May 31st, 2024

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 31, 2024
This Sunday, we continue with our series on the Totality of the Jesus Story, specifically looking at how we might talk about and struggle with some of the passages of scripture that appear to undermine (eclipse) the central ideas associated with Jesus. As I said in the sermon last Sunday, I am not encouraging people to ignore certain passages or take scissors to the Bible, but we cannot uncritically accept one passage when it appears to nullify other prominent passages. One of the reasons (among many) people are walking away from church these days is that they can no longer accept the common response to these inconsistencies and discrepancies, which is, “You just can’t question these things.” Not only can we question these things, but we must. It is not about seeking agreement, but recognizing how we cannot say one thing about faith on Monday and something entirely different on Tuesday. What do you do with a passage of scripture that seems to exclude a person for a rather random reason, and then you see Jesus inviting the same people to a meal? Do I exclude on Monday and invite on Tuesday? And to say, “You just can’t question these things,” leaves a person not knowing what to do. As people of faith who are making some pretty extraordinary pronouncements, we need to do more than provide what is a dismissive response to some very serious questions.

You are love, O God, and with that declaration, I am compelled to grapple with scriptures that suggest you are not love. Provide me with guidance as I explore, ask questions, and seek to know you as you want me to know you. Amen.