cairns

I have been discussing the possibility of universalism, somehow, someway, God’s way, probably beyond our understanding with people who will listen.  But, most have been thoroughly indoctrinated in American fundamentalist evangelical dogma as the one and only read of scripture.  It is hard for some to even consider.  I get the furthest when I quote veteran missionary Marjorie Foyle’s assertion that a God who would knowingly create most of humanity to be punished forever for the crime of never hearing of Jesus just does not match the God she has known all these years.  I’m with Marjorie; I do not know that God.  Like her, I am willing to accept that there are things beyond what we know and trust the God I do know with the future, all of it.

But, my sister got the wheels turning when she asked me about Jesus’ teaching about separating the sheep and goats.  I will have to look to some experts for how others have interpreted this passage outside of the tradition I was raised to believe was the only one.  But, part of it hit me immediately and I had to come home and look it up.  First it seems to me that Mathew 7 and 25 must be read as parallel passages.  Chapter 25 defines the life that Jesus labels as “evildoers” or “goats” — all of us who fail to care for those in need and in prison.  It is not new.  The theme of God’s love for the widow and orphan runs through the entire Bible.  Those who fail to do it, are not living within the will of God.

And, here is what hit me.  I have heard those passages used so many times to proclaim that Jesus declared people are going to hell, even many who thought they were saved.  Funny thing is (and by funny I mean nauseating), is how many times I heard sermons on the “literal” interpretation of these passages from people who never lived the life Jesus says you must live in the passage (my sister is not one of them, she just asked an honest question).  If it is literally proclaiming who will make it to heaven and who will not, then why aren’t they following the teaching beyond a once or twice a year feel good trip to the food pantry, Salvation Army, or Rescue Mission?  They simply cannot actually believe what they are saying or they would realize that the passage condemns the very people who preach it without living it to hell!

The way I read it my staff at Christa, whether they claim to “believe” or not, are more acceptable to Jesus than the people who claim to be His, judge others (also condemned in the same chapters), and blame the least of these for their own troubles from the comfort of their suburban isolation.  Ew, that became a bit of a rant for a guy trying to grasp how wide is a love that truly offers grace to all.

As for me, I cast my lot with those who care and act rather than those who pretend to know it all (the very act condemned as the motive for original sin in Genesis!).

peace

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