I watched a program from History International called Books Banned from the Bible. I confess I love this stuff. It does not matter to me whether it is heretical or not. I like to watch everything and anything about the Bible or Israel. I find it all very interesting, even though I laugh at some and am sad at others when information is deliberately left out to change the meaning of a passage.
The subject of heresy reminds me of a church Lily and I attended back in the 90’s. One of the deacons in the church was upset because my little family was reading from the New International Version, instead of the King James. He said we were not reading God’s Word. What were people reading before 1611? Why are some upset I use the NRSV now?
A young man kindly loaned me some Rob Bell DVDs. I wanted to see what else was available so I went to the web. I found some good material, but also garbage masquerading as Christianity. Why do some call him a heretic? Why do we do this? What is it with the witch hunts? Can't you just go watch a vampire movie?
Do you think witch hunters are good for the church? Do they make you feel safe? Do you think they are in rhythm with the heart of God? Do you think God has a problem with our search to know anything? What does the Bible say?
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Mark 12:28-31. One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked Jesus, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Do you see that last line? There is no other commandment greater than these. I wish we could remember that before we start calling someone a heretic.
Why do some see the Tree of Knowledge as representing evil? I thought the issue was disobedience? I thought the problem was, "Did God really say?"
Why should we be afraid to learn what different Christians were reading and thinking in the first and second century after Christ? Has history proven to anyone's satisfaction who is a heretic and who isn’t? Not only that, heresy, like Portland weather, seems to change, depending on who is in charge.
Do you think you might lose your faith if you walked the labyrinth, went to a Taize service or went to seminary? Is your faith that weak? Stained glass, wooden pews, and nature walks are only forms.
I heard a beautiful phrase yesterday. I was told it is a Native American phrase. It is 'walk in the light of a rainbow.' Maybe we need to come out from our dark corners and walk in the light, a little sunshine might do us good.
Does God guide history? I believe God does. I also believe God gives us freedom. Freedom of choice means God allows us to go a certain direction, just as you allow your children to explore your yard. You may allow their investigative curiosity to get their finger pinched by a rose bush, but will you let them wonder into the street? If you are leaning into God with all your heart will God allow your spirit to be lost?
What brought all of this on? I'm reading 1 and 2 John. Did you know these books were almost not included in the Canon? As I said, Books Banned from the Bible was an interesting program.
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