Religion
In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3: 4-6 (NIV)
STORY
Why is it that we practice a religion that has so little room for others? Can we ever forget the remark made by the Rev. Jerry Falwell after the 9/11 attack, “I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way – all of them who have tried to secularize America – I point the finger in their face and say: ‘You helped this happen.’” Did they? More importantly, why not include our congressional leaders for a lack of funding for CIA foreign agents. And why does Rev. Falwell think these are the only institutions and special interest groups that are the culprits in our nation’s social ills. Why not include fast food restaurants for obesity and television for sex and movies for violence. The church is to be a unifying agent in society, not divisive. What Jesus wrote in the sand seems to be lost in Falwell’s oration.
Yet, it seems that a televangelist seeks notoriety, money, prestige, public prestige, and the bragging rights of being a national religious leader that permits them to be God’s intimate spokesperson.
Pat Robertson condemned the city of Dover, Pennsylvania after its citizens voted out of office the sitting school board who were uncompromising adherents to the theory of evolution, for new directors that introduced intelligent design into the classroom curriculum. Robertson spoke, “I’d like to say to the good citizens of Dover: If there is a disaster in your area, don’t turn to God, you just rejected him from your city. And don’t wonder why he hasn’t helped you when problems begin, if they begin. I’m not saying they will, but if they do, just remember, you just voted God out of your city. And if that’s the case, don’t ask for his help because he might not be there.” Differing on a single point does not demonize an entire town. Not picking up the first stone is somehow lost in this diatribe.
DEVOTION
Let our life demonstrate that we can understand what Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus that in Christ we are all one. The Apostle wrote, “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” It is a mystery that individuals and groups with differing views and lifestyles can still be one in Christ. Gentile Christians and Jewish Christians, though adhering to some vastly different theological precepts, could still fellowship together in the name of Jesus. They could still work together for the common good of humanity. They did not have to agree on all things, but just on one thing, and that one thing was the commonality they held in serving others in the name of Jesus. As Christians let us turn to Paul and foster a church and community groups and individual relationships that are not divided, but united in the common cause of following Christ.
Points to Ponder
> Do you exclude groups of people from your Christian fellowship?
o For me: I am not the leader of any group, so I am not in the position to make that kind of decision. Though, as a group participant, I would exercise my right to leave any group that discriminates.
> Do you condemn others who don’t hold your same beliefs?
o For me: I must emphatically write that there are some theological positions that I cannot entertain nor will I tolerate. Though, as I wrote in a previous devotional, I can be self-righteous in my progressive approach to theology, as opposed to my more conservative brethren. I am very much aware of the insight that others can offer me.
> Do see God’s judgment in current events?
o For me: I do not see God’s direct judgement on world events; though, I do see a judgment that we bring upon ourselves for violating God’s mandates.
> Do you sometimes consider yourself the one to pronounce the ultimate religious truth?
o For me: I hold strong and uncompromising theological positions. I also know that am not the dictator of biblical truth. I also realize that I must entertain the theological positions of others for my own renewed insight and understanding.
Please share other Points to Ponder so I can update my list
Please share your thoughts with me – if you desire I will publish them for others to read anonymously or first name only or your entire name as you choose