What inspires a person to go to a church service when he or she normally does not attend? For some, it might be an event, change, or challenge in life that gets the person thinking in a new way, perhaps raising the possibility that seeking God's presence would be a good idea. For others, a personal invitation from a friend, family member, co-worker, or other acquaintance brings them to church. My sense is that when people observe the transforming effect of an active spiritual life on someone's attitudes, priorities and behaviors, it garners attention.
I don't think that a pre-race prayer at a NASCAR track will do the trick.
According to an online article, a Tennessee pastor offered an invocation prior to a race at Nashville Superspeedway. The only content of the prayer described in the article was that the minister, a person named Joe Nelms, thanked God for his "smokin' hot wife," which evidently was a line borrowed from the Will Farrell movie, Talladega Nights.
Nelms explained his rationale this way: "I want to get somebody's attention, so that's been our desire every time we've been up there, to try to make an impact on the fans and give them something they'll remember, and maybe they'll go home on a Friday night or a Saturday night and say, 'Maybe I ought to get up and go to church in the morning.’"
Personally, I'm not a fan of invocations at sporting events, secular building dedications, or similar non-religious activities or places. I just don't find meaning in such prayers. To me, it's phony, and there already is enough of that connected to the faith.
So, I can't imagine anyone who "prayed" along with Joe Nelms was inspired to find a house of worship that weekend.
Churches struggle these days with attracting people. Some try catchy phrases or amusing sentiments on their marquee signs. Others offer spaghetti dinners or similar programs. On rare occasions I have heard of churches handing out money to people who show up on a given Sunday morning.
Worship styles, music, dress codes, theologies, and doctrinal matters all enter into play as congregations wring their hands over how to get more "meat in the seats."
Unfortunately, the magic technique for which so many search and pray does not exist.
It seems to me that the best approach to being the church is to find ways to be faithful to Jesus' call, "Follow me." That includes being persistent and creative in expressing love for God and neighbor.
People who study such things tell us that the current generation of spiritual seekers is looking for something to which they can give their hearts. They are looking for authentic relationships.
I don't believe they are looking for gimmicks.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Friday Frivolity
As I stood waiting to check-out at the grocery store I got caught up on the latest celebrity headlines and laughed out loud at photos of "stars" and their attempts, through surgery and injections, at stopping the effects of time on their glamorous faces. Naturally, the most unflattering pictures were published on the cover of one of the informative tabloids littering the counter.
Also catching my eye was a commemorative issue of Oprah's magazine, which always depicts herself on the front. This one celebrated her many years on television, and was emblazoned with quotes and teasers enticing us to buy and read about how her TV show changed lives and the world as we know it. Better grab it soon. It's a steal at $11.99.
Thinking that was the ultimate bit of Oprah awareness for my day, I was chastened to read online that someone dared refer to her as the "Antichrist." Now, I'm no fan, but I never entertained this particular notion.
The article states that "Oprah Winfrey is evil - that is, according to Mike Bickle, head of the International House of Prayer (IHOP). After a video of Bickle comparing Oprah to the 'Antichrist' uncovered by the People for the American Way Right Wing Watch surfaced earlier this week, entertainment sources including the Hollywood Reporter eagerly picked up the story."
I am not familiar with Mike Bickle, so I can only speculate about his credentials, spiritual maturity, and sanity. Likewise, his organization.
While I considered his prophetic insights regarding Oprah, I noticed the attached "slideshow" taking us through a list of other Antichrist candidates. Naturally, the Current Occupant and most recent past president were on the list, as were the pope and Sarah Palin. I understand people attaching such a label to them (and those who fill their slots in other times and eras).
But, others on the list surprised me. Prince William? What did he do? (What DOES he do?) Steven Spielberg? Even if you don't like his movies, that's no reason to suggest he will usher in the end of time!
One person on the list I never heard of is named Rebecca Black.
Supposedly, "Rebecca's first name means 'to tie' or 'to bind,' which, combined with her last name, could mean 'To tie to darkness.' And while the lyrics to Black's undeniably catchy hit song encourage listeners to engage in 'reckless rebellion' by 'jumping in an already crowded vehicle and taking off into Satan knows where,' it's the obsession with 'getting down' - the direction to Hell - which seems most damning.'"
