cringe? I feel the beginnings of nausea at being labeled that way, yet feel guilty about saying no. Can I, as some people have, abandon the church and still be a Christian? I don’t feel comfortable with that either, because I know I’m no better than any other church-goers. Can I hold onto my faith while abandoning the Christian institution? Will I be alone? I don’t want to be alone. But I don’t want to be fake, either. I think I’d rather be an authentic heathen, than someone hiding in church each Sunday with a perm-a-grin and a book full of easy answers wondering if someone going to see it’s all an illusion. Is there another alternative?
(HINT: the answer is yes. See Losing My Religion Part 2.)
But what if a bigger problem is that many of the issues unbelievers face never go unanswered? Or perhaps they are tired of hearing that if they were only on the inside (where it is nothing but warm fuzzies and potlucks) they would see things so much clearer. Like a plate full of potato salad and lasagna with the last fried chicken drumstick soaked in melting Jell-O makes all the difference.
So here I am on my little soapbox ready to admit to the world that yes, religion may not be all we’ve made it out as. Now, I know the politically correct way to go about this would be to lump all religions, especially those that are monotheistic, and stick them all in a verbal piñata together. I’m afraid I can’t do that, because this blog largely reflects my own personal spiritual journey as a Christian.
Regardless of what I believe makes me a Christian, I believe most people would lump me in with them as well. Not only do I admire Jesus and want to be a disciple of his, but I also attend church, pray fairly regularly, and celebrate Christmas and Easter. I’ve even been to Bible School. I’ve gone to church forever- what most people would call a conservative Baptist church, I guess. I’m well acquainted with VBS, tithes, youth retreats, summer camp, flannel graphs, and Christmas programs. I know a lot of hymns by heart. For a long time I was what I thought every young Christian man should be. Regardless of some serious character flaws, a part of me wondered what took them so long to make me a deacon. I’ve been part of the prayer team, the music team, and the missions committee.
So why after voluntarily checking off so many things that identify me as a Christian, have I found the tag Christian, or Christianity, so problematic, so frustrating, so annoying? If someone asks me what I’m doing for the weekend part of my answer usually involves going to church, and then often I’m asked if I’m religious. Why does that make my cringe? I feel the beginnings of nausea at being labeled that way, yet feel guilty about saying no. Can I, as some people have, abandon the church and still be a Christian? I don’t feel comfortable with that either, because I know I’m no better than any other church-goers. Can I hold onto my faith while abandoning the Christian institution? Will I be alone? I don’t want to be alone. But I don’t want to be fake, either. I think I’d rather be an authentic heathen, than someone hiding in church each Sunday with a perm-a-grin and a book full of easy answers wondering if someone going to see it’s all an illusion. Is there another alternative?
(HINT: the answer is yes. See Losing My Religion Part 2.)
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Way of the Cross
What do I know of the way of the cross?
Is it of any consequence?
Would I endure the Crucified next door,
Or would I build a bigger fence?
Can I call myself a brother to those
Who count the cost with their own blood,
When I grudgingly tip with cursing lip
Nine percent for half eaten food?
Centuries pass, saints continue to fall
From bullets but never from grace.
While I stand and fight and demand the right
To more privacy on MySpace.
God is not running a democracy-
We cannot vote but we can pray.
Pray that his blood is enough to cover
Us insisting on our own way.
-dedicated to those who still follow the Way of the Cross.
Is it of any consequence?
Would I endure the Crucified next door,
Or would I build a bigger fence?
Can I call myself a brother to those
Who count the cost with their own blood,
When I grudgingly tip with cursing lip
Nine percent for half eaten food?
Centuries pass, saints continue to fall
From bullets but never from grace.
While I stand and fight and demand the right
To more privacy on MySpace.
God is not running a democracy-
We cannot vote but we can pray.
Pray that his blood is enough to cover
Us insisting on our own way.
-dedicated to those who still follow the Way of the Cross.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Jesus Loves Me Remix
I grew up learning Jesus loves me-
the Bible told me so,
and for years had my feelings hurt
wondering why
if He was alive
He Himself wouldn't let me know.
The Absent Father too busy working
to hold my little hand.
The Prince of Peace, lofty and regal
but ruling from a distant land.
I wonder now if His heart broke too,
watching me when I was young,
lifting my eyes
to distant skies,
wondering where He had gone.
