According to the commentary I'm reading (Evolution of the Word by Marcus J.Borg) most scholars agree that 2 Corinthians is actually a compilation of parts of different letters Paul wrote to the Corinthian church. Some even believe that the end comes first and that some of the comments about a previous letter in the early chapters actually refer to the letter of which chapters 10-13 are a part.
Generally it is believed that the three main divisions are chapters 1-7, 8-9, and 10-13 and that they are not necessarily kept in the order they were received. I would think, however, that these partial letters, be they 1, 3 or more, would contain important pieces of information if they were the portions carefully preserved by the Corinthians. I prefer to look at that, rather than try to figure out which part of the letter goes with which other part. It is helpful, however, to recognize that this may not have been written as one cohesive unit.
Borg points out that the tone of the first 7 chapters is quite different from the latter few chapters, and that in them "we find some of the most radiant and luminous language in all of Paul's letters." Chapters 10-13, in contrast, sound angry and defensive. Chapters 8-9 seem to be more business like - dealing with the collection for the "impoverished Christian Jewish community"(p103) in Jerusalem. If we go with Borg's timeline, we should read chapters 10-13 first, then chapter 8-9 (which may be more than one letter), then, finally, the conciliatory and inspiring chapters 1-7. I read it as it stands in the Bible, for we don't really know the timeline, or even if it is one letter or parts of more - so I just read the whole thing. While the divisions are there, it could be different points in one letter - but I will defer to the experts and acknowledge it could be parts of 3 (or more) letters.
The point of 2 Corinthians is less clear to me than that of some of the epistles. Again this could be due to it actually being parts of different letters with different points. Paul obviously wants to defend himself against some attack in the latter chapters, but is this the main point?
After the greeting, Paul states that God is the God of all consolation who consoles us so we can console others. Maybe this is one cohesive point. Our coming through times of affliction help us know what to do to help others going through the same thing. Recognizing that we have made mistakes helps us forgive others who wrong us. Making our way through anxiety helps us learn and teach others to rely on God's strength. So we are constantly learning and God is speaking to us through our various situations.
"Since..we have such a hope, we act with boldness: (3: 12). "Since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart" (4:1). "So we do not lose heart: (4:16). We are dependent on God's strength and faithfulness. Whatever we go through, God is there, will help us through, and will help us learn from it.
"Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us;our competence is from God." (3:4)"But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us" (4:7)
There are many encouraging quotes from the first few chapters, but they do seem to emphasize that our value does not come from our own capabilities, but from God working in spite of, or even through our weaknesses and trials. We are not competent in and of ourselves. We are just clay jars. In other words, we don't have to (and can't) do it all, but need to trust God to work through us and in whatever we are going through. There is some relief in that. It takes some pressure off our actions.
While not totally uplifting, the defense in the latter chapters does give us some insight into Paul and his life and experience.On second thought, maybe this is inspiring. With all Paul went through, he continued to preach and teach all over the world as he knew it. He was not universally loved and accepted. He was forced to defend himself more than once. Yet he kept going - not introducing himself with all his credentials first, but putting forth his message first. He expected people to accept that on its own merit. Sometimes it gets frustrating when people don't acknowledge the scholarship or experience of speakers/pastors but write them off because they don't agree. This is nothing new. So I guess those who are trying to share even as important a message as Jesus as messiah, or God as love, are still in good company when they get written off as reading Scripture incorrectly or being heretical. Even Paul was written off by some. I tend to get very frustrated when this happens to me, but I have nowhere near the credentials Paul had, so I guess have no right to expect to be listened to and/or have my perspective respected at all times. It is sad that we are so dismissive of each other - but Paul hung in there, I guess each of us should too.
So this is the flip side of my other point - we may not have to be able to do it all - but we should keep doing something. We need to persevere - continue to work so God can work through us more easily.
I guess I would say the message of 2 Corinthians is to keep on going and trust God to use you and your talents, efforts, and mistakes to speak to others. (Trust and Obey, for there's no other way....) God can use whatever we are going through - to teach us, to help us better embody the message of love, to which we are called, to give us the credentials to validate our message. This seems, in a way, to encapsulate a lot of what he has said before. It is not all about me or you, it is about God and spreading the message that Jesus came to give us. We may have to go through hard times, may have to endure disrespect and even slander, may suffer anxiety, financial hardship, and even physical abuse. Through all this God can, either directly or through others, console us, strengthen us, and use us to help others find their way. In short: Hang in there! God can do it!