OK. Also, I noticed in the photo she wears black fingernail polish - surely, a give-away!
I guess Antichrists come and go (John Lennon, MLK, Jr., Ronald Reagan, et. al.) and exist in the eye of the beholder.
But why must we spend so much time on figuring out who it might be? And why is it always someone well-known, powerful, or popular?
Me, I don't try to guess. Besides, people of faith know the outcome of whatever ensues when or if he/she/it appears.
Also catching my eye was a commemorative issue of Oprah's magazine, which always depicts herself on the front. This one celebrated her many years on television, and was emblazoned with quotes and teasers enticing us to buy and read about how her TV show changed lives and the world as we know it. Better grab it soon. It's a steal at $11.99.
Thinking that was the ultimate bit of Oprah awareness for my day, I was chastened to read online that someone dared refer to her as the "Antichrist." Now, I'm no fan, but I never entertained this particular notion.
The article states that "Oprah Winfrey is evil - that is, according to Mike Bickle, head of the International House of Prayer (IHOP). After a video of Bickle comparing Oprah to the 'Antichrist' uncovered by the People for the American Way Right Wing Watch surfaced earlier this week, entertainment sources including the Hollywood Reporter eagerly picked up the story."
I am not familiar with Mike Bickle, so I can only speculate about his credentials, spiritual maturity, and sanity. Likewise, his organization.
While I considered his prophetic insights regarding Oprah, I noticed the attached "slideshow" taking us through a list of other Antichrist candidates. Naturally, the Current Occupant and most recent past president were on the list, as were the pope and Sarah Palin. I understand people attaching such a label to them (and those who fill their slots in other times and eras).
But, others on the list surprised me. Prince William? What did he do? (What DOES he do?) Steven Spielberg? Even if you don't like his movies, that's no reason to suggest he will usher in the end of time!
One person on the list I never heard of is named Rebecca Black.
Supposedly, "Rebecca's first name means 'to tie' or 'to bind,' which, combined with her last name, could mean 'To tie to darkness.' And while the lyrics to Black's undeniably catchy hit song encourage listeners to engage in 'reckless rebellion' by 'jumping in an already crowded vehicle and taking off into Satan knows where,' it's the obsession with 'getting down' - the direction to Hell - which seems most damning.'"
OK. Also, I noticed in the photo she wears black fingernail polish - surely, a give-away!
I guess Antichrists come and go (John Lennon, MLK, Jr., Ronald Reagan, et. al.) and exist in the eye of the beholder.
But why must we spend so much time on figuring out who it might be? And why is it always someone well-known, powerful, or popular?
Me, I don't try to guess. Besides, people of faith know the outcome of whatever ensues when or if he/she/it appears.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Going Against The Grain
We had as our text today in worship the parable of the Wheat and the Weeds from Matthew 13:
‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, “Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?” He answered, “An enemy has done this.” The slaves said to him, “Then do you want us to go and gather them?” But he replied, “No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn."’
Jesus apparently was not much of a farmer. Most farmers likely would do their best to keep the weeds away from their crop. It's almost as if Jesus were saying that the weeds might have some potential for good. Indeed, at least they could be used for fuel, a precious commodity in such an arid environment.
Of course, many of us pew people automatically assume we are the good guys in the parables of Jesus, so we're surprised when he says "let the weeds grow along with the wheat." Surely, the weeds -- those who aren't "saved" like we are -- need to be dealt with, and NOW. That will make life better, and certainly must be pleasing to God!
If the truth were told, a lot of us "wheaties" have weediness about us. And, lucky for us, God loves, relates to, and even works through weedy people -- at least according to scripture. Check out Jonah who refused (at first) to preach to those losers at Ninevah, whom he despised, because he knew that God would grant them new life if they heeded the call to repentance. Think about the stinking shepherds who received the message of the birth of God's son. Consider the Samaritan woman Jesus met at the well, that no good, bed-hopping, half-breed heretic who became one of the first evangelists, telling others about Jesus; or Mary Magdalene, also of ill-repute, who was a witness to the resurrection while Peter and the other insiders played it safe behind locked doors and shuttered windows.
