I don’t like to write long blogs; mostly because I don’t like to read long blogs. However, I find what has been on my mind the last few weeks may not be something I can keep short. So, if you don’t want to read it, it’s ok. I need to get these things said for myself
I have always been a bit idealistic I think. I fear my views of this subject are highly idealistic but I can continue to hope and dream for the reality of it.
My heart grows continually sadder as I see more and more division in the body of Christ. I just don’t get it. First we have the fences that have been built between “them” and “us”. This refers to those of us who follow Christ and those who don’t; those who are religious and those who aren’t. I truly believe we are all on a spiritual journey. Some of us don’t recognize our lives as this journey. If we could encourage each other in the journey that is our lives we may find more and more people discovering the depth of their spirituality.
The next set of walls is the one between denominations. Why is it so difficult to see the body of Christ is joined together by the body and the blood of Christ? That most important commonality is really all that matters. How can there be so much enmity between denominations and churches and followers? We refuse to walk through the doors of another church. We fear what might be found within the doors of a “foreign” place. What if I am told something that is different than what I know thus far? We seem to have erected the fences of “them” and “us” even within the church.
Why is it so difficult to recognize there are many ways to worship? We give mental assent to each other’s faith but when we part ways we whisper to those who are like us that we just don’t see how those people can believe the way they do or why their church does the things it does. Is it possible to instead let the conversation be, “Wow, that’s really awesome that they follow God like that; that they find God in the way they worship.”
We have invented so many creeds that were never part of what The One Who Came taught. If we examine the things taught we find a very short list of what is required to live with faith. One of my favorite verses in the last few years is "...work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure". If we have faith and trust that God is the one who teaches, who leads, who is at work in each of us, can we not allow that God may have different ways of teaching and leading?
I had this thought last week and I will be pondering it for a while; trying to discover if it is real or not. What if we find God the way we need? This means God may come to me in the way I need right now. It may be a different appearance than yours. And, it may change from time to time (or constantly). This doesn’t mean God in his essence changes. If this mysterious God is interested first and foremost in being my guide on this journey of knowing God then wouldn’t that possibly manifest itself as very individualist as far as the way I daily worship and follow? What if God has the desire that I discover more of who he is through nature? Wouldn’t it be ok?
So, for me right now; the way I am finding more of who God is, is through the Eucharist. As I may go through days of wondering if I am hearing God or feeling that presence, I know that as I draw near to The Table I find Christ. I find the wonder, gentleness, creativity and joy of Christ in the wilderness. I like where I am right now in this journey.
The question remains….can I like where you are right now and can you see the value of where I am. I will say it again. All this separation and division really, really makes me sad. It just doesn’t make sense through the eyes of the One Who Is Above All Else or at least through my own eyes.
3 comments:
Cathy, I concur with much of what you said. I, too, am saddened by the divisions I see and the extended damage that can occur. I learned many years ago to pursue and be a lover of truth. I have also fallen into deception many times. Generally it is not some theological debate that rescues me. It is seeing someone live something out that begins to shine light on an area of my darkness. At first blush that "living it out" might seem improper. Did Jesus really recline at the home of a Leper?! And if that wasn't improper enough, then, allow a woman of "reputation" pour perfume upon him?
I do know this- God has come to me at my need. If I'm the Leper I don't care that it is not "lawful" to touch me. I just want to be healed. If I'm a woman who's life is draining away because of hemorrhaging, I don't want to be rebuked because it's unclean for me to touch somesone. I want life. So many examples of how different God can be to each of us at our point of need and what he requires of each of us.
When debates ensue and I can't seem to wrap my mind around "what is truth" my heart turns to a default question..."Lord, what do you require of me?" The answer alway calms my heart..."Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God"
Thanks again for the thought provoking post.
Thanks for your post, Cathy. I've been thinking about these things too lately.
It strikes me that first to move to the place you invite us we have to have a real openness to the mystery of God-- and sadly, mystery seems to frighten so many Christians.
And if we are open to mystery, and recognize that God is bigger than we will ever be able to describe or categorize, then we can be open to the humility of what you suggest -- not only that the "other" may be connecting in the way they need to, but even further, that the "other" may have something to teach me. I learn so much about the dynamics of my own Christian faith by listening to my Muslim & Buddhist friends. But sadly again, that kind of humility seems so counter-cultural in our polarized world.
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