Is Religion a Distraction?

Did the title make you sit up straight for a second? Please bear with me for a bit.

Have you ever heard someone dismiss church by saying that they,"are not about organized religion"? I've heard it so many times since the day I started college, I have always wanted to puke! Lately though, I tend to think that the sentiment, not necessarily the literal warrants merit. To completely and fairly walk through this contention, we must first define religion. Without running to any theological reference guide or Webster's dictionary, I would simply define religion as "a structure of people organized to a set of beliefs pertaining to a higher power whose function is to spread those beliefs, enhance member's beliefs, and to grow its membership."

Right or wrong, this is the definition we will use. (Can't believe that we're too far off on that one.) I prescribe to a Protestant Christian religion further broken down into a denomination or sect of that core structure. Those denominations are separated by differing interpretations of the Bible and religious worship. Some slant more heavily towards traditional aspects of religion, while others lean more towards "modern" worship and practices. These are generally fine, since we all have different comfort levels when it comes to worship, just like some learn better by reading and others from listening.

The contention I have is that in our religion (Protestant Christian), we expend so much energy defining the differences in each of our denominations, that we lose sight of what we all have in common. That is the recognition of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and our pursuit of following His teachings. We separate ourselves based upon who baptizes when, where, and why. We separate ourselves on the frequency of Communion, what to call it, what happens to the elements upon consumption, and who can partake. We separate ourselves on who can preach, pastor a church, teach a class. If we were all to take a step back, I have to believe that God is either laughing at us, or hurling lightning bolts around in frustration.

The words of Christ are designed for us all to comprehend and to follow. The way to Christ doesn't require a tent and three rings inside or even a higher level educational degree. It is simple and believers have separated other believers from an incredible fellowship on earth through their own pride and self-interests.

I saw a bumper sticker recently that said,"I am a Christian, not closed-minded." We all naturally probably went political with that. Easy to do, but can not that same statement apply to this discussion? Are we not only tolerant, but inviting and welcoming to members of other Christian denominations? We are to love all men, and be non-judgmental of other religions. However, there is a distinct difference in tolerating other religions and being loving and welcoming to those of your own. I grew up Southern Baptist and even through middle school thought anyone not Baptist was not joining me in Heaven. To a more subtle degree, don't we still act like that? Jokes are made in services about Methodists, or Catholics, or Baptists. Just like you don't make even half-joking barbs about others in front of your kids, you shouldn't make those at church. It only serves to further an unspoken chasm that already exists.

All I want to do is learn more about my faith, my Lord Jesus Christ. I want the spirit to dwell within me so that others will see Him and want to experience the same joy and peace I have been given.

I am thankful that we attend a church that is inclusive of others, but firm in their beliefs. I am thankful for our church leadership that i compassionate, caring, and open. I am thankful that our church opens its doors to any and all. Why aren't they all?

Please post any comments.

List for Bernie

Here is the complete list of stuff we can send: beef jerky/slim jims, coffee(ground or whole; instant or drip), hot cocoa, herbal teapackets, instant drink mixes for water bottles, sunflower seeds, tuna in foil pouches(no cans), hard pretzels, gum, hard candy, granola or cereal bars, small packets of fignewtons, oreos, cheese and cracker packets, trail mix, dried fruit, gummies, dry soup(ramen, cup of soup), rice krispy treats(store bought only), insect repellant wipes, baby wipes, reading material, books/cd's on tape.

They are good on music cd's. most have ipods or mp3 players. Bernie's has over 20,000 songs on it now.

Thanks for your support.

Tidbits From Today

I want to take the opportunity to further explain a couple of comments I made in class today in case I didn't fully explain my position. First, when we were discussing making a difference, I commented that I don't believe that that is our calling. What I should have expounded upon is that I believe that we are called to follow Christ's example. Throughout the New Testament the authors explain that our mission is to live our lives in a way that emulates Christ in as much as our humanly bodies allow. As a result of that discipleship, we will in fact make a difference. An analogy would be those baseball players who try and smack homeruns every at-bat. In actuality, probably the most effective strategy would be to advance the runners by simply getting a single or double. The inning stays alive and runners may score. Those that swing for the fences typically strike out, pop out, or ground out. They rarely hit the ball cleanly. Likewise, if we just take what opportunities God places before us the Spirit will guide us appropriately. We don't have to try and make a difference--just be what we are called to be. God will take care of the seeds that we drop along the path he leads us along.