So, we might not be so smug. Or judgmental.
I think it was the summer I was 13 years old when I visited cousins in Ohio for a few days. They owned some horses, and likely it was the only time I rode. We clip-clopped around the area, just slowly, because we didn't know what we were doing. I remember riding along a canal, through the grounds of a camp run by the Y, and maybe a couple of other places.
Coming back to my cousins' property one day, the horse I rode caught sight of the stable, and he took off running at full speed. I couldn’t do anything but hold on for dear life, both hands tightly gripping the horn of the saddle. I honestly thought that horse would run right into the stable, but at the last instant he slammed on the brakes.
Inertia made me lean way forward, and I almost fell off, right over the horse's head. Little stones, dirt clods, and clumps of grass flew over me from behind, slamming into the wall of the stable. But, I was safe.
Seems to me that's kind of like how it is with God’s people in the parable --the "wheat" collected into the barns. It's beyond our control, there are lots of dirt clods, and rocks, and clumps of grass along way. But if we can hang on for the ride, the ride of following Jesus, wherever it takes us or whatever it calls us to do, we can make it safely to the barn.
By God's grace.
In spite of ourselves.
‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, “Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?” He answered, “An enemy has done this.” The slaves said to him, “Then do you want us to go and gather them?” But he replied, “No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn."’
Jesus apparently was not much of a farmer. Most farmers likely would do their best to keep the weeds away from their crop. It's almost as if Jesus were saying that the weeds might have some potential for good. Indeed, at least they could be used for fuel, a precious commodity in such an arid environment.
Of course, many of us pew people automatically assume we are the good guys in the parables of Jesus, so we're surprised when he says "let the weeds grow along with the wheat." Surely, the weeds -- those who aren't "saved" like we are -- need to be dealt with, and NOW. That will make life better, and certainly must be pleasing to God!
If the truth were told, a lot of us "wheaties" have weediness about us. And, lucky for us, God loves, relates to, and even works through weedy people -- at least according to scripture. Check out Jonah who refused (at first) to preach to those losers at Ninevah, whom he despised, because he knew that God would grant them new life if they heeded the call to repentance. Think about the stinking shepherds who received the message of the birth of God's son. Consider the Samaritan woman Jesus met at the well, that no good, bed-hopping, half-breed heretic who became one of the first evangelists, telling others about Jesus; or Mary Magdalene, also of ill-repute, who was a witness to the resurrection while Peter and the other insiders played it safe behind locked doors and shuttered windows.
So, we might not be so smug. Or judgmental.
I think it was the summer I was 13 years old when I visited cousins in Ohio for a few days. They owned some horses, and likely it was the only time I rode. We clip-clopped around the area, just slowly, because we didn't know what we were doing. I remember riding along a canal, through the grounds of a camp run by the Y, and maybe a couple of other places.
Coming back to my cousins' property one day, the horse I rode caught sight of the stable, and he took off running at full speed. I couldn’t do anything but hold on for dear life, both hands tightly gripping the horn of the saddle. I honestly thought that horse would run right into the stable, but at the last instant he slammed on the brakes.
Inertia made me lean way forward, and I almost fell off, right over the horse's head. Little stones, dirt clods, and clumps of grass flew over me from behind, slamming into the wall of the stable. But, I was safe.
Seems to me that's kind of like how it is with God’s people in the parable --the "wheat" collected into the barns. It's beyond our control, there are lots of dirt clods, and rocks, and clumps of grass along way. But if we can hang on for the ride, the ride of following Jesus, wherever it takes us or whatever it calls us to do, we can make it safely to the barn.
By God's grace.
In spite of ourselves.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Grand Ol' Assembly
Well, it was hot in Nashville. I think they may have set a record for heat this week, along with a few other cities across the middle of the country.
The General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was well worth the time and effort to be there. We saw many friends and colleagues from other places, and enjoyed the Nashville ambiance. The worship services and music were terrific.
