Defending the Faith?

A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from my son.

As a matter of background, he and his wife belong to the particular church which this e-mail regarded. The e-mail contained an attached commentary written by a fairly well known celebrity who set about doing his part to clear up the misconceptions about this faith.

As I read it, I had thoughts of, 'okay here we go again'. I say that because with my own experience having lived for a time in the place dominated by this church, and having been, long ago and for a very short period, personally involved with this church, I came to the conclusion long ago that those who claim this faith, spend a great amount of time defending it! Sometimes among themselves, and often to others.

This attached commentary, went to great lengths explaining how the members of this church were wonderful people, great neighbors, outstanding citizens. They were trustworthy, and made great boy scouts! Every one of those attributes I can and WILL agree with.

I will ALSO make the comment that such traits are NOT exclusive to this particular church. I have seen it in that church, and many, many others. I will also mention, quite emphatically, that such behavior is also common to faiths, and followers of NON-Christian beliefs, and to those with no faith whatsoever!

Then the commentary went on to say how many other denominations, spend a great deal of time and energy "proving" to themselves and the rest of us, how this particular church is wrong, they are a cult, they will never get to heaven, and their church is based on lies and misconceptions.

I can speak on this subject becuase I have at various times in my life experienced ALL of this. Ive seen the good and bad, regarding my son and daughter-in-law's church. I have also been under the roof of "mainstream" churches and experienced the nasty, "teachings and warnings" against this faith.

So, the point of this story is. If one claims a certain faith or belief, why would one also feel a need to defend it?

Its YOUR choice, YOUR church. If it works for you, enjoy it, learn it, grow in it!! Then allow others to do the same as they find the way to do it themselves in their own way!

If someone chooses to see God in a tree, so be it. Who am I to judge whether that is right or wrong. If another finds God in polished pews and stained glass, more power to them!! I tend to find God in a combination of those ways and many others. In my thoughts, God is all encompassing and reaches far outside any man-made, "church".

I have experienced God in the whisper of a breeze through the trees, in the crash of waves on a beach or a simple ripple on a pond. I have seen God show his face in amazing sunrises and sunsets. I have seen hints of the power of God in a tornado or two that passed too close for my comfort. I have seen the face of God in the simple smile and laughter of a young child, or a brand new flower at the onset of Spring. I have experienced God amongst the polished pews and stained glass of ancient cathedrals, neighborhood churches, and even on a folding metal chair in a start up, store front gathering.

Also, I do not think God, in whatever house we put Him, would be very amused at the tendency we have, as humans, to self-righteously build ourselves up, in the process of tearing others down! I just dont see the "reward" in that.

I am inclined to think that the New Testament of the Christian faith teaches the "way" of Christ. I believe that "way" is a lesson for all of us in the practice of humility, love, acceptance, and growth, taught by Christ by His example

I have heard it said that "in Gods house there are many rooms" If that is the case, I doubt that God made some rooms perfect, and others not so.

There ya have it. My opinion. Just as with YOUR brand of faith, you can take mine or leave it, add to it or take from it.