Monday, 27 July 2015
Friday, 24 July 2015
Philippians - Rejoice - It's not all about you (or me)
Well - after a week away and almost a week of trying to catch up after being away - I am now focusing on Philippians. Rejoice! I don't know why this is one of my favorite books - or why Philippians 4:4 has become my favorite verse : "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice". (4:4).
I am not always a "rejoice" type of person - but the call to rejoice still inspires me. God does not want us to drag our feet and be miserable. We are not to be burdened by a bunch of rules and regulations - we are to rejoice! Whatever we are going through, we can find something to rejoice in. This doesn't mean we are never sad. We are to rejoice IN THE LORD. We know there is a purpose to our lives, even if we don't see it. We know somehow we will get through whatever is happening even if we don't know how. While we keep working to become better representatives of Christ, God is the one who will really make a difference. God will sometimes even use our failures to bring about success.God is the source of a joy that is not dependent on whatever is happening to or around us.
Philippians is a mostly positive book. Paul is so thankful for the Philippian support and their ongoing ministry. He is a proud papa and the Philippians are his baby - one of the first European cities to hear and accept Paul's message. Even though he is writing from prison, he is rejoicing - that through his imprisonment the guards are hearing God's word, that through the Philippians many others are getting the message, even that through his infirmity God's strength is being shown. If pedigree or righteousness mattered - he could boast in those - and maybe so could some of the Philippians - but all that means nothing because his (and our) whole purpose is to worship God and live a life that bears witness to Jesus Christ. It's not all about Paul.
There are so many inspiring nuggets in this letter (to name a few):
"Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, thought he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited....every tongue [shall] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."(2:5-11)
"...it is God is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (2:13)
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection..." (3:10)
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (4:7)
"...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing,....think about these things" (4:8).
There is so much inspiration to keep going, keep following, never give up. There is encouragement to be of one mind - the mind of Christ - even for the two women who seem to have had a disagreement. But, in the end run, it is not about Paul or the Philippians, it is about Christ. We will stumble, we will fall, we will endure hard times, we will go through times when our witness is not shining so brightly - but God loves us and is taking care of us, even if we can't always see it, and that is what is important. Let us focus on that. Let us not worry so much about what we think, what we feel, what we want. Let us focus on Jesus Christ, Then we can become of one mind. Then we can truly worship. Then we have some hope of being of one mind.
No, it is not all about me - or you, or Paul, or the Philippians. This is freeing. The weight is off us. We just need to focus on Jesus and keep working on being more like him. Then we can rest assured that God can use us and our efforts. Then we can rejoice whatever happens. Then we can have the "peace that passes understanding". Then "my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (4:19) Then we can rejoice - no matter what.
I am not always a "rejoice" type of person - but the call to rejoice still inspires me. God does not want us to drag our feet and be miserable. We are not to be burdened by a bunch of rules and regulations - we are to rejoice! Whatever we are going through, we can find something to rejoice in. This doesn't mean we are never sad. We are to rejoice IN THE LORD. We know there is a purpose to our lives, even if we don't see it. We know somehow we will get through whatever is happening even if we don't know how. While we keep working to become better representatives of Christ, God is the one who will really make a difference. God will sometimes even use our failures to bring about success.God is the source of a joy that is not dependent on whatever is happening to or around us.
Philippians is a mostly positive book. Paul is so thankful for the Philippian support and their ongoing ministry. He is a proud papa and the Philippians are his baby - one of the first European cities to hear and accept Paul's message. Even though he is writing from prison, he is rejoicing - that through his imprisonment the guards are hearing God's word, that through the Philippians many others are getting the message, even that through his infirmity God's strength is being shown. If pedigree or righteousness mattered - he could boast in those - and maybe so could some of the Philippians - but all that means nothing because his (and our) whole purpose is to worship God and live a life that bears witness to Jesus Christ. It's not all about Paul.
There are so many inspiring nuggets in this letter (to name a few):
"Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, thought he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited....every tongue [shall] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."(2:5-11)
"...it is God is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (2:13)
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection..." (3:10)
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (4:7)
"...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing,....think about these things" (4:8).
