Written by Valentina

15/03/2010
17:21

What is it about Christianity that has got such a bad name amongst Christians and non-Christians alike? Why is it that we have been unable to engage with culture and society in an equal, non-judgemental dialogue? What is it about this ‘love affair, spirit-filled way of living aimed at making us professional lovers of God and people’ that has gone so terribly wrong and instead become a set of do’s and don’ts rather than a relationship with a gracious God who created the whole world…

Including all the people who belong to other faiths and religions, all the scientists who research evolution, genetic modification, nuclear arms, all the children who are never born and the doctors who end their lives?

We are a fallen humanity.

Designed for a full relationship with God.

Regardless of what we have done, what we still do, what we don’t do. God is there, waiting for us to talk with Him (or Her, if you prefer, after all, male and female in his image).

Why do we as Christians overlook this and go straight to ‘do this, don’t do that’.

Why do we judge cultural icons as though they are separate to us, as though human beings are either good or bad. What is it that causes some of us to condemn nightclubs, to condemn broken marriages, to condemn anything? What right do we have? When we are forgiven, and live in God’s grace, when we cannot live up to the standards we set for others, why do we judge people who believe differently?

I'm reminded of a story Jesus told.

There was once a man, with a metre long plank of wood sticking out of his eye. He chose to ignore the plank, taking it with him everywhere he went. He tried not to hurt anyone with it, but sometimes it would knock people over, it was so large! This guy went up to his best friend, tilting his head so the plank didn't knock his friend out, and said 'Friend, I must tell you something. I see you have a splinter in your eye, its sticking out a bit. I say this in love, but you look a bit of a fool."

There, but for the grace of God, go I.

Maybe we/ I need to remember that.