All the while his calloused hand
gently stroked my little head,
and as I sent prayers
into the darkness
He knelt there with me beside my bed.
the Bible told me so,
and for years had my feelings hurt
wondering why
if He was alive
He Himself wouldn't let me know.
The Absent Father too busy working
to hold my little hand.
The Prince of Peace, lofty and regal
but ruling from a distant land.
I wonder now if His heart broke too,
watching me when I was young,
lifting my eyes
to distant skies,
wondering where He had gone.
All the while his calloused hand
gently stroked my little head,
and as I sent prayers
into the darkness
He knelt there with me beside my bed.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Faith With Teeth
But he [Thomas] said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
________________________________________
The best place to hear what we as Christians believe about life after death is at a Christian funeral. You may hear all kinds of things. While everyone will be clinging to the hope of the gospel, the message is often inconsistent and muddled.
• The loved ones who died too early became angels.
• The mother will live on in our hearts.
• The great humanitarian will live on through what he taught us.
It’s time to put our hope in more than simple, tired clichés. What is it that will make people look to Jesus? That he lives on in our hearts? What will make people bow the knee to the Jewish Messiah? That his teachings live on long after he died? We need to figure out how to tell our story, because our story is better. Our story goes one step further.
In all the great stories, we are compelled to put our faith in the hero. The prince who will go anywhere, do anything to win the heart of the princess, or to gain her freedom. In the most moving stories, the hero dies. Ours did too.
But our Prince knew that long after he was gone we would still have to face death on our own. And we would be afraid. So he went wherever he had to go to rid us of our sins, and the door of death crashed closed behind him. He set down our load of sins there, and quietly, confidently, turned around to stare at the dogs of death guarding the gates.
And he kicked their teeth in on his way back out. He made a necklace of those teeth to present to his bride. And as those teeth saw sunlight on Sunday morning a miraculous thing happened.
They turned into pearls of faith. They became gems of hope strung together on a golden string of love.
Whatever the future holds, it holds more than even heaven can contain. It holds life. The gospel is not that Jesus died and went to heaven. The gospel is that Jesus died for our sins, and then came back from the dead.
That is what made Thomas kneel before the Christ.
________________________________________
Lord, engrave on our hearts today what it meant when you came back from the dead. Thank you that our future holds not only heaven, but resurrection! You are the Great Hero of an eternal story. We worship you as Almighty God.
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
________________________________________
The best place to hear what we as Christians believe about life after death is at a Christian funeral. You may hear all kinds of things. While everyone will be clinging to the hope of the gospel, the message is often inconsistent and muddled.
• The loved ones who died too early became angels.
• The mother will live on in our hearts.
• The great humanitarian will live on through what he taught us.
It’s time to put our hope in more than simple, tired clichés. What is it that will make people look to Jesus? That he lives on in our hearts? What will make people bow the knee to the Jewish Messiah? That his teachings live on long after he died? We need to figure out how to tell our story, because our story is better. Our story goes one step further.
In all the great stories, we are compelled to put our faith in the hero. The prince who will go anywhere, do anything to win the heart of the princess, or to gain her freedom. In the most moving stories, the hero dies. Ours did too.
But our Prince knew that long after he was gone we would still have to face death on our own. And we would be afraid. So he went wherever he had to go to rid us of our sins, and the door of death crashed closed behind him. He set down our load of sins there, and quietly, confidently, turned around to stare at the dogs of death guarding the gates.
And he kicked their teeth in on his way back out. He made a necklace of those teeth to present to his bride. And as those teeth saw sunlight on Sunday morning a miraculous thing happened.
They turned into pearls of faith. They became gems of hope strung together on a golden string of love.
Whatever the future holds, it holds more than even heaven can contain. It holds life. The gospel is not that Jesus died and went to heaven. The gospel is that Jesus died for our sins, and then came back from the dead.
That is what made Thomas kneel before the Christ.
________________________________________
Lord, engrave on our hearts today what it meant when you came back from the dead. Thank you that our future holds not only heaven, but resurrection! You are the Great Hero of an eternal story. We worship you as Almighty God.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
The Social Gospel Rant
I want to talk briefly today about a debate that is currently making its way through the western Christian church. It’s not something that can easily be ignored, and it’s a subject that I think everyone should be aware of, if not passionate about.
It what has been labeled the social gospel.
Approaching the topic of social responsibility and justice in the church is like wading into a pool filled with sharks. Already the battle lines have been drawn by church leaders everywhere. Like so many other times throughout church history, each side hurls accusations of heresy and godlessness at the other.