There is so much inspiration to keep going, keep following, never give up. There is encouragement to be of one mind - the mind of Christ - even for the two women who seem to have had a disagreement. But, in the end run, it is not about Paul or the Philippians, it is about Christ. We will stumble, we will fall, we will endure hard times, we will go through times when our witness is not shining so brightly - but God loves us and is taking care of us, even if we can't always see it, and that is what is important. Let us focus on that. Let us not worry so much about what we think, what we feel, what we want. Let us focus on Jesus Christ, Then we can become of one mind. Then we can truly worship. Then we have some hope of being of one mind.
No, it is not all about me - or you, or Paul, or the Philippians. This is freeing. The weight is off us. We just need to focus on Jesus and keep working on being more like him. Then we can rest assured that God can use us and our efforts. Then we can rejoice whatever happens. Then we can have the "peace that passes understanding". Then "my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (4:19) Then we can rejoice - no matter what.
Monday, 6 July 2015
Philemon- On returning a runaway
This letter is short and pretty much to the point.
Onesimus is a slave, who has run away from Philemon but Paul has convinced him to return to his owner with this letter asking Philemon to free him.
This strikes me as interesting in light of the previous letter where Paul tells the Corinthians to stay in whatever station they are found. So, by that standard, Onesimus should remain a slave. And I guess by having him return to his owner, Paul is standing by that. But Paul doesn't leave it there - doesn't just ask Philemon not to kill Onesimus , even though he would be within his rights to do so. Nor does he ask him to take him back as a slave and treat him well. No, Paul challenges Philemon (in what appears a pretty manipulative way) to free Onesimus.
I am seeing a bit of a parallel with the prodigal son. There a boy shows disrespect to his father, leaves behind his responsibilities, and takes off for what he sees as a better life. When that life lets him down he returns and the father welcomes him. Here Paul is asking Philemon for that kind of graciousness for a slave who did pretty much the same thing.
What I see is that Paul is challenging each man in his own way. Onesimus may have needed to forgive Philemon, we don't know, but what we do know is that he is expected by Paul to humble himself back into his role as a slave. He has to trust Paul and Philemon that he will not end up severely punished, perhaps even put to death. We don't even know if Onesimus knew that Paul was asking for his freedom. Paul was actually asking a lot of Onesimus.
Philemon, on the other hand, had been shown disrespect. In effect Onesimus running away degraded him as one unable to control his slaves. Philemon had also suffered a financial loss - Onesimus was property and therefore his running away was equal to theft. In spite of this insult and injury, Paul is now asking (telling) him to greet Onesimus as a brother, and set him free. Paul was asking a lot of Philemon, too.
Sometimes, when we are faced with difficult situations, we feel it is unfair, or too hard. These men had to deal with a situation that was harder than many we face, yet Paul expected them to take risks, to risk losing reputation, property, health or even life, and do the right thing. That is a real challenge to us, to me - one I hope I can take on with integrity and courage.
Onesimus is a slave, who has run away from Philemon but Paul has convinced him to return to his owner with this letter asking Philemon to free him.
This strikes me as interesting in light of the previous letter where Paul tells the Corinthians to stay in whatever station they are found. So, by that standard, Onesimus should remain a slave. And I guess by having him return to his owner, Paul is standing by that. But Paul doesn't leave it there - doesn't just ask Philemon not to kill Onesimus , even though he would be within his rights to do so. Nor does he ask him to take him back as a slave and treat him well. No, Paul challenges Philemon (in what appears a pretty manipulative way) to free Onesimus.
I am seeing a bit of a parallel with the prodigal son. There a boy shows disrespect to his father, leaves behind his responsibilities, and takes off for what he sees as a better life. When that life lets him down he returns and the father welcomes him. Here Paul is asking Philemon for that kind of graciousness for a slave who did pretty much the same thing.
What I see is that Paul is challenging each man in his own way. Onesimus may have needed to forgive Philemon, we don't know, but what we do know is that he is expected by Paul to humble himself back into his role as a slave. He has to trust Paul and Philemon that he will not end up severely punished, perhaps even put to death. We don't even know if Onesimus knew that Paul was asking for his freedom. Paul was actually asking a lot of Onesimus.
Philemon, on the other hand, had been shown disrespect. In effect Onesimus running away degraded him as one unable to control his slaves. Philemon had also suffered a financial loss - Onesimus was property and therefore his running away was equal to theft. In spite of this insult and injury, Paul is now asking (telling) him to greet Onesimus as a brother, and set him free. Paul was asking a lot of Philemon, too.