I had no idea that cowboy boots were such a big deal in Nashville, but along Broadway there were numerous shops offering wide-ranging styles, designs and prices. My favorites were sized for young cowpokes. The tiny boots had lights in the heels that flashed with each stomp.
At several places along the way, wanna-be singers were set up offering their passion and talents in the hopes of being discovered.
The fun part of our hotel stay was the fact that Little Richard was a guest there, as well. We had just seen him on television, as he performed at the Capitol Fourth celebration on PBS. So, it was a surprise to see him up close and personal at our hotel in Nashville. As Little Richard said to Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show quite a few years ago, "The beauty is still on duty!"
Probably the most memorable phrase from the line-up of outstanding speakers at the assembly was this: "Heaven is not a gated community." I forget now who said it, perhaps Fred Craddock, the revered elder statesman preacher and storyteller of our denomination. But, the point is clear, and was made numerous times throughout the gathering.
There was a lot of talk at the assembly about transformation of congregations and their ministries. One insightful observation was that transformation and revitalization are not the same. Revitalization is more re-building what once existed, while transformation is making something new entirely. What the church needs is transformation. Revitalization is a nostalgic pipe dream.
The theme of the assembly was "Tell It!" and several speakers did just that. Now, if only the other 5,000+ of us who were there will follow suit, transformation may become a reality for our congregations.
The General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was well worth the time and effort to be there. We saw many friends and colleagues from other places, and enjoyed the Nashville ambiance. The worship services and music were terrific.
I had no idea that cowboy boots were such a big deal in Nashville, but along Broadway there were numerous shops offering wide-ranging styles, designs and prices. My favorites were sized for young cowpokes. The tiny boots had lights in the heels that flashed with each stomp.
At several places along the way, wanna-be singers were set up offering their passion and talents in the hopes of being discovered.
The fun part of our hotel stay was the fact that Little Richard was a guest there, as well. We had just seen him on television, as he performed at the Capitol Fourth celebration on PBS. So, it was a surprise to see him up close and personal at our hotel in Nashville. As Little Richard said to Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show quite a few years ago, "The beauty is still on duty!"
Probably the most memorable phrase from the line-up of outstanding speakers at the assembly was this: "Heaven is not a gated community." I forget now who said it, perhaps Fred Craddock, the revered elder statesman preacher and storyteller of our denomination. But, the point is clear, and was made numerous times throughout the gathering.
There was a lot of talk at the assembly about transformation of congregations and their ministries. One insightful observation was that transformation and revitalization are not the same. Revitalization is more re-building what once existed, while transformation is making something new entirely. What the church needs is transformation. Revitalization is a nostalgic pipe dream.
The theme of the assembly was "Tell It!" and several speakers did just that. Now, if only the other 5,000+ of us who were there will follow suit, transformation may become a reality for our congregations.
Friday, July 8, 2011
See You -- Sort Of!
The biennial General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) officially gets underway tomorrow, July 9, with the opening worship service at the convention center in Nashville, Tennessee. The theme for the assembly is "Tell It!" and I will be among the 6,000 or so Disciples converging on Nashville. There will be some outstanding speakers this year: Brian McLaren, Amy-Jill Levine, Marian Wright Edelman, and others. Opportunities for learning will abound, and it will be fun to see friends and colleagues known from around the country.
Live video-streaming of the assembly worship services is available to anyone with a computer and Internet access. You will find the services here.
This is the schedule:
■Opening Worship on Sat., July 9, at 7:30pm (webcast begins at 7:00pm);
■HIV/AIDS Healing Service on Sun., July 10, at 8:30am (webcast begins at 8:00am);
■State of the Church on Sun., featuring Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President, July 10, at 2:30pm (webcast begins at 2:20pm);
■“Sing It!” Concert on Sun., July 10, at 7:00pm (webcast begins at 6:30pm);
■Emergent Worship on Mon., July 11, at 7:30pm (webcast begins at 7:00pm);
■“Tell It!” Testimonies on Tues., July 12, at 7:30pm (webcast begins at 7:00pm);
■Commissioning Worship on Wed., July 13, at 7:30pm (webcast begins at 7:00pm).
Other information about the General Assembly can be found here.
See you in Nashville, virtually and in real time!
