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70CraigBlog: Blogging about
faith, ​spirituality and discipleship.

Thou Shall Not!

8/27/2018

5 Comments

 
When I was 18, a friend of mine invited me to their church. I was warmly welcomed and looked forward to experiencing their worship. The service was very similar to what I knew until the minister got up to preach his sermon. I truly cannot recall what scriptures he used or the main point he was trying to make. What I remember is the feeling of disgust I had. Everything the minister said was about what we should not do if we wanted to be a part of God's Kingdom. 

He transitioned into proclaiming any churches or religions organizations that believe in other prophets or books were actually from the devil. This point alone made me feel unwelcome and aghast that this was being preached instead of the gospel message. The man went onto condemn homosexuality; how it was not from God and those who were homosexual were living in sin and going to hell.  

I remember looking around the church thinking I would see others with disturbed facial expressions or concern but instead I found head nods and heard people shout "Amen." I was in disbelief with the inability of the people to see how this created division rather than unity. It ostracized rather than included. I thought about walking out but instead I sat in the pew and began praying that the minister and people there would experience the love of God. 

Though I disliked the experience it was a good learning opportunity. First l discovered how religion can be used inappropriately to hurt and demean others. Secondly, I learned firsthand how if felt to be institutionally judged; to be unwelcomed unless you are step in step with the beliefs set by a church.  

I am sure some of you have had similar experiences of feeling judged in a church. It may not have been from the pulpit but maybe from the looks of others or just the feeling of not being welcomed. Judgement is real and I know I have been both on the giving and receiving end of it. It abruptly halts those who are spiritually searching for God because they were unwelcome or undervalued for who they are or what they believe. So how do we balance our beliefs while still respecting others? In what ways can we welcome and include instead of divide and isolate? It is in our ability to be open and respect others decisions where Christ meets us with open arms. 

God's Kingdom
I like to think being a part of God's kingdom is more about what we do than what we don't do. Community of Christ has a concept of Zion. It's about creating God's kingdom on earth; pursuing Christ centered communities throughout the world focused on joy, hope, love and peace. I love this because if focuses me on what I can do today to bring about God's Kingdom to another.  It's not about believing and waiting but present action. 

Respecting You
We all see the world differently, which means we have different thoughts and beliefs. This is beautiful because it makes the world interesting. By no means should our purpose be to change other people. I do think it is imperative we have personal reflection and active dialogue with others because we usually fear what we do not know. Talking about topics like sin, politics, homosexuality, etc. with others gives us opportunities to learn. It doesn't mean there is an expectation to change beliefs, but it helps us truly know the other person.

Creeds/ Statements of Faith
Many churches have creeds or statements people must say or believe to be a part of their church. I question if these statements breed sameness instead of embracing diversity and allowing personal identity. When others have to be just like us with speech, dress, actions, or beliefs than we miss the opportunity to love unconditionally. It's easy to like and love people who are like us but much harder for those that beat by a different drum. This is one reason why I am a member of Community of Christ. Community of Christ has a basic beliefs document however they are not universally required and must not be believed or said to be welcomed into this community. The Book of Mormon is a good example of this in CofChrist because it is considered one of our scriptural books however people hold a wide variety of beliefs about it. Some have had spiritual experiences believing wholeheartedly in its truth, while others question the origins and authenticity of it. The point is the myriad of beliefs doesn't exile you from worshiping or even being a leader. Though our differences in beliefs we are still able to find commonality and respect for one another. It is in our differences where we become stronger as a community.  

Let me leave you with some questions to reflect on:
​When was a time you felt judged?
When was a time you judged someone else?
What beliefs do you hold closely to?
Who is someone with different beliefs you would risk talking openly with?
What can you do to share God's love and bring about God's Kingdom?

Next week we will focus on Interpretation of Scripture and how it has hurt others when not used responsibly! This week please talk openly with someone that has a different belief than you. Learn about the person and love them for who they are.  
5 Comments
Jim
8/27/2018 09:36:42 am

I had much the same type of experience. Many years ago, a co-worker invited several of us to her church to hear a great revival preacher (sorry I don't remember his name). The topic was Be Born Again. Most of us went to support our co-worker as the members of the congregation were in a contest to see who could invite the most visitors to the revival.

The minister preached that to Be Born Again means to take Jesus into your heart, and anyone who believed baptism was necessary, was a fool! Yes he used those words. He then went on to preached and anyone who believed in Good Works was also a fool. I felt a dark spirit closing around me and couldn't wait for this to be over so I could get out.

I heard nothing about God's Love, or for us to love each other as Christ loved us. This man did not know Jesus! At least not the Jesus that I know from my study of the scriptures and my personal relationship with Christ. Peter was not the only one asked to "Feed My Lambs.".

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Craig
8/29/2018 09:32:00 am

Thank you for sharing your experience Jim. It sounds like it made you feel uncomfortable and did not match your theology of what and who Jesus is. Jim how do you conceptualize the reasons for this minister and others interpretation of the Bible?

Reply
Jim
8/29/2018 10:38:03 am

There are many “evangelical” religious groups that do not believe that baptism is necessary. I have always found this interesting, pointing out that Jesus himself found it necessary to be baptized in fulfillment of the scriptures. The apparent explanation is that it is just a sign, and not really necessary. You just need to participate in an “alter call” and take Jesus into your heart and you are saved to heaven. You need to do nothing else. Just wait for the “rapture” to take you to heaven.

When I also point out that Jesus expects his disciples to do good works toward building his kingdom on earth, I am accused of belonging to a “good works” church which requires such works to get into heaven. (I like to use the three parables in the 25th chapter of Matthew to support the Kingdom Building view.) I have tried with much frustration to witness to persons who profess this type of faith, with little success.

I believe that everyone is entitled to follow their own faith beliefs, however I do believe it is wrong for a professed Minister of Christ to preach a belief which is contrary to what Christ himself preached; then continue by saying anyone who doesn’t follow what the minister is professing is a fool. I am not trying to point out the believers faults, as I have enough of my own. I would like to invite them to help in building the Kingdom, by joining with other faith communities to do the work.

“You who are my disciples must be found continuing in the forefront of those organizations and movements which are recognizing the worth of persons and are committed to bringing the ministry of my Son to bear on their lives.” D&C 151:9

I follow Jesus Christ! I belong to a faith community (Community of Christ) and work with other followers of Jesus and other faith communities, to build his kingdom, here and now, to the best of our abilities. I invite you to join with me in doing the work.

Chris Davisdon
8/27/2018 03:40:04 pm

This is very timely as we look at the gospel scripture for this Sunday. The gospel scripture is tough! Thank you for putting these reminders out there!

Reply
Craig
8/29/2018 04:15:50 pm

Chris you are so right, this weeks scripture is tough! For those out there it is Mark 7:1-23. It really makes us examine our hearts and actions. I also love how it places more importance on right relationships with others rather than continuing on with tradition for tradition sake.

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    Seventy Craig Hidy

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    Craig Hidy like the majority of ministers in Community of Christ is a bi-vocational, self sustaining ordained minister.  He is a member of the Midlands Mission Center Emporia Team and an ordained Seventy.  He and his family, live in Topeka, Kansas.


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