I’m going to stand in a very unpopular place- the middle. I’m going to toss around a couple of accusations of arrogance and pride, and hope somebody proves me wrong someday soon.
Okay, accusation number one. If you think the good news of Jesus Christ is primarily that the hungry will be fed, the poor clothed, and the oppressed will receive justice and that it’s our job to do all this, you simply haven’t got it right.
The apostle Paul said that “of first importance” was that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. He said this because he was fully aware that the only obstacle between us and God is our rebelliousness and sin. If you give a selfish, hungry, oppressed person some food and an education, you don’t make him a saint- you make him North American!
Now for accusation number two. This is directed at all of those fundamentalist evangelicals who are cheering right now. Get your heads out of the sand. Paul said that Jesus’ death and resurrection was far and away the first and most important part of the gospel, but he didn’t say it was the whole gospel. Jesus himself described the good news as the coming of the kingdom of God.
If we’re the future bride of Christ, I believe many of us are sitting on the sacred sofa watching reality TV, while our fiance is trying to tell us he’d like to go help out down at the local soup kitchen. With one hand we reach for the chip dip, and with the other we throw him the keys and wish him luck.
We need to stop picking and choosing which parts of the bible are convenient for us. It’s simple to believe the right things. And guess what- Jesus knew that. That’s why he made it clear that anyone can claim allegiance to him, but what we do (or don’t do) for others in His name has eternal consequences as well.
Matthew 25:31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Some versions describe this as a parable, but I think it holds more weight than that. The parables around it started with “the kingdom of God is like…” This starts more as a matter of fact.
When Jesus started his ministry He quoted this scripture one Sabbath:
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
If you have all your basic needs met, I’ll bet you think he was talking figuratively. Fine, but I think anyone who is literally poor, brokenhearted, locked up or oppressed hopes Jesus simply meant what he said.
So regardless of where we stand on this issue, what do we do now?
That is not for me to say. If you claim to know God, ask him. Then turn off the TV, open your eyes, and listen.
It what has been labeled the social gospel.
Approaching the topic of social responsibility and justice in the church is like wading into a pool filled with sharks. Already the battle lines have been drawn by church leaders everywhere. Like so many other times throughout church history, each side hurls accusations of heresy and godlessness at the other.
I’m going to stand in a very unpopular place- the middle. I’m going to toss around a couple of accusations of arrogance and pride, and hope somebody proves me wrong someday soon.
Okay, accusation number one. If you think the good news of Jesus Christ is primarily that the hungry will be fed, the poor clothed, and the oppressed will receive justice and that it’s our job to do all this, you simply haven’t got it right.
The apostle Paul said that “of first importance” was that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. He said this because he was fully aware that the only obstacle between us and God is our rebelliousness and sin. If you give a selfish, hungry, oppressed person some food and an education, you don’t make him a saint- you make him North American!
Now for accusation number two. This is directed at all of those fundamentalist evangelicals who are cheering right now. Get your heads out of the sand. Paul said that Jesus’ death and resurrection was far and away the first and most important part of the gospel, but he didn’t say it was the whole gospel. Jesus himself described the good news as the coming of the kingdom of God.
If we’re the future bride of Christ, I believe many of us are sitting on the sacred sofa watching reality TV, while our fiance is trying to tell us he’d like to go help out down at the local soup kitchen. With one hand we reach for the chip dip, and with the other we throw him the keys and wish him luck.
We need to stop picking and choosing which parts of the bible are convenient for us. It’s simple to believe the right things. And guess what- Jesus knew that. That’s why he made it clear that anyone can claim allegiance to him, but what we do (or don’t do) for others in His name has eternal consequences as well.
Matthew 25:31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Some versions describe this as a parable, but I think it holds more weight than that. The parables around it started with “the kingdom of God is like…” This starts more as a matter of fact.
When Jesus started his ministry He quoted this scripture one Sabbath:
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
If you have all your basic needs met, I’ll bet you think he was talking figuratively. Fine, but I think anyone who is literally poor, brokenhearted, locked up or oppressed hopes Jesus simply meant what he said.
So regardless of where we stand on this issue, what do we do now?
