Seriously, Guns and Jesus?

The Second Amendment states, "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."

For anyone who believes this means there should be no "rules" at all when it comes to ownership, I say that's fine. I'll even go so far as to say more regulation might not even save many lives. The issue is mostly political wrangling.

However, don't try to convince me that our right to bear arms, our lust for unrestricted gun ownership, has anything to do with the teachings of Jesus.

In verifying something in a news release sent to my place of employment (The West Plains Daily Quill) this week, I discovered a group which claims gun control measures are unconstitutional  AND unbiblical. For those who believe, "history shows, gun control is a direct path to tyranny," as this group does, that's a matter to be discussed as American citizens. If the American citizens who hold these beliefs are Christians, that's their business, but not relevant to the issue.

Trying to connect gun issues to the teachings of Jesus: nauseating.

Sin and the Law

It is a confusing time to be an American Christian. Or at least it should be, especially when it comes to views about sin. It's fascinating how biblical teachings have evolved into a theology which takes the emphasis off how harshly we judge ourselves and places the focus on making sure others are not "living in sin."

Perhaps (and this is a big perhaps) if our thoughts are strictly to help others by revealing to them the error of their ways, so they can enter into a life of blessing, it would be more understandable. But we witness daily a huge segment of Christian society which seems to have as its goal eradication of sin in others simply because the sin is seen to be offensive. I am unconvinced this is what Jesus had in mind.

Jesus taught the concept of unconditional love, a phrase which is heard in many Christian circles, most often as it applies to God's mercy in dealing with us. Is that message lost in translation when we look at others? Do we ask for unconditional love but refuse to give it?

We see some trying mightily to address certain "sin" issues through the law. How did particular sins get chosen to be targeted? 

Without exploring the history of the "seven deadly sins" in Christian tradition, they are usually recognized as: lying, wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy and gluttony. Those concepts are supported by scripture and join other Old and New Testament lists of sins which include things such as adultery, divorce, fornication, idolatry, sorcery, hatred and revelings.

Certainly there are sins which are currently against the law which should be outlawed in civilized society -- murder and perjury come to mind in that category. But should greed, for example, be against the law? If not, why not, when stealing is a crime? Jesus made it clear he intended for his followers to give of their resources to help others. It is difficult to deny that helping those in poverty is one of the major commands of scripture. This is one reason why it’s a confusing time for Christianity in America because we are a country which, by law and governmental practice, embraces greed in the name of capitalism, while at the same time is becoming less tolerant of helping those in need.

Back to what sins should be against the law. The solution does not seem to be the need for more laws against a few subjectively defined sins. (An example: Why are divorce and adultery legal -- with no campaigns by Christians to ban them -- while gay marriage is such a heated target? Another example: Some very limited efforts have been made to address the sin of gluttony through legislation. But limiting the size of sugary sodas and other food which helps make us fat is seen as a "liberal effort" to take away our personal rights. Am I the only who finds this confusing?) The standards of Jesus transcend what can be legislated. Additionally, if a “Christian nation” can’t abide by the teachings of Jesus out of simple devotion to him, there isn’t any reason to believe everyone will do what’s right out of fear of a fine or imprisonment. 

A little more focus on our own sins and a little less glaring spotlight on the shortcomings of others is also a good place to start.

A Significant Life

I recently read a quote attributed to Mahatma Gandhi which has continued to be on my mind for several days, "Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." It is a simple statement which seems to me to capture pessimism, optimism and realism all at once.

Calling attention to the insignificance of our actions might make one wonder if there is any point in trying to make a difference or change the world around us. The overwhelming nature of so many problems, in society, in government, in religion, can often be discouraging, can make it seem as though individuals are powerless when it comes to having a positive impact. This way of thinking leads many to conclude there isn't much point in trying to do the right thing.

But then is the notion that we have to try anyway, that optimistic spark that makes us believe good can overcome evil, that the actions of one person, no matter how small, do matter. Jesus expressed this message in his teachings. For example, he said in Matthew 10:42 whoever "gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward." A cup of water doesn't seem like much, but that should not stop us from offering it. 

Optimism and pessimism aside, the reality of the statement, for me, is that our actions, large and small, have consequences, produce results. Our lack of action also has consequences. 

