Yes, but...

Commonly folks (leaders and non-leaders) in the Christian church agree that in order to be a Christian you have to

• accept Christ
• put your faith in Christ
• trust Christ
• make a public witness that you have done one of the above. 

That's pretty much understood, and seems to be what the early Christian movement understood.

Yes, but. . . as Christian witness spread to Gentile communities some folks demanded that others trust Christ, or follow Christ, or. . . AND obey the Jewish food regulations and other rules.  Starting in Acts 15:19 we read a disavowal of these legaisms.  Well, most of them.  In practice, Gentile Christians ignored the few rules the Council tried to lay on them. 

Ever since then Church leaders have been saying "Yes, but. . . " in varying ways. 

• "Yes, but you have to take communion at least once a year."   
• "Yes, but you have to obey the bishop/priest/pope."
• "Yes, but you have to belong to the right church movement or denomination."
• "Yes, but you have to be baptized by immersion." 
• "Yes, but you cannot have a drinking problem."  
• "Yes, but you cannot be a divorced person."  
• "Yes, but you cannot be gay." 
• "Yes, but you cannot have women in leadership."
• "Yes, but you cannot. . . "

You get the picture.  God in Jesus Christ is too loving, to grace-ful for most Christians. 

What is your "Yes, but..."?  What steps are you taking in prayer, in thinking, in growing to move beyond your "Yes, but..." to a fuller faith in Jesus?  Leave a comment and let us know. 

Faith Through Change

In the twentieth century contraception was accepted by most major Christian groups.  The Roman Catholics would have approved it except the Pope said, "No."  Most opted for change.  One man did not, and the group he led followed his anti-change policy.  Which leads me to wonder with you about Faith and Change.  (I capitalize these words to give them the emphasis I want to to experience.)

At another time in history change was rampant.  Greek dominance had given way to the growing Roman Empire.  Philosophers and playwrights were raising questions about the gods, and Jewish leaders were divided between the ultra traditionalists (legalists) and the more liberal leaders who risked change.  Jesus of Nazareth began teaching.

Jesus found himself between the various factions with differing attitudes towards change.  Generally he strongly resisted the anti-change folks in the power elite.  But he castigated the Pharisee group who, though promoting a little change, wouldn't change much.  He taught with phrases such as, "You have heard it said of old. . . but I say to you."  That's a formula for change.

He spoke with women.  He, seemingly reluctantly, extended God's grace to a non-Jewish woman in the Phoenician region.  He used the Temple but was not in awe of the Temple.  He forgave Roman soldiers and leaders who crucified him. 

In other words, thoughtfully, slowly, and maybe painfully Jesus embraced change. 

Not all change feels good.  But change comes anyway.  I believe Jesus provides a helpful example for us to live in a world that changes while learning to embrace new possibilities without using religion as a crutch for conservative, head-in-the-sand attitudes, rhetoric and decisions. 

What do you think?  Leave a comment and let us know. 

ANTI -- What Christianity Has Come to be Known For

Does the "ANTI" reputation come from too much Old Testament influence?  Jesus pretty much taught us to get over that when he use the phrases, "You have heard it said of old. . . . but I say to you."

What he said was far less "anti" and far more inclusive than what had been said in tradition and in the Old Testament writings.  As I see it, not many religious people identifying with the Christian church pay much attention to Jesus.  He doesn't seem to hate as much as they want to hate.

Isn't it strange that the Roman church hates gays and lesbians but keeps protecting priests who abuse children using gay practices?  Isn't it strange that heterosexual escapades and abuses are O.K. in evangelical Protestant churches, even covered up as well as forgiven, but hating people who are faithful, loving couples (and happen to be gay) is the approved modus operandi?

ANTI.  Anti booze, anti equality of races, anti equality of women, anti Protestant, anti Semitic, anti Catholic, anti progress, anti science, anti change, anti vaccinations, anti higher education, anti thinking, anti fashion, anti youth, anti the elderly, anti . . .

I'm not sure one person can balance that out.  Jesus tries.  He seems to fail.

What do you think?  (Not what are you against, by the way.)  Leave a comment and let us know.