That is not for me to say. If you claim to know God, ask him. Then turn off the TV, open your eyes, and listen.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Years Insomnia and the Resurrection
Well, it's 4:30AM, January 1st, 2011 and I can't sleep. I'd like to think that it's because of all the great thoughts tumbling around in my head. The truth is it's probably because of that third helping of turkey casserole at the inlaw's house, the snacks at grandpa and grandma's, and the chips and chocolate at home all chased down with some Irish Cream on the rocks.
No, I didn't get drunk.
Yes, I have heartburn.
So while I'm up let me share a few raw, unedited thoughts.
It's time to quit talking about heaven and start talking ressurection.
There have been way too many deaths in my church and community over the past number of years to ignore this issue. Little ones, old teachers, all loved ones. And while the thought of our loved ones in heaven is comforting, does it hold all the hope we were told cling to?
Think of the story of Lazarus, in John's gospel, 11th chapter. Lazarus has died and Jesus goes to comfort the sisters. Many of us have been in similar situations- what words of comfort immediately come to mind?
"You'll see him again in heaven."
Jesus didn't say this. Shocking, isn't it?! I always thought that Jesus died and rose again so that I could go to heaven instead of hell. Going to heaven is what we mean when we say we have eternal life, right? Maybe it's time to draw a little closer to the Master, to listen a little more attentively.
What Jesus said was, "Your brother will rise again."
He and Martha then have a little debate over when, how, and through whom this will happen and the story goes forward. We've read it so many times we're immune to it's potency. So Jesus does something to drive the point home.
And the story ends with Jesus saying,"Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
There are a couple points to be made here.
The first is about God's timeline. Martha expressed to Jesus that she believed Lazarus would "rise again" on the "last day". It's a reasonable belief, and one that I share. But what I and perhaps Martha don't acknowledge is that when we piously wait for God's timing we miss the fact that this could happen at any time. The point of waiting on God, and waiting for His timing, is to wait (and pray) expecting something will happen at any moment.
Which brings us to point number two. Is it our collective lack of clarity regarding this issue , or maybe our unbelief that makes us unexpectant? There haven't been to too many Christian funerals where a family member or close friend ( like Jesus) went down to the casket and told the recently departed to get up. I certainly haven't. I wouldn't want to embarrass myself!
Shame on me, an apprentice of Jesus the Christ, for not taking it for granted that people can come back from the dead.
I think it's time to start a new tradition at Christian funerals. After opening prayer, let the minister ask the deceased to come back in Jesus' name.
Then wait five minutes.
No, I didn't get drunk.
Yes, I have heartburn.
So while I'm up let me share a few raw, unedited thoughts.
It's time to quit talking about heaven and start talking ressurection.
There have been way too many deaths in my church and community over the past number of years to ignore this issue. Little ones, old teachers, all loved ones. And while the thought of our loved ones in heaven is comforting, does it hold all the hope we were told cling to?
Think of the story of Lazarus, in John's gospel, 11th chapter. Lazarus has died and Jesus goes to comfort the sisters. Many of us have been in similar situations- what words of comfort immediately come to mind?
"You'll see him again in heaven."
Jesus didn't say this. Shocking, isn't it?! I always thought that Jesus died and rose again so that I could go to heaven instead of hell. Going to heaven is what we mean when we say we have eternal life, right? Maybe it's time to draw a little closer to the Master, to listen a little more attentively.
What Jesus said was, "Your brother will rise again."
He and Martha then have a little debate over when, how, and through whom this will happen and the story goes forward. We've read it so many times we're immune to it's potency. So Jesus does something to drive the point home.
And the story ends with Jesus saying,"Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
There are a couple points to be made here.
The first is about God's timeline. Martha expressed to Jesus that she believed Lazarus would "rise again" on the "last day". It's a reasonable belief, and one that I share. But what I and perhaps Martha don't acknowledge is that when we piously wait for God's timing we miss the fact that this could happen at any time. The point of waiting on God, and waiting for His timing, is to wait (and pray) expecting something will happen at any moment.
Which brings us to point number two. Is it our collective lack of clarity regarding this issue , or maybe our unbelief that makes us unexpectant? There haven't been to too many Christian funerals where a family member or close friend ( like Jesus) went down to the casket and told the recently departed to get up. I certainly haven't. I wouldn't want to embarrass myself!
Shame on me, an apprentice of Jesus the Christ, for not taking it for granted that people can come back from the dead.
I think it's time to start a new tradition at Christian funerals. After opening prayer, let the minister ask the deceased to come back in Jesus' name.
Then wait five minutes.
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