Welcome to #ATLT, At the Lord’s Table: A Conversation, a series of over 50 posts from varying authors about the beautiful, mangled Church. Look for at least two new posts every Monday through Saturday between January 25th and February 22nd. Join us in the conversation? See you in the comments.
Dear Religion,
It seems you’ve been taking a pretty rough beating lately. From videos railing against your shortcomings that garner millions of views, to people spilling their seemingly vile distaste for you into the any social network that will hear and acknowledge them. It seems like you’re getting quite the bad rap these days.
People point out that you have a way of standing between them and God; that because of the “legalism” of your ways, they feel as if God is beyond approach. These people who speak out so fervently against you blame you for war and death, and even disease. They believe you are what’s keeping them from a true and meaningful relationship with the mighty Creator. And can I admit something? I kind of get it. I mean, a lot of terrible things have been done in your name—but then again, that’s not exactly your fault is it?
I think some of us forgot that the Church is made up of people and people are humans and we humans tend to make mistakes—a lot of mistakes. We are prideful and full of passion, so that when we’re disagreed with on something we find important (say…religion?), we become angry and belligerent, leading us to do things that defile the very spirit in which you and the Church were created. We forget that you weren’t meant to be a set of hard and fast rules, but rather a sort of gracious guidance to aide us in our relationship with God. Because we forget these things, we find ourselves confusing the Church with the actions of the people of the Church. And to me, there is a mighty world of difference.
I think because of how the people of the Church have treated us, we see all religion as the same: hateful, prejudiced, fateful ways of yesteryear. But you’re more than that aren’t you? I wish I could show them the goodness that still resides in you. I wish I could show them how lost and broken I was, but because I had that rooted foundation built within the religious ways I’d been taught since I was a child, I slowly found my way back to the One who provides the grace and mercy I take advantage of every single day. Without you acting as a backdrop, a renewed starting point, I don’t know that I could’ve found the faith to find my God again. It was in those moments of deep despair that I remembered the steps you provided so very long ago. So, thanks for that.
I don’t mean to ramble since I know you’re busy fighting the fires these days—both metaphorical and spiritual. I just wanted to let you know that there are some of us who still hold fast to the teachings of old. We may get stuck with labels such as “old fashioned” or “legalistic”, but we know that we—and you—are more than that. You’re a provided and brightly lit path toward God and His everlasting mercy. You’re a gift of guidance that should be utilized, not discounted and thrown aside.
You’re more than those people who make up your Churches. I know we are quick to forget that because, as humans, we like to take things at face value, and the first things people see in religion are the individuals who populate it. But you’re more than the short-sighted and narcissistic views of flawed beings, aren’t you? You were meant to help, not hurt.
I don’t know that my words will be heeded or my viewpoint seen as valid. All I know is that I have the faith to believe my God looks after me. And if that is true, the peace I feel for the Church and my religion is of no coincidence.
Keep the faith, and so will I.
Sincerely,
Cory Copeland
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read the post before this one, here.
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Cory Copeland
© 2012, Preston. All rights reserved.