Live video-streaming of the assembly worship services is available to anyone with a computer and Internet access. You will find the services here.
This is the schedule:
■Opening Worship on Sat., July 9, at 7:30pm (webcast begins at 7:00pm);
■HIV/AIDS Healing Service on Sun., July 10, at 8:30am (webcast begins at 8:00am);
■State of the Church on Sun., featuring Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President, July 10, at 2:30pm (webcast begins at 2:20pm);
■“Sing It!” Concert on Sun., July 10, at 7:00pm (webcast begins at 6:30pm);
■Emergent Worship on Mon., July 11, at 7:30pm (webcast begins at 7:00pm);
■“Tell It!” Testimonies on Tues., July 12, at 7:30pm (webcast begins at 7:00pm);
■Commissioning Worship on Wed., July 13, at 7:30pm (webcast begins at 7:00pm).
Other information about the General Assembly can be found here.
See you in Nashville, virtually and in real time!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Field Of Dreams
Reading about the passing of Barry Bremen, a.k.a. "The Great Imposter," brought up several thoughts to me this morning. Bremen was known for showing up at events such as professional baseball and basketball games, somehow getting on the field or court and acting as if he were a participant. He took part in the warm-ups prior to an NBA All-Star game, caught batting practice fly balls at Yankee Stadium, and -- my favorite -- showed up for the pre-game home plate meeting of managers and umpires during a World Series. He was dressed as an umpire. Bremen even accepted an Emmy award for an actress who did not get to the stage before he showed up.
This guy was too much.
Reading today about Bremen and his exploits, I thought back to a few years ago when I attended "FanFest" held on the fake grass playing surface at Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team. As I wandered around looking at the people lined up for autographs of Rays players, booths selling baseball cards and other similar items, and kids waiting their turn to take a few batting practice swings as a Rays staffer tossed wiffle balls, I noticed a guy on the edge of middle age in the left field corner. He wore his ball glove and was, with great energy and enthusiasm, throwing a baseball against the padded outfield wall, fielding the rebounds. "Why is he doing that?"
Maybe he always wanted to play baseball in a major league stadium, and this was his big opportunity. Maybe he hoped a Rays official, seeing his dedication and skill, might offer him a contract. Maybe he wanted others to think he was a real player getting in a workout. Maybe he was taking out untold frustrations. I didn't interrupt him to ask about his intentions.
My own youth was filled with notions of a baseball career, but probably deep down I knew I didn't possess the skill and dedication required to make it to the major leagues. It was fun to consider, though, and I have thought at times I should have stayed with it when I was in college. In a conversation about this with a friend who actually did play in the major leagues, he remarked, "There is no sense in regretting not doing something that really isn't that great."
Reading about Barry Bremen, I thought there are numerous ways we pretend to be someone besides who we really are, either to impress others or maybe even to deceive ourselves. Is the grass always greener on the other side? Does our culture encourage us to yearn for something artificial? In that yearning, are we in danger of missing the beauty and meaning that can be found in authentic relationships, based in reality, with others and our Creator?
Seems to me we often, unfortunately, are willing to take that chance.
This guy was too much.
Reading today about Bremen and his exploits, I thought back to a few years ago when I attended "FanFest" held on the fake grass playing surface at Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team. As I wandered around looking at the people lined up for autographs of Rays players, booths selling baseball cards and other similar items, and kids waiting their turn to take a few batting practice swings as a Rays staffer tossed wiffle balls, I noticed a guy on the edge of middle age in the left field corner. He wore his ball glove and was, with great energy and enthusiasm, throwing a baseball against the padded outfield wall, fielding the rebounds. "Why is he doing that?"
Maybe he always wanted to play baseball in a major league stadium, and this was his big opportunity. Maybe he hoped a Rays official, seeing his dedication and skill, might offer him a contract. Maybe he wanted others to think he was a real player getting in a workout. Maybe he was taking out untold frustrations. I didn't interrupt him to ask about his intentions.
My own youth was filled with notions of a baseball career, but probably deep down I knew I didn't possess the skill and dedication required to make it to the major leagues. It was fun to consider, though, and I have thought at times I should have stayed with it when I was in college. In a conversation about this with a friend who actually did play in the major leagues, he remarked, "There is no sense in regretting not doing something that really isn't that great."
