my theological rant

NOT ALL TRUTHS ARE TRUTHFUL

In an era of increased individualism and the ease of broadcasting hyperbole across the internet, we have become victims of the claim that everyone should claim their own truth. In an exaggerated attempt to be fair and balanced, we have insisted on the right of anyone to assert the truth of their own ideas. The result has been the fracturing of society into petty fiefdoms of agreement that has shattered the bonds of society. Individualism is fine but healthy community that respects diversity, and exhibits love is better. While everyone can claim their own beliefs, it is a lie that all truths are equal. The person who has concluded that the earth is flat does not have equal claim to the truth with those who have studied the structures of the universe.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE TRUTH?

We are members of the community of the human race. If you want to measure a truth, expand its effect on larger and larger groups of people. If it

harms rather than heals,

demeans rather than dignifies,

empowers hate rather than love,

then it is to be challenged. This is true whether its proponents are religious or secular.

CHURCH COMMUNITIES EMBODY TRUTH

First, let us acknowledge reality.

Religious beliefs have been used to foster much harm and cruelty in this world and

Fanatical believers have justified violence in God’s name.

In light of the above measuring criteria, those aspects of religion and government need to be protested.

But, historically that same faith community is also

challenged by Scripture to self-correct towards loving friend, enemy, and God,

and repeatedly (often to our surprise) been a funnel for grace and reconciliation.

The church is a laboratory of humanity at its best and worst that is continually touched by eternity.

In the passion story, faith confronts power, violence, selfishness, fear, and greed.

The dark side of the world’s nature is exhibited in full force against those who would claim that love, peace, healing, and reconciliation lays claim on the truth. But when they have done their worst, the world discovers that God, not death has the final word.

BE NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL

It is time for the church to join Paul in not being ashamed of the Gospel. We can, as Scripture does repeatedly about our major biblical leaders, acknowledge our failures. It is not that we are proud of our accomplishments but that we stand in awe and are not afraid to proclaim that God’s grace is sufficient both for us and the world.