07-11-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 11, 2024
Theology is the study of the nature of God, and there are lots and lots of theologies. And despite some people suggesting that they simply want to teach “good Christian theology,” I have a feeling my definition of good Christian theology is going to look dramatically different from their good Christian theology. Sadly, there are two different groups that suggest they only want to teach some good generic Christian theology. Those who do not know that there are a multitude of Christian theologies and those who want to tell you what you must believe. When it comes to my opinion of theology, I do try to offer a diversity of thinkers, including people with whom I don’t always agree… but whom I still respect and want to include in the conversation. There are other theologies that are deeply concerning to me, and the reason for my writing today is because I have heard a few of them the last couple of days. What does it mean when someone, after a hurricane, sustains no damage and maintains their electricity. Is it okay to tell people, "Well, I guess God’s hand was upon me” or “I must have done something worthy of God’s protection.” How does the family of the man killed by a falling tree hear those words? How about the family dealing with the heat, a fence knocked down, and concerned about an elderly relative whose nursing home is still without power? Do we suggest that God wasn’t on their side or that they haven’t been living right? The Book of Job is, in my opinion, a sort of parable that mocks the old cause-and-effect ethic (if you are good, then God gives you good things; if you are bad, God will give you bad things). The Book of Job doesn’t provide an answer to why bad things happen to good people, but it does seem to suggest that simple, pithy answers never apply to the serious challenges of life. Through all of this, I encourage you to be as kind as you can, never implying that God is the source of our suffering, and trying to represent God’s love to others amidst the difficulties they are facing. 

You are love, O God! And today, we give you thanks for your love that is forever present to us, even when we are left feeling alone, afraid, and overwhelmed. Help us to remain focused on your merciful kindness, even when a few voices suggest that we might have done something to deserve the wrath of a hurricane. Amen.