For Ben et al : Continuing the dialogue
Submitted by Bach on July 21 1999 at 20:27:34
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Hi Ben, I have been reflecting on your comments. They force me to clarify how I think about faith and following Jesus. Thank you for encouraging me to be more precise! You wrote: I know that this sounds a little harsh but the truth is that it is the only way that Jesus indicated we should follow him. As a fundamentalist, I've got to believe that I don't have the right to pick and choose what aspects of Christianity I want to follow. It seems to me that we all make choices about what we do every day. And that includes what parts of the Bible (and the Gospel) we read, reflect on, and interpret most carefully. In fact, I would say that these differences in Scriptural emphasis are what define Anglicans, Catholics, Methodists, Baptists and any other Christian denomination. We all say we are Christians -- we are all doing our best to follow Jesus -- but we express our faith in ways that might not be the same. Does this mean one Christian is less a follower of Christ, or more of a sinner than another? I think not. I don't intend to suggest that I have the right to pick and choose which of Christ's lessons to follow and which to ignore. I do intend to suggest that I find the global picture the most interesting. I strongly believe in Christ's call to love... to love all people of all colours, beliefs and cultures. We are first called to love; then called to serve; and lastly called to preach. To first preach and second demand repentence and change is to never love at all. At least, that is my understanding of what my Jesus asks of me. You wrote: I also have to tell you that my church is the most loving, kind, gentle, family oriented and charitable group of people that I have ever met. The harsh part of Christianity is not how one treats others, but the standards that one holds for themself. Did I give you the impression that church people are mean, dispicable people? Maybe you have me confused with Jim? :) I know that there are many good people in our churches. I also know many church people who are completely unable to live by the fruits of the spirit. (Galatians 5.22) I do think you are on the right track with the last reference to expectations for self. Our behavior is between us and God and us and those around us. The Bible is very clear about asking forgiveness to our neighbors who we do harm to. This is still part of the whole loving your neighbor thing. At the same time I can not discount the experiences of many friends who have been seriously emotionally traumatized at the hands of "good Christian people". To not listen to their stories is to deny the humanness of the Church and our fallen nature, even as we are made anew in Christ. I hope that we can continue to search together for a Biblical understanding of God's call to us as boylovers. Where does Christ-like love, compassion and healing intermingle with Paul's search for a celibate, almost assexual being dedicated to God's service? Peace of Christ, Bach 
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