NULL
Illustration
Object:
Why is it that we practice a religion that has so little room for others? Can we ever forget the remark made by the Reverend 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 Reverend Falwell think these are the only institutions and special interests groups that are the culprits in our nation's social ills. Why not include fast food restaurants for obesity, 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 this oration.
Yet, it seems, notoriety, money, prestige, public prestige, and bragging rights of being a national religious leader comes by being the best condemner of others there is.
Pat Robertson condemned the city of Dover, Pennsylvania, after its citizens voted out of office the sitting school board who were adherents of intelligent design, for new directors that introduced evolution 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.
Let our New Year's resolution show that we can understand what Paul wrote to the Gentile Christians which is -- 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. This coming New Year 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.
Yet, it seems, notoriety, money, prestige, public prestige, and bragging rights of being a national religious leader comes by being the best condemner of others there is.
Pat Robertson condemned the city of Dover, Pennsylvania, after its citizens voted out of office the sitting school board who were adherents of intelligent design, for new directors that introduced evolution 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.
Let our New Year's resolution show that we can understand what Paul wrote to the Gentile Christians which is -- 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. This coming New Year 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.
