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It Doesn't Have to be Hard

Christmas is upon us. It's a Christian holiday established by Pope Julian I in 4th century A.D. to mark the intervention of God in the events of human history by sending a savior to not only offer salvation, but also to show us how we should live. The gospel message is simply stated in John 3:16. Regrettably, religion, tradition and politics have diluted the simplicity of God's gift to the point that people are leaving the faith in large numbers.

During my 40-plus years in ministry I've seen my own faith wander through various theological sectors of Christendom. I wince when I consider some of the sermons I preached in my younger years and am grateful for a loving and merciful savior, but I also recognize now that faith grows, matures and hopefully acquires wisdom as years pass.

Having preached and taught in churches under various denominational flags and exposed myself to the various doctrinal statements out there, I've come to a point where I think God must be a bit disappointed by divisions and barriers humans have erected between rooms in His house. It's why so many are moving out. Don't misunderstand. I am NOT advocating people dispense with all tradition, ceremony and style to which they've become accustomed, but rather ditch the often-manifested hostility, scorn and derision some hold toward those who worship differently. I'll explain.

My formal ministerial education was acquired at Baptist and Pentecostal seminaries. Both of these had formal lists of expected theological positions that all in the sphere of their ministerial credentials were expected to promote and adhere to. Some things on the lists were solid no-compromise statements with solid scriptural backing. Others could be debated by sincere Christians in good conscience with clear scriptural backing of their own. But to do so risked discipline. Didn't God say, "Come let us reason together?"

At the risk of being labeled heretical, here's where I am in my Christian walk. When Jesus was asked what the most important commandment was, He responded by saying there were two of equal standing encompassing the total of God's commandments: Love God with all you've got and love your neighbor as yourself. To these, I add only a third. Trust Jesus to have your back when you mess up the first two. The rest we can talk about. So is the theology of Dan.

For the Church and Christianity to be relevant in a strife-filled and changing world, must examine why we believe what we do and evaluate it in light of the simple command of Christ – love God, love others. We can't expect a divided Faith to unify the world. It's time for God's kids to stop bickering.

In this season of hope and expectation, reflect on the truth that Jesus came to save ALL people; Lutherans, Catholics, Baptists, Presbyterians and (insert denomination here) alike. Let's come to the manger understanding God came to bring peace on earth to those with whom He finds favor and strive to be more favorable to Him in 2020. It's not hard. That's what I'll be doing. Merry Christmas.

 

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