Reading about Barry Bremen, I thought there are numerous ways we pretend to be someone besides who we really are, either to impress others or maybe even to deceive ourselves. Is the grass always greener on the other side? Does our culture encourage us to yearn for something artificial? In that yearning, are we in danger of missing the beauty and meaning that can be found in authentic relationships, based in reality, with others and our Creator?
Seems to me we often, unfortunately, are willing to take that chance.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Hotter Than The Fourth Of July
The headline looks like something one would read in The Onion: After Controversy, Baptists Affirm Belief in Eternal Hell. The accompanying real article describes how the Southern Baptist Convention actually voted during their annual gathering in Phoenix to proclaim to the rest of the world that "hell (is) an 'eternal, conscious punishment' for those who do not accept Jesus." This was in response to a recent book by mega-church star Rob Bell called Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Has Ever Lived that questions such notions.
So, now we know. And we're shaking in our flip-flops.
But, I still have a question. If hell is for those who "do not accept Jesus," I need to know something. Which Jesus are we talking about?
Is it sweet Jesus, meek and mild, the Nicest Man Who Ever Lived? Is it Jesus the Miracle Worker who we call upon to exempt us from illness, troubles, job loss, and pain? Is it Jesus who wields the Sword of the Lord, slicing and dicing everyone who does not adhere to the moral code we impose upon other people? Is it Jesus who speaks King James English? Is it Jesus who, although he was born in what we call the Middle East, bears Anglo-Saxon features?
Which Jesus is it that we have to accept in order to avoid the eternal hell voted upon by the Southern Baptist Convention?
With over 30,000 Protestant denominations currently existing in the world -- all of which call Jesus "Lord and Savior," but who stand at odds with their sisters and brothers in the faith because of doctrinal differences -- one gets the impression that Jesus represents different things to different people. Just who else will we see when we are burning and screaming in hell?
How about instead of "accepting" Jesus in order to avoid eternal damnation, we try to grow closer to him (not closer to creeds, doctrines, theologies, or Christologies) so that our lives are reflective of light and truth and love? How about we de-emphasize religion and correct belief and focus on faithfulness? How about we live now, today, and always into the Reign of God that exists throughout Creation rather than trying to avoid at some future date extreme heat and the stench of sulphur?
I soon will attend the General Assembly of my church, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and fortunately, we won't be voting to reaffirm hell's torment. Although, I assume it gets plenty warm in Nashville in the summertime...
So, now we know. And we're shaking in our flip-flops.
But, I still have a question. If hell is for those who "do not accept Jesus," I need to know something. Which Jesus are we talking about?
Is it sweet Jesus, meek and mild, the Nicest Man Who Ever Lived? Is it Jesus the Miracle Worker who we call upon to exempt us from illness, troubles, job loss, and pain? Is it Jesus who wields the Sword of the Lord, slicing and dicing everyone who does not adhere to the moral code we impose upon other people? Is it Jesus who speaks King James English? Is it Jesus who, although he was born in what we call the Middle East, bears Anglo-Saxon features?
Which Jesus is it that we have to accept in order to avoid the eternal hell voted upon by the Southern Baptist Convention?
With over 30,000 Protestant denominations currently existing in the world -- all of which call Jesus "Lord and Savior," but who stand at odds with their sisters and brothers in the faith because of doctrinal differences -- one gets the impression that Jesus represents different things to different people. Just who else will we see when we are burning and screaming in hell?
How about instead of "accepting" Jesus in order to avoid eternal damnation, we try to grow closer to him (not closer to creeds, doctrines, theologies, or Christologies) so that our lives are reflective of light and truth and love? How about we de-emphasize religion and correct belief and focus on faithfulness? How about we live now, today, and always into the Reign of God that exists throughout Creation rather than trying to avoid at some future date extreme heat and the stench of sulphur?
I soon will attend the General Assembly of my church, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and fortunately, we won't be voting to reaffirm hell's torment. Although, I assume it gets plenty warm in Nashville in the summertime...
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