Ghandi was one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century. The methods he used to bring about change in his native India were unconventional, borne not out of power associated with great wealth or a mighty military, but of acts of non-violent protest, of fasting, of seeking to bring together different religions. His struggle was against the mighty British Empire and against a pervasive caste system which singled out certain members of society as "untouchables." Many of his methods would be viewed, particularly today, as insignificant against seemingly insurmountable odds and yet, he did not let that stop him from trying. And by trying, he changed India.

A lesson for the rest of us in this is that his life was not lived according to theories, empty doctrine or grand theology. He practiced simple principles, realizing the importance of even seemingly insignificant acts.

My Own Red Shoe Issues

My Aunt Berta passed away this week. Had she lived until July 2, she would have been 97 years old. She was one of the most religious people I have ever known, and frankly, I struggle with how I feel about the kind of religion she practiced. She told me one time, "I remember back when there were only black shoes and brown shoes. When they started making red shoes, I thought wearing red shoes was a sin." She laughed, and said, "Isn't that funny?"

Yes, I did think it was funny, but I also had to muse at all the other things she continued to think were sinful which really don't have any basis for being labeled as such according to New Testament teachings. For example, not only did she believe women are supposed to only wear long dresses, but   her modesty standards demanded arms were not to be seen, either...only long sleeves were acceptable. Most jewelry as adornment was not permissible, but wearing broaches and pins on sweaters and coats was okay. Long hair and beards on men are a no-no, even though her apartment was adorned with lovely "portraits" of Jesus with flowing locks and well-trimmed facial hair. Tattoos? Forbidden!

I hesitate to write these things about my aunt because it might sound as though I'm judging her. However, I try not to judge because she was sincere in her beliefs, and it is a dilemma for all believers, I think, to find a way to live in the world according to our own earnest perception of God and his requirements of us. I know many think the Bible is all "black and white" with no grey areas, but that just isn't true. Those areas in the Bible which are not clearly defined are how we tend to get caught up in distracting details, the kind of details Jesus doesn't appear to have been all that concerned with.

The larger issues of love, understanding and compassion must be what unite us. Unity is what Jesus prayed would be the trademark of his followers. We have allowed the details to fragment us to such an extent that unity is definitely not what the Christian world is known for. What a shame, and beyond that, I believe our lack of unity is perhaps the biggest sin of all. When we can't work together because our specific opinions don't line up, we are not serving Jesus effectively. Our bickering amongst ourselves is not, to say the least, appealing to those outside our faith.

I do not follow the same path my aunt followed and many Christians don't agree with the path I've chosen, but that's okay, and that's my point. It seems many of us have certain needs in what we believe will allow us to remain close to God, but those needs don't necessarily apply to others. The fact is just like a red herring in literature, we all have "red shoe" issues in our beliefs, those things which distract us from the actual teachings of Jesus and can lead the church in the way of strife and discord. My aunt and I (sometimes, sharply) disagreed on certain things, but she taught me many lessons over the years. For me to continually seek to understand what kind of red shoe issues I'm hanging onto is my Aunt Berta's greatest legacy to me.

A Clear Vision

"The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. It's got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet." This quote is attributed to Theodore Hesburgh, an American Catholic priest who was president of Notre Dame, 1952-1987.

I believe the loudest noise in our nation is the dissonance of leaders who are uncertain trumpet players. In government, in certain segments of the church, once great visions have faded away to be replaced by fuzzy politics and shaky theology.

Politically, we see those who complain about paying taxes, but still want, for example, no potholes in the highways, demand adequate law enforcement protection and hope for better education and safety for our kids. Not to be outdone, there are others who use vague math to promise to pay for more and more programs while basic services are suffering. It seems  reasonable citizens everywhere realize a balance must be struck between the two ideologies and yet our leaders aren't getting the message. 

All we hear is more noise, including lots of trumpet-blasting about issues to keep us distracted and divided. Gun control, abortion and gay marriage...do we really believe these are the most important issues facing our country? I know some readers will say yes, but my contention is: If our national debt is not brought under control, if reasonable compromises cannot be reached, none of the distractions are going to matter much at all.

Let's bring this back to Christianity and how followers of Jesus should be behaving, which has always been the point of this blog. 

