Theology (continued)

 

A kaleidoscope. Rejecting both scriptural literalism and license, there is a way to read scripture that is not a compromise between two extremes, but a new way.  Consider the Bible to be a kaleidoscope.  Each time we look through it, we see new truth— assuming we can keep our childlike vision.  I propose that in performing lectio divina, one should let the text be absolutely true, if only for the time of the study.  Afterwards, be governed by your conscience rather than by the words.  Never be a hypocrite about what your heart believes. 

 

Perfect freedom. St. Paul taught that believers have perfect freedom but that, in love for the One granted it to them, they should use that freedom constructively.  Sadly, Christians have also been badly divided on specific elements of faith,  squabbling over petty doctrinal issues while neglecting the important works of faith and charity. 

 

We are responsible for our own beliefs, and for the beliefs we teach, either directly or through the leadership of a congregation.  When those beliefs are destructive, tending to lead ourselves or others away from the Way of Love, they need to be reconsidered. In some cases, we may feel obliged to leave a congregation or— as a leader— to suggest that another person leave.  But shouldn’t those cases be extremely rare?  Why are clergy leaving their congregations every few years?  Why are so many believers estranged from their denominations?  Why are so many weird cults and parachurches popping up?

 

My credo.   I regard as a traveler on the Way every person who believes that Truth and Love and Justice are eternal, commanding entities.  I know Love through Jesus, who brings me peace and joy and hope and leads me into forgiveness and charity.  I know the Thirst for Truth through Holy Spirit, which leads me to reject falsehood and hypocrisy, especially inside the Church.  I know Justice through Yahweh, Jehovah, the Father, who reminds me that it is not enough to have a good heart, that if I believe in God I must speak against wrong and seek to do right.

 

Even when I am disappointed in God, to whom shall I go?  Would I choose hate over Love, lies over Truth, wrongdoing over Righteousness?  There is simply no choice.  When one knows what Love, Truth and Righteousness are, then there is no choice.  We become better beings not through our own efforts of obeying the Commandments, but through a higher power working through us. 

 

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