Over the past few weeks I have found myself wondering if we have too much 'religion' in this world. I know, these are not the thoughts a pastor should query, but I suppose I'm not the first.
Just yesterday it came out that Atheist know more about religion than Protestants and Catholics. In fact of all the major groups queried, Protestants and Catholics were at the bottom of the survey. Over 50% of Protestants didn't even know who Martin Luther was...hmmmm. Maybe we who claim to be religious aren't as religious as we think.
Unfortunately, I find that far too many people who have too little understanding of religious beliefs are convinced that they are the righteous ambassadors of certain fundamental truths. Whether it be Glenn Beck preaching to the Tea Party or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of Iran, spewing forth hatred in the name of Islam, I am appalled that it can be so easy to distort not only orthodox theological traditions but reinterpret history as well.
Now don't get me wrong, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and we are wise to listen with humility to those with whom we have judged to be wrong-headed. Nonetheless, it seems that all one needs to do is stamp something as a 'religious belief' and that in itself justifies whatever comes out of their mouth. I personally believe religious beliefs are as worthy of being questioned as are political platforms. Indeed, if we do not question our beliefs we expose ourselves to the possibility of becoming idol worshippers (and I am not speaking of American Idol).
All too often religion has become a divisive issue around the world and in the U.S.A. as well. So rather than allowing ourselves to wrap a particular biblical passage around our pet peeve, can we as followers of Christ simply submit to the commands that Jesus gave us? Interpreting the 10 commandments, Jesus said there are two: Love God & Love Neighbor (the second being the same as the first!). Then to his disciples he said, Love one another as I have first loved you.
Rather than worrying if people believe the right things, can we agree to act with love for those who are different from us because God is revealed in them? Rather than getting people to agree about what we believe, can we show compassion as God showed compassion to us in Christ?Rather than arguing over what God may consider trivial, could we start crafting bridges connecting the essentials?
Yes there will always be people who wish to maintain the purity of their 'religion,' but I'm reminded of Luther who uttered, 'He who desires a perfect church desires no church at all.'
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