Sometimes, when we are faced with difficult situations, we feel it is unfair, or too hard. These men had to deal with a situation that was harder than many we face, yet Paul expected them to take risks, to risk losing reputation, property, health or even life, and do the right thing. That is a real challenge to us, to me - one I hope I can take on with integrity and courage.
I Corinthians - All for the glory of God
I have been trying for 3 days to complete this blog - There is an awful lot in I Corinthians. When I first read it I felt quite depressed - How are our numerous denominations any better than "'I belong to Paul' or 'I belong to Apollos' or 'I belong to Cephas'"? How few of the directions later in the letter do we actually follow? Are we supposed to? Do we manifest all the spiritual gifts? Do we not seem to have the gift of Tongues because we do not believe enough? Do we really embody love, as described in chapter 13? Where is the prophesy in this day and age? Do we really believe in the resurrection?
After a lot of thought I have come to a few answers for myself, anyway.
I think denominations are not God's first choice - but I think each group is earnestly trying to serve God to the best of their understanding - so they are not to glorify Menno Simons or Martin Luther or John Calvin but to allow like minded people to gather to worship in a way that is authentic for them. Paul's concern seems to be that the Corinthians are glorifying the apostles/missionaries instead of God. I think it is important that we keep our focus on God and becoming the best God followers we can.
Much of the discourse found in chapters 5 - 11 is disconcerting at first. Kick out the sexually immoral, appoint judges from within the church/community to judge disputes among the brethren; Be content with your station in life (if married, stay married, if single, stay single, if a slave, stay a slave); Women should wear head coverings (especially while praying or prophesying), but should also remain silent in worship. We do not follow these directives very well! Are we all wrong?
After I had calmed down and pondered these passages for a while I came to realize that a lot of what Paul was saying connects with his teaching on food offered to idols. While it is OK to eat it since idols aren't gods so don't affect the food, we should refrain if it will become " a stumbling block to the weak". So, too, in a society where women were expected to be covered, were expected to worship separately and/or silently, it makes sense that, in public worship, these norms should be upheld. Noisy uncovered women (unless in the privacy of their own homes with no men present)belonged in brothels - not churches. This could be a real stumbling block for some. We should note that it was assumed the women would prophesy & pray, as that is when the veil was most important. This is a pretty big thing in a time and place where women were usually not valued in a worship setting. In a society where people often trusted each other to sit in judgement over small civil cases it would make sense to keep those disputes "in the family" so to speak. Why air your dirty laundry to non-believers? It sure doesn't help the church look good. And so on. The answer to almost all the questions is - Do what helps the church/community glorify God. Paul says "all things are lawful" - but when making choices he also wants things to look right - not to be confused with religions that had prostitution as part of their rites, or with groups gathering just to disrupt society. Paul wants the attention to be on God, on worshiping God, on serving God, not on the people. It is all summed up in "...do everything to the glory of God (10:31b)"
This insight might help apply Paul's instructions. We don't deal with eating meat sacrificed to idols - but we may have people around us that are vegetarian or who strongly believe in the 100 mile diet. Does this mean we are obligated to follow those diets? No, but, if it makes a difference to some, perhaps we should try to follow them when gathered together to eat. Maybe the whole paper plate debate is an example of this philosophy - bring your own dishes to support those who strongly feel paper plates are environmentally irresponsible - even if we believe they are OK on occasion.
Society no longer equates head covering with modesty - so this is a non issue - but perhaps our choice of attire in church should reflect modest dress for whatever age/society we live in.
In today's society women have (legally) an equal right to speak and be heard - so forcing women to be silent in the church would give an impression of oppression - not really one of glorifying a God who wants us to have an abundant life. So it makes sense to empower women to be in leadership - at least here in North America.
And remaining in one's station? Well - these days it is not really acceptable NOT to disturb the status quo somewhat. The message we want to get out there is that God IS relevant today; that God DOES care about injustices. Even slavery wasn't understood as an injustice back in Paul's day - so maybe his admonition is less to maintain the status quo and more to take seriously the responsibilities we have taken on - if we are responsible for another person, as a spouse or a slave or a slave owner - let us take care of that person. If we have a job let us do it well. Let us do what we take on in such a manner that, if we were doing it for God, God would be honored and pleased. In a way it is like representing your family - what you do reflects not only on your own character but also on your whole family.
