I live in the general region surrounding Pensacola Florida. I have heard it said that one of the local counties made the Guinness Book of World Records for the greatest number of Churches per capita. Reading that one would think that the area must be populated with the most Christian population on earth. But that would be wrong. The reason there is so many Churches is because the area is populated with the largest single concentration of generally intolerant and bigoted people on the face of the earth. Well, maybe just in the USA.
Not everyone here is so fundamentally grounded as to be incapable of tolerating another view, but we certainly have more than our share. On any given afternoon a trip through any urban center will find a number of concerned local citizenry with bible in hand shouting at any and all passersby that their immediate future (as well as their ever lasting soul) is in jeopardy. I have always felt this a little presumptuous, and perhaps a little insulting. Given a chance they would be most enthusiastic to set you straight as to your short comings. Quite an accomplishment considering they are confronting total strangers. Christ himself would be confronted with someone fervently espousing the error of his ways.
The reason there is so many churches is because whenever an issue comes up that requires some individual thought or interpretation, when two or more disagree they go off to start a new church.
I have read where churches are becoming viewed as less important in most peoples day to day existence. Not here. On any given day, given the opportunity, any number of people will step forward to "set you straight". There is no room for personal interpretation nor any leeway for a differing truth. Political and religious discourse is essentially non existent.
I do not believe Pensacola is the sole location where abortion information is available in the entire US. So, why then do "we" regularly make international news for acts of violence at the local clinic. A short history check shows that there have been bombings, arson attacks, and self proclaimed "justified murders" at the local clinic. What a term, "justified murder". And it was a local preacher that was put to death by the state for those murders. Again recently the local clinic was the victim of an arson attack. The arsonist was not a local, but had been drawn here recently to protest. God save me from all "know-it-alls" who can readily spout their own truth, but can not take a moment to listen to another's.
I feel for these people. Maybe because at one time or another I have been closed minded. It is from the ranks of such people that jihadist find suicide bombers. Different faiths, same mind set. Such fanaticsm scares me. Still, the issue du jour is abortion.
It is hard to find anyone who thinks abortion ought to be a form of birth control. Can you not find compassion for the unborn? I can well understand and share the same motivations as those of the protesters.
There have been a few individuals that I have known that have been involved with abortion. None of them took the situation lightly. None were left unchanged, nor undamaged. Also none of them ever expressed the opinion that they would have done anything differently. That does not mean that there are not those who wish fervently that they could go back in time and change things.... but do we not all have some issues that fall into that category. I thank God I was never faced with such a choice. I actually have sympathy for the protesters. Still, uppermost I have sympathy for the individuals who find themselves in a situation where a child is not the gift it has always been in my life. I will never presume to make such decisions for another.
A little understanding in the discourse might be refreshing. But, no understanding or sympathy can be had if your value system does not have room for taking into consideration anothers situation. The simple fact that God might have different plans,and have presented different truths to another individual seems to be totally unacceptable to those who have "the answer". Strange, they all rely totally on a book that was written more than 2000 years ago and has been translated any number of times. If it is so concrete why in Gods name is there so much disagreement over what it says? Shouldn't there be just one church for everyone?
"It is written..." God has had nothing new to say in 2 centuries? We seem more concerned with the "word" of God than the experience of God. Which would you rather do, read about love or experience it?
I hate to be bashing anyone, but the most non Christ like individuals I know are individuals who call themselves Christians. Absolutism is a real danger (although most of the aforementioned "Christians" would assure you that any compromise is unconscionable). Christ himself associated with the "unclean". His ministry was universal, and first and foremost he commanded love. I do not see much love in evidence in the actions of those so freely willing to condem. Not a lot of compassion shown in shooting someone......
While I am on the subject, and borderline church bashing, just why is it we need churches anyway? At least the church structure as it exists today? Why is it that we need someone to interpret God's will? History is full of examples of someone telling as many as will listen what they should do. Jim Jones did it in South America, and mothers actually gave their children poison. Did not one of those people think to ask God for themselves? Just a personal opinion, but if God gave you a brain, should each of us not use our own?
Just who exactly said that God needed intermediaries/interpreters? Does God have needs? Does he need a televangelist to tell me what is right or wrong in my life? Is there a need for an official organization calling itself the "church"?
As it stands, the current representation of God presents a rather "small" and limited version of the Almighty. Certainly not the one that has manifested himself in my experience. Seems to me that all one needs to do to communicate with the Almighty is to first speak your truth, and then listen. It is hard for God to share his truth while one is actively telling him his/her own. Just listen. The answer always comes.
I do not believe it is a question of "Does God Speak?", but rather a question of "Do you listen?" This is God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, the great "I AM". Seems to me if he has something he wants you to know, and you are willing to listen, he will find a way.
All that said, we still go to church regularly. I want to take my grandchildren as often as I can. Why, cause there are so many people at church that I love. The time together is a treasure that restores my soul. I value the truths shared because they make the lives of those I love more rich and meaningful. It enriches my life when they share their understandings. Sometimes, when I am my most understanding, I can even find sympathy and some small bit of gratitude for the loud mouths at the intersections.
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