What If?

Heard a very thought provoking sermon from my home church pulpit. It was about the wisemen and the star and the light coming into the world. Usual Epiphany spiel but with a bit of a spin.

The premise was, is the church of today a part of the darkness, much like the church in times past. Times when it opposed such ideas as the abolition of slavery, when it opposed the idea that the sun was the center of the universe. I am sure you could write a book (and they have) of all the terrible things done in the name of God - Spanish Inquisition and Holy Wars thrown in for good measure. The correlation in the sermon was concerning the cutting edge technology and social acceptances of today. Stem cell research, homosexuality, ordination of women. Those things that the stricter mainline denominations stand firmly against.

I understand where both sides are coming from. I was once one of them and am now one of the others. I would have been on the committee to run our pastor out on a rail for the dribble she was preaching. But today, I am different. I am not as quick to judge and hopefully quicker to love.

But where is the line drawn? Is there even a line? In the Old Testament, King Josiah ordered the renovation of the temple, and while it was being cleaned out, a book was found. It was the Book Of Law and this was shown to the King. He sat down and read it and was so overcome with remorse and shame, he went into mourning. I am talking the full gamut - sackcloth and ashes. That story has always had a profound effect on me. How could the Noah ark riding, Joseph in charge of Egypt, Moses Red Sea parting, David killing Goliath Book of Law be totally forgotten? Were there no Bible stories passed down. No namesakes for the mighty warriors like Deborah and Joshua. How did it happen? Like walking into a ghost town and wondering what the people were like that used to live there. Even more, what happened to them.

How do we love, not judge, be light - all that good stuff and not be mindful of the darkness. Can't the light be just as dangerous if it is not handled with care. Fire can provide warmth. cook food. and light the way. But the very same can also destroy 1000's of acres, burn down homes, and even kill people.

Is the key, perhaps, in realizing we are not the Source of the light. We are only the bearers. We must trust and be true to His light and be careful not to manufacture or generate our own. Heavy responsibility or Heavenly responsibility?