The issue of our not demonstrating all the gifts of the Spirit is still concerning. I see many gifts in our congregation and in other people I have met. I believe God is working through many people. I don't see much prophecy - and I'm not sure we would be open to it if someone tried. My biggest concern is that we are messing up when it comes to showing love to each other. I do not see Christians always being patient and kind, slow to anger, even with each other let alone with people from other or no faith background. I see envy and arrogance and rudeness appear in some meetings and interactions - and have heard of more. We really need to learn to love each other - to see each other as valuable, as beloved of God. We also need to learn to speak the truth in love. We need to learn to trust each other and God to make the right decisions so we can best be a community that loves each other and God, and embodies that love to the people around us.
So there is still some real challenge and disturbing realizations to be found in 1 Corinthians - and I think we need to take them seriously. There are also helpful guidelines as we discern the right way to go with our church decisions.
May the blessing of Paul be upon us as we work toward being a better "body" for Christ: "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with [us]. [May] love be with all of [us] in Christ Jesus." Amen.
After a lot of thought I have come to a few answers for myself, anyway.
I think denominations are not God's first choice - but I think each group is earnestly trying to serve God to the best of their understanding - so they are not to glorify Menno Simons or Martin Luther or John Calvin but to allow like minded people to gather to worship in a way that is authentic for them. Paul's concern seems to be that the Corinthians are glorifying the apostles/missionaries instead of God. I think it is important that we keep our focus on God and becoming the best God followers we can.
Much of the discourse found in chapters 5 - 11 is disconcerting at first. Kick out the sexually immoral, appoint judges from within the church/community to judge disputes among the brethren; Be content with your station in life (if married, stay married, if single, stay single, if a slave, stay a slave); Women should wear head coverings (especially while praying or prophesying), but should also remain silent in worship. We do not follow these directives very well! Are we all wrong?
After I had calmed down and pondered these passages for a while I came to realize that a lot of what Paul was saying connects with his teaching on food offered to idols. While it is OK to eat it since idols aren't gods so don't affect the food, we should refrain if it will become " a stumbling block to the weak". So, too, in a society where women were expected to be covered, were expected to worship separately and/or silently, it makes sense that, in public worship, these norms should be upheld. Noisy uncovered women (unless in the privacy of their own homes with no men present)belonged in brothels - not churches. This could be a real stumbling block for some. We should note that it was assumed the women would prophesy & pray, as that is when the veil was most important. This is a pretty big thing in a time and place where women were usually not valued in a worship setting. In a society where people often trusted each other to sit in judgement over small civil cases it would make sense to keep those disputes "in the family" so to speak. Why air your dirty laundry to non-believers? It sure doesn't help the church look good. And so on. The answer to almost all the questions is - Do what helps the church/community glorify God. Paul says "all things are lawful" - but when making choices he also wants things to look right - not to be confused with religions that had prostitution as part of their rites, or with groups gathering just to disrupt society. Paul wants the attention to be on God, on worshiping God, on serving God, not on the people. It is all summed up in "...do everything to the glory of God (10:31b)"
This insight might help apply Paul's instructions. We don't deal with eating meat sacrificed to idols - but we may have people around us that are vegetarian or who strongly believe in the 100 mile diet. Does this mean we are obligated to follow those diets? No, but, if it makes a difference to some, perhaps we should try to follow them when gathered together to eat. Maybe the whole paper plate debate is an example of this philosophy - bring your own dishes to support those who strongly feel paper plates are environmentally irresponsible - even if we believe they are OK on occasion.
Society no longer equates head covering with modesty - so this is a non issue - but perhaps our choice of attire in church should reflect modest dress for whatever age/society we live in.
In today's society women have (legally) an equal right to speak and be heard - so forcing women to be silent in the church would give an impression of oppression - not really one of glorifying a God who wants us to have an abundant life. So it makes sense to empower women to be in leadership - at least here in North America.
And remaining in one's station? Well - these days it is not really acceptable NOT to disturb the status quo somewhat. The message we want to get out there is that God IS relevant today; that God DOES care about injustices. Even slavery wasn't understood as an injustice back in Paul's day - so maybe his admonition is less to maintain the status quo and more to take seriously the responsibilities we have taken on - if we are responsible for another person, as a spouse or a slave or a slave owner - let us take care of that person. If we have a job let us do it well. Let us do what we take on in such a manner that, if we were doing it for God, God would be honored and pleased. In a way it is like representing your family - what you do reflects not only on your own character but also on your whole family.
