The divisions between hard-line Christians and the rest of the world seem to be growing wider. It would also seem that those same divisions are separating hard-line Christians from other Christians. As the few who hold on to antiquated ideas and beliefs become more vocal, and as those increasingly vocal people are shown to be unwilling to accept, or at least listen to, other ideas, more and more people who are considered unaffiliated with any religion are less and less willing to look at Christianity as a possible way to build a relationship with God, other people, creation, and/or themselves.
The main argument those hard-line Christians give for being entrenched in their beliefs is usually "because the bible says so." Unfortunately, because words are written in a book there are those who think that's all there can be said about it.
The United Church of Christ's motto is "God is still speaking", using a comma as its logo and a tag line of "Never put a period where God has placed a comma." In other words, we need to be listening to what God is trying to tell us in the times which we are living. John 15:26-27 and John 16:4b-15 reminds us of just that.
The Gospel reading from this week's lectionary has Jesus telling his disciples that soon someone will come to help them. This Advocate will come to speak to them, and us, in truth about things like sin, judgment, and righteousness. I especially like how 16:12-13 is written for us. "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."
Even Jesus himself admits that not everything that needed to be said has been said. He even tries to tell the people of his time that they weren't ready to know the truth yet, but in time the truth will be revealed in all its entirety. Maybe that time is closer than we think.
Christianity is not the only way to have a relationship with God. Neither is it the only answer to bringing hope, joy, peace, and love to the world. Christianity is one of the ways, though, and it just so happens to be the way I have chosen to live my life by. By living in the way Jesus did - accepting all people regardless of differences, compassionate with those in need, standing up for justice, and with open and unconditional love - my life and that of the people around me might possibly become a better one.
What do you think?
By the way - I really like Pentecost!
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