Many religious leaders have been worse offenders in this whole mess than the government. The same distractions within the government are roiling the world of the church. About half of all marriages end in divorce and yet, we claim to have the moral high ground in telling others who they can or cannot marry. It would seem, this being the case, the only "reasonable" course of action is for the church to lobby for divorce to become illegal (except perhaps in the case of spousal abuse) alongside demanding no gay marriage. The hypocrisy surrounding this issue is more than a little astounding.

If the idea is that every child conceived must be allowed to be born, regardless of what kind of hell on earth that child will be living in, then the Church better darn well get busy setting up a network of families to adopt unwanted children, figure out a way to provide healthcare for those born into poverty and make sure every child in America is properly fed and clothed and has access to a good education. If one's definition of pro-life means only the right of every child to be born, then the entire point is being missed. 

Christians, I would ask if you agree with the following assessment: The spirits of the unborn (whether they have not come into the world because of abortion or natural miscarriage) are safe with God. Do you agree? Based on the tenets of fundamental Christianity you MUST agree, and doesn't that seem like a good place for those spirits to be? I don't know anyone who thinks abortion is a good idea, as I do not, most especially after the first trimester of pregnancy. But if you say I don't care about the unborn when I try to at least start a conversation about abortion, then you are flat-out wrong and you don't know me at all. Because I do care so much for children is why I despise abortion being kicked around as a political football. 

(Whether or not we agree on this issue is beside the point I'm getting ready to make: If you think I don't care about the health and well-being of children, please let me know and we can stop being friends immediately. I'm taking a stand here; I invite you to take a stand as well.)

And as for gun control, Christians have your personal opinions about what is being discussed on a national level about this matter, but stop perpetuating the hysteria that the government is trying to take your guns away and stop trying to bring Jesus in on your side of the issue. That's another distraction from the real issues and frankly, for religious leaders to try to say God is not in favor of certain restrictions in gun ownership is offensive. 

If I have not clearly articulated my position on these few issues, please ask me to clarify. I invite everyone else, especially those who are followers of Jesus, to also think through why you have the opinions you do. Frame them in the context of scripture, not from what outside sources tell you should be your opinion, myself included. The noise from these current trumpets must be quieted before we can find harmony in the soul of our country.

 "Where there is no vision, the people perish." (Proverbs 29:18)

A Lesson from Javert

I finally made it to the movie theater to see the most recent version of "Les Miserables." Most readers will know it is based on the stage musical of the same name which is based on a book by Victor Hugo. For those who are not fans of singing dialogue, I would recommend the book. (The 1998 non-musical movie with Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush was pretty good, too, and far less of a time commitment than reading the book.) Regardless of the presentation format, I recommend the story.

In it there are dozens of messages relevant to a Christian worldview, including the importance of charity, repentance, honor and forgiveness. While there are many wonderful characters in the story, one who has always stood out to me is the tragic antagonist, police inspector Javert.

During the course of many years, Javert relentlessly pursues a man named Jean Valjean over matters related to Valjean's initial crime of stealing bread for his nephew who is starving. Javert seeks justice which is blind. He makes no provision for repentance or forgiveness. He has no shred of compassion. In his mind, even the most minor offense must be punished to the fullest extent. In the name of God, he is cruel and merciless. In the end, nearly unexplainable mercy is extended to him by Valjean who should have every reason the hate him and see him dead. Javert convinces himself he cannot live in a world where there is such unconditional forgiveness.

For those who have a relationship with Jesus it should never be forgotten that such a relationship is based on grace and forgiveness of our transgressions. We must always extend that same grace and forgiveness to everyone we meet. For many, it seems everywhere they look all they see are sinners, people who are not on the right path, people who need to be reformed. And not only that, the Javerts of the world feel it is their job to point out the mistakes of others, to humiliate them and punish them for their alleged wrongdoing.

Such a view is not healthy, as Javert discovers. His life contains no joy, he is consumed with rage. When one's view of God becomes so narrow all that can be seen is how wrong everyone else is, the point of the teachings of Jesus is missed. Judgment is not our job. Anger at injustice can change the world for the better. However, constant anger at those around us destroys the best we have to offer. Let us all be consumed with mercy, not bitterness.

The Role of God in Public Schools

Rev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas.  He has written a thoughtful piece on the role of God in public schools. It's a topic I mentioned two weeks ago, and I would encourage all who are interested to check out the link below to read it.

http://www.adamhamilton.org/blog/view/86/put-god-back-in-public-schools#.UOmgcnfzG1S