The issue of our not demonstrating all the gifts of the Spirit is still concerning. I see many gifts in our congregation and in other people I have met. I believe God is working through many people. I don't see much prophecy - and I'm not sure we would be open to it if someone tried. My biggest concern is that we are messing up when it comes to showing love to each other. I do not see Christians always being patient and kind, slow to anger, even with each other let alone with people from other or no faith background. I see envy and arrogance and rudeness appear in some meetings and interactions - and have heard of more. We really need to learn to love each other - to see each other as valuable, as beloved of God. We also need to learn to speak the truth in love. We need to learn to trust each other and God to make the right decisions so we can best be a community that loves each other and God, and embodies that love to the people around us.
So there is still some real challenge and disturbing realizations to be found in 1 Corinthians - and I think we need to take them seriously. There are also helpful guidelines as we discern the right way to go with our church decisions.
May the blessing of Paul be upon us as we work toward being a better "body" for Christ: "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with [us]. [May] love be with all of [us] in Christ Jesus." Amen.
Friday, 3 July 2015
Galatians - What Fruit are we growing?
I have struggled with the letter to the Galatians this time round. I usually love the strong affirmations of faith and love as the way to God, as opposed to legalistic following of rules. I find release in the freedom that is preached and hope in the promised fruit of the Spirit. But today, before rereading Galatians, I was reading about the resolutions passed in Kansas City at the Mennonite Church USA assembly and some of the reactions. I also read a Facebook post by someone I care deeply about but whose opinions sadden me. They are so caught up in the "law" he was raised with. As I turned to Galatians I hear Paul expressing his frustration with us. Don't we know any better? Are we still caught up in trying to be pure and holy or, more accurately, trying to make others pure and holy, instead of being followers of Christ? Are we still clutching our measuring sticks to judge who is good enough to be a part of our congregations, and in the process raising "enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions" - in other words "works of the flesh" (Gal 5:20)? I know many people point to Paul as one of the writers who would definitely be anti same sex marriage/relationships. But I really wonder. Paul says "Take care that you yourselves are not tempted." (6:1) not "Take care that no one who has been tempted joins your community." Most of the concern for righteousness is a challenge for each person to work toward it - not that it be legislated or a prerequisite for belonging to the body of Christ. We are to bear one another's burdens and in this way fulfill the law of Christ (6:2) - and not "nullify the grace of God" by placing law/legalism first. "For if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing."( 2:21)
The resolutions that passed in the USA, in my understanding (which may be flawed), are basically to keep their official documents the same (that is prohibiting pastors from officiating at same sex marriages for example) but also to "forbear" with each other - work with, tolerate, maybe even dialogue with, people and congregations that believe differently. Even before the votes on these resolutions a new coalition of churches was formed - one with a great website that claims to truly follow the right reading of Scripture - in other words that is opposed to same sex relationships (even though it never outright says that). Basically the people forming this network have said that anyone willing to even consider a gay or lesbian church member, let alone pastor, is not reading the Bible correctly. (You need to be circumcised/straight to belong). Also before the vote Pink Menno's were gathering for a hymn sing and staged a demonstration - basically calling out the whole assembly as prejudiced, entitled and oppressive (You have to be circumcised/believe as we do to be true Christians). Those who care about the conference/church and were trying to find a way to help keep it together and keep people talking were attacked from both sides. I don't hear a lot of love, joy, peace, etc in the whole affair. Who has bewitched us? Did we receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what Jesus (and Paul) taught? (from 3:1 & 2).
Why do we keep making life in Christ a difficult thing? It should be wonderful. We no longer have to worry so much about following a strict set of rules - we are saved through the work of Jesus Christ. Yes we need self control - but if we are filled with love joy peace we can demonstrate patience kindness goodness, thoughtfulness, gentleness AND self control. I'm not saying Christians don't face hardships - there is real persecution out there, and health and economic (and other) problems that can be overwhelming - but for those of us who's choices are not life and death but about how to conduct ourselves and how to treat our fellow travelers on this road of life, we have Christ's example to follow. He didn't shun the prostitutes, the tax collectors, the fishermen, the Samaritans, the rich, the poor, the children. Why do we let people, like the "Judaizers" of Galatia, lead us astray and turn our focus from God, the three in one, to the law, or whatever do's or don'ts are the talk of the day. Back then Circumcision was the huge divider - along the way the issues have changed - dancing, alcohol, form of baptism, form of communion, working on Sunday, divorce, women in ministry - but it seems there is always one more thing to divide us. Now it is homosexuality. I can't help but think both Paul and Jesus would be more appalled by the church's treatment of each other and of those who want to be a part of it than of most anything else.