Secondly, we discussed decoding our kids this morning. Many in our class either do not have children or have grown children. However, we all engage with kids in our daily lives, some at work, others in their extended families, and still others in their neighborhoods and churches. Children are God's precious creations. Even convicts and prisoners have a code of conduct as it pertains to children--if you catch my drift. We are the children's caretakers and as such are called to affect their outcome. I agree with Lucado, after having children of my own, that they are pre-wired. We simply must help them find how best to utilize their components.

That being said, I'm still waiting on that book. There is a fine line between encouraging them to maximize their own strengths and passions and pushing them in a direction we wish them to pursue. Prayer and wise counsel will assist in those endeavors, one of those we will address in the upcoming book.

I welcome all comments.

New Book

I am pleased to announce that we have chosen a new book for our next study course. Prayer: Does it Make Any Difference by Phillip Yancey is the selection. The book explores many aspects of prayer life and how to make it more satisfying, meaningful, and central in our lives. Yancey also discusses questions that we all ponder pertaining to unanswered prayers, divine intervention, healing, prayer satisfaction, nearness of God in prayer, seemingly forced or ritualistic prayers. He asks,"If God knows everything, what's the point of prayer?"

We'll find out. The new book will start on August 12th. We will have books available at a discounted rate if you wish. Or you may go and purchase it and start reading.

Please invite someone that might be interested or wanted to join the class but didn't want to start in the middle of our last book.

My New Boss

I recently got a new boss at work. He lives in Kansas City and he comes down to ride with me every 8 weeks or so. However, we do chat a couple of times a week. He spent a couple of days with me recently and I am beginning to feel my age. I realize that many of you reading this have undergone this coming-of-age phenomena, so please bear with me. He is younger than me! I have always been the leader who was young, but now I am the old guy with the young boss. I handled it pretty well, I must say, and went into our couple of days with an open mind. Not only is he younger, but been in the industry 3 years less than me. He's pretty cool though.

Trevor is married and has 4 kids: 7, 5, 3, and 1. Not much unlike Laura and I, with ours being 5, 3, 2 and one in 7 weeks. We both enjoy sports and politics immensely. Trevor also feels very strongly about his faith, another trait we share. He grew up in Salt Lake City and is a devout member of the Mormon church. Trevor took two years to embark on his mission in Germany. He completed his missionary training and is very fluid and knowledgable in religious discussion.

I really like Trevor because we engaged in several deep faith discussions. Neither one attempted to "convert" the other, but we had a thought-provoking and interesting discourse. O our second day we had a 3 1/2 hour lunch, and I didn't do all the talking!!!

Now this posting isn't about differences in our beliefs. This posting is about what has been reinforced in me through our short time together so far. After embarassing myself mightily in high school to a friend of mine whom I did not know was Mormon, I decided I would not open my mouth foolishly about another religion without completing some intelligent research and reading. That being said, I have read an awful lot about LDS and the Mormon faith. Consequently, I have had several good friends in college and in the Army who adhered to those beliefs.

What I have learned over time and reinforced with every adherent Mormon is that we as Protestant Christians could learn some things from them. We may differ theologically, but their approach to faith and religion is solid. The temple is regarded as sacred and they treat it as such everytime they enter it. Study of the Bible and the Book of Mormon is the foundation for growth. If we would set aside the time daily and weekly that Mormons do, we would have a greater understanding of God and His love and grace.

Family also plays such a central role in their church. Not only do they worship together, but they pray and study together. Most take time on Monday evenings to study scriptures with their families. They pray and grow together. For many that is a non-negotiable part of their week. Wow! Can we make that same commitment?

Mormons also value the little deeds. They realize that people are watching them, as is God, and that every action and word, can make a huge impact later on. I believe that we understand that, but is it ingrained in our every action and word? The Mormon faith stipulates that actions and works earn your positions and levels in heaven. We believe that our faith and trust in Christ Jesus secures our place with Him. However, He does call on us to follow His example in our daily lives.

Trevor and I talked about the sameness and differences in our beliefs those days, and I am confident we will engage insome more discussions over time. I am strong in my faith system, but believe that we could all look outward to grow inward.

Please share your thoughts.

Jason & Natalie Bryant's Loss

Just wanted to pass along news that Jason's father passed away early Saturday morning. He had been in ill-health recently and suffered from several difficult conditions. He was uncomfortable and in pain most days, if not every day. Please remember themin your prayers this week and the weeks to come. The funeral will be on Tuesday in Carthage, Missouri.