This is not Christianity! Must read for every Christian

[Democrat 4 Ever]

Jim Chatham is pastor emeritus of Highland Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Article appeared in today's Courier-Journal, Forum section. You can read the entire article at: http://www.courier-journal.com/cjextra/editorials/2004/10/31/oped-chatham1030-5046.html

'This is not Christianity!'

As Ron Suskind reported last Sunday in "Driven by Faith," President Bush apparently believes that he possesses a special communication pipeline with the Almighty.

Thousands of his supporters certainly believe it, and the Bush campaign has shown no wish to discourage their belief. Along this pipeline between God and the President flows much advice: advice on who is evil and who is good, on what is right and what is wrong, on what actions to take with the enormous military and economic power the President holds. Once the advice is communicated — through prayer, through meditation, through "instinct, " through whatever channel — nothing else competes. Contrary facts, stark realities, the world in which street-level human beings must live: These have little say. The one of "true faith" will steadfastly and staunchly do as God has directed. Only those of lesser devotion will have doubt or hesitation.

This is not Christianity! Christian faith acts with humility and self-criticism, not with arrogance and self-proclamation. It not only seeks right, but maintains a healthy awareness that it may be wrong. It does not stigmatize opponents as evil and satanic, but knows that God can speak and work through even debased humanity (who else was the Samaritan?). "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." This is the spirit Christ taught his disciples.

Christian faith in our time is being badly misrepresented and distorted by religious fanatics who believe that their way is God's only true way. (Muslim faith is suffering the same problem.) Christianity does not stand for spiritually based self-certainty, for castigation of those who disagree, for ugly divisiveness, for the killing of thousands of people with no regret. It stands for "doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with your God," an admonition the prophet Micah delivered to those in the power.

(snip)

[RevCheesehead]

1. Thanks for sharing this article! Good read!

and now for my pandering blasphemy:

[3113]

2. Take Heed

A number of years ago I was associated with an individual who became very famous and whose fame had religious overtones. Things turned sour, culminating in a knock at my door by two strangers who threatened me. I was very stressed. That afternoon I had this sudden unexplained urge to sit down and write this poem. I had never written a poem in my life, and haven't written one since. I am not a very religious person and don't know the Bible that well, but nevertheless wrote this poem in a couple of hours. COPYRIGHTED
The next day when I read the poem, I kinda felt like Irkle, "Did I write that?"

The Title "Take Heed" is taken from the Bible, which means be aware, pay attention to. Anyone who hungers for power, money, fame should...

TAKE HEED

With wealth comes power, and with power, classes.
Once believed good men become pompous asses.
Perhaps always were, we just didn't know it.
They believe, "I am better," looking down at the masses.
"Look at me, up here," once concealed now they show it.

Under a disguise of good intention.
His use of this power too evil to mention.
With melicious intent he loved to do harm.
"They can't be trusted" was his contention.
Without abuse power loses it's charm.

Although creative and somewhat bright.
He had no concern for what was right.
For every occasion made up a new story.
He loved hurting others, and liked a good fight.
His addiction was one of power and glory.

One by one they opened their eyes.
And began to see through his disguise.
"Could he be a fake?" they began to mutter.
"Listen," he said, "It's all lies."
But not a sound did they utter.

His answer to them remained the same.
To their questions he yelled, "I'm not to blame."
With the facts and contradictions many,
The truth was in order, but he continued his claim,
"It's a conspiracy, faults, I haven't any"

"You're my friend" he would contend.
Now a claim hard to defend.
Choice over time you can always tell,
The truth coming out in the end,
In history it reads, "He rose then he fell."

More important than history was the judgement of God,
After death of the body now in sod.
"With much review of the good in your past,
In judgement of your soul," God said with a nod.
"Without hesitation, to hell I thee cast."

With shock in his eyes he began to cry,
"What can I do? I'll really try."
"Power, hate, sex, booze.
You dare ask why," was God's reply,
"For all of this and more you lose"

"In Matthew 6 I warned, take heed.
Keep to yourself your charitable deeds.
To ignore my guidance you could ill afford.
You gave in my name for glory and greed.
Assuredly I say, you have your reward."

Out of control "I'll change," he cried.
"I gave you a choice, the right to decide.
You did as you pleased, can't you see?
Now it's too late," God replied,
"As you did unto them, you did unto me."