In our small group from church, we're reading "Velvet Elvis" by Rob Bell. If you've not read it, I highly recommend it. The subtitle of "Repainting the Christian Faith" is so descriptive.
In the third chapter, Bell talks about finding and claiming truth in all aspects of life. Basically, his argument is that this world is God's world, so everything in it is His as well.
"So as a Christian, I am free to claim the good, the true, the holy, wherever and whenever I find it. I live with the understanding that truth is bigger than any religion and the world is God's and everything in it." (p.80)
He illustrates the point by describing a trip to Turkey, where he saw a great number of homes in various states of construction. "It looked like a lot of homes had been started and then the workers went to lunch...for a year." (p.80)
When he asked his friend about it, Bell learned that the Muslim culture doesn't allow for financial debt, so faithful Muslims only build when they have the cash to pay for it. They build for awhile, then stop, then start again when they have the money. Eventually they have a house, which they own free and clear.
Bell muses that "debt free" is certainly a better way to live than how most Americans live. He speaks of affirming this value because it is true and good, "a better way to live". It doesn't matter that it is a "Muslim" value; it is of God, and it is good.
This is a radical departure for some Christians, whose beliefs may lead them to condemn any "non-Christian" ideas or values. Recently, it has been much the same with Democrats and Republicans. People of either party may refuse to condone or agree with particular stances taken by the opposing party simply on the basis that they are OF the opposing party.
Tomorrow we will elect a new president. He may be a Democrat; the first Black man to serve our country in that position. He may be a Republican; the oldest first-term elected President. In the end, a whole lot of people will be disappointed because "their guy" didn't win.
I hope that at the end of the day, we all realize that God's truth is out there. It may not be where we expect it. It may, in fact, be where we least expect it. All we can do is pray purposefully that His will be done, and follow the words of Micah 6:8.
Do justice.
In the third chapter, Bell talks about finding and claiming truth in all aspects of life. Basically, his argument is that this world is God's world, so everything in it is His as well.
"So as a Christian, I am free to claim the good, the true, the holy, wherever and whenever I find it. I live with the understanding that truth is bigger than any religion and the world is God's and everything in it." (p.80)
He illustrates the point by describing a trip to Turkey, where he saw a great number of homes in various states of construction. "It looked like a lot of homes had been started and then the workers went to lunch...for a year." (p.80)
When he asked his friend about it, Bell learned that the Muslim culture doesn't allow for financial debt, so faithful Muslims only build when they have the cash to pay for it. They build for awhile, then stop, then start again when they have the money. Eventually they have a house, which they own free and clear.
Bell muses that "debt free" is certainly a better way to live than how most Americans live. He speaks of affirming this value because it is true and good, "a better way to live". It doesn't matter that it is a "Muslim" value; it is of God, and it is good.
This is a radical departure for some Christians, whose beliefs may lead them to condemn any "non-Christian" ideas or values. Recently, it has been much the same with Democrats and Republicans. People of either party may refuse to condone or agree with particular stances taken by the opposing party simply on the basis that they are OF the opposing party.
Tomorrow we will elect a new president. He may be a Democrat; the first Black man to serve our country in that position. He may be a Republican; the oldest first-term elected President. In the end, a whole lot of people will be disappointed because "their guy" didn't win.
I hope that at the end of the day, we all realize that God's truth is out there. It may not be where we expect it. It may, in fact, be where we least expect it. All we can do is pray purposefully that His will be done, and follow the words of Micah 6:8.
Do justice.
Love kindness.
Walk humbly with our God.
Walk humbly with our God.
Always walking in Him,
1 comment:
This is a great post. I got this book on sale for $5 this summer and have been meaning to read it! I appreciate the concept that truth is truth, no matter where you find it. It is certain we will find truth in other religions as many are based on partial truths. We can learn a lot from other faiths and cultures, but we must always use God's Word as the stick to see if it "measures up".
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