I really like Paul's analogy of the underage heir: "Heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than slaves, though they are the owners of all the property;" Just like children have stricter rules - like bedtime, vegetables before dessert, no hitting/biting, etc. to keep them healthy and teach them principles - ancient people needed guidelines, rules, to stay healthy and learn. Jesus came and said, good - you have learned the laws now lets move on to abstract thinking, to applying the principles behind the rules to make decisions appropriate to our current age. But we don't learn. We are like twenty somethings that still throw tantrums because someone else got to stay up late or have ice cream before dinner. What is wrong with us? Why, after all these years and all this scholarship can we not yet learn to talk with each other, work and pray with each other in a respectful atmosphere to discern God's will? Why do we think it is OK to call into question another person's personhood/faith because s/he believes something different?
I am very discouraged - and feel personally chastised by Paul. I pray, with Paul, that I can be true to these words:
"May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and i to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision [or any specific sexual orientation] is anything; but a new creation is everything!"
The resolutions that passed in the USA, in my understanding (which may be flawed), are basically to keep their official documents the same (that is prohibiting pastors from officiating at same sex marriages for example) but also to "forbear" with each other - work with, tolerate, maybe even dialogue with, people and congregations that believe differently. Even before the votes on these resolutions a new coalition of churches was formed - one with a great website that claims to truly follow the right reading of Scripture - in other words that is opposed to same sex relationships (even though it never outright says that). Basically the people forming this network have said that anyone willing to even consider a gay or lesbian church member, let alone pastor, is not reading the Bible correctly. (You need to be circumcised/straight to belong). Also before the vote Pink Menno's were gathering for a hymn sing and staged a demonstration - basically calling out the whole assembly as prejudiced, entitled and oppressive (You have to be circumcised/believe as we do to be true Christians). Those who care about the conference/church and were trying to find a way to help keep it together and keep people talking were attacked from both sides. I don't hear a lot of love, joy, peace, etc in the whole affair. Who has bewitched us? Did we receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what Jesus (and Paul) taught? (from 3:1 & 2).
Why do we keep making life in Christ a difficult thing? It should be wonderful. We no longer have to worry so much about following a strict set of rules - we are saved through the work of Jesus Christ. Yes we need self control - but if we are filled with love joy peace we can demonstrate patience kindness goodness, thoughtfulness, gentleness AND self control. I'm not saying Christians don't face hardships - there is real persecution out there, and health and economic (and other) problems that can be overwhelming - but for those of us who's choices are not life and death but about how to conduct ourselves and how to treat our fellow travelers on this road of life, we have Christ's example to follow. He didn't shun the prostitutes, the tax collectors, the fishermen, the Samaritans, the rich, the poor, the children. Why do we let people, like the "Judaizers" of Galatia, lead us astray and turn our focus from God, the three in one, to the law, or whatever do's or don'ts are the talk of the day. Back then Circumcision was the huge divider - along the way the issues have changed - dancing, alcohol, form of baptism, form of communion, working on Sunday, divorce, women in ministry - but it seems there is always one more thing to divide us. Now it is homosexuality. I can't help but think both Paul and Jesus would be more appalled by the church's treatment of each other and of those who want to be a part of it than of most anything else.
I really like Paul's analogy of the underage heir: "Heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than slaves, though they are the owners of all the property;" Just like children have stricter rules - like bedtime, vegetables before dessert, no hitting/biting, etc. to keep them healthy and teach them principles - ancient people needed guidelines, rules, to stay healthy and learn. Jesus came and said, good - you have learned the laws now lets move on to abstract thinking, to applying the principles behind the rules to make decisions appropriate to our current age. But we don't learn. We are like twenty somethings that still throw tantrums because someone else got to stay up late or have ice cream before dinner. What is wrong with us? Why, after all these years and all this scholarship can we not yet learn to talk with each other, work and pray with each other in a respectful atmosphere to discern God's will? Why do we think it is OK to call into question another person's personhood/faith because s/he believes something different?
I am very discouraged - and feel personally chastised by Paul. I pray, with Paul, that I can be true to these words:
"May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and i to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision [or any specific sexual orientation] is anything; but a new creation is everything!"
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