In a galaxy far away
and a time long ago I might have enjoyed theological/biblical debate and
in this galaxy and in this time I continue to value clear thinking but
my face book feed is making me cranky. Universalism and its new
monikers, of inclusivism or ultimate reconciliation versus eternal
judgement; stuff for and stuff against Rob Bell (I guess they got tired
of Mark Driscoll!); penal substitutionary atonement versus Christus
Victor; is radical grace grace or is it greasy; and the list goes on
and on but would not be complete without all the “prophetic” stuff about
God is judging America for (pick your favourite sin to hate) and how we
have to repent and pray more to avoid the next flood or tornado.
Your
first observation might be that I need to de-friend a lot of people and
that is probably true. However, an alien from a galaxy not so far away
looking at my face book feed might conclude that Jesus came to start a
religious debating society and that the bible must be a strange book
indeed since folks can claim its absolute authority and quote its words
to argue diametrically opposed positions.
The
rational dissonance gets even more intense at this time of year as
millions of people will gather in billions of dollars worth of religious
buildings to celebrate the birth of a homeless man while mostly
ignoring the homeless around them.
I
do not think a kid in sexual slavery is concerned about whether or not
hell is eternal. Their hell is now and it feels eternal.
I
do not think a mom who cannot feed her kids is concerned about extreme
grace leading to a licence to sin. She is praying that someone would be
gracious to her and help her.
I
do not think a father who cannot provide shelter for his family is
worried about what Rob Bell is doing with his life. He wants a job.
I do not think a young man being executed for following Jesus is worried about the technicals of the atonement.
I
do not think God is judging anybody for anything. When we see the
needs and ask, “Where is God?” do we not realize that God is asking,
“Where are you?” When will we stop using the God is judging line as an
escape hatch from the personal responsibility to love our neighbours!
Forget
the money spent on pet food that would feed the world’s hungry. Forget
the money spent on arms and war that would clothe, educate and feed
every poor person on the planet ten times over. Forget what the 1% do
with their wealth. The money spent on religious buildings by those who
claim to follow Jesus would also feed, clothe and educate every child
born into poverty.
This is not about a scarcity resources.
This is about misallocation of abundant resources.
This is about actually following Jesus who said, “Whatever you do unto the least you have done unto me."
Thank you to each of you who has partnered with us in helping women and men at risk in Central Asia.
Thank you to each of you who has partnered with us in helping some kids in India have a home, food and an education.
Thank
you to each of you who has partnered with us in helping a growing
number in Africa to see they can multiply disciples without budgets, big
shots and buildings.
Let
us to be humble enough to admit that there is lots in the bible that is
open to disagreement and difference and focus on what is clear and
disruptive to our comfort zones- simple obedience to the clear
instruction and example of Jesus as we live our lives in this present,
abundant, eternal life.
Your brother and sister
Steve & Marilyn
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