Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Jesus prayed we might be one...and did we ever drop the ball on that one

I was gonna go on a rant about the problem with a, b, and c (I'm not sure what the a and the b are, but the c is for Calvanism), but what's the point, really? And what do I know? Sure, I may have issues with fundamentalism, and issues with Calvinism, but the presence (or absence) of those belief systems are not what makes you a follower of Christ. No, the faith and the strength to follow Christ comes from the Holy Spirit, and flows through the heart - the deepest will - not the intellect. For all my wishing that some Christians changed their attitudes, or their opinions, what about me? Do I let Christ be at work in my heart? Or do I stymie every effort with selfishness, indignation masquerading as a heart for justice, and a refusal to do anything more strenous than hold a somewhat out-of-mainstream opinion? As much as I am able, when I even think about laying down my self, I realize how utterly impossible it is without divine intervention.

Calvinists, Arminians, Lutherans, Catholics, whomever: let's drop the names, drop the theological buzzwords. Let's stop saying who is and isn't Christian, or who is and isn't in a better standing before God (due to their opinions, of all things!). Since when was that our call? And let's work together. Do those not knowing Christ recognize us as Christians for our love? I should dare say not. We've got to let go of the things that divide us, and realize that (by and large) they are not what makes us God's children. Our opinion (and it is only that) on predestination, or sacraments, or whatever - none of it affects the work we are to do. None of it is a part of the pure, good religion laid out by Micah and James. I can't believe we let opinion stand in the way of justice, mercy, humility, and caring for others.

Besides, a lot of the theological opinion stuff is much worry about things that are not our business. Just as Jesus explicitly said it is not for us to know the date of the end times, it may not be our place to try and define the means of or the limits of God's justice and grace. We know that God takes "no delight in the death of anyone," we know in Him is no darkness at all, and we know the Judge of all the earth shall do right. What more do we need to know? Is that not enough of a basis on which to trust Him? I think it is. I think it is more than enough to know that, in the end, all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

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