Tuesday, 30 June 2009

• Why Christian Faith Cannot Be A Personal Matter

  Over the past couple of days I've  had an interesting e-conversation with a group list I subscribe to which involves medical quackery and how to spot it. The subject was circumcision, and most thought it not only unnecessary but a barbaric, perverted and inhumane practise. At one point one of the participants said, Why is there a religious reason for this practice? Why would "God" create a tissue in a sensitive area for the purpose of requiring its ritual removal? That's when I stepped in and gave the classical theological explanation for the practise, being careful to stick to the historical facts and not judgements about them.

  The others, most of whom are atheists or agnostics, were shocked. Then I made the additional point that everyone is, in reality, religious. Boy, did that set up a firestorm. These are very well-educated people in the healthcare field for the most part, and you'd think I'd just stepped in with a devil-mask and a rattle, dressed in feathers. I proceeded to explain my stance in the most practical and concrete terms possible, even referring to the dictionary for definitions, intending to show, without rancour, that everyone has a belief system, and a god, whether it is themselves or the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. My goal was to point out that spiritual matters, whether the doctor or healthcare professional believes in them, are important to be able to address if one wishes to have a holistic approach to the patient. Many of them are inclined to look down on faith in anything, which, in my opinion, hobbles them as doctors if they cannot compassionately and sympathetically address that aspect of people. I could say much, much more on this, but I digress.

  One man said this: As far as 'freely sharing' your personal religious beliefs, I find that offensive and I am a believer.

  My response: Really? Isn't your assertion that it is offensive itself a personal belief, and haven't you just done something offensive? Come now. You don't believe in free speech and the exchange of ideas and perspectives? In what country do you live? 
   
  What I did not address there was that the Christian's faith is, by definition, not private and personal. As a Christian, I have some commands from my Lord that I am constrained to obey:

  "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20

  If you are a non-Christian reading this, I want you to know what this command does NOT mean. It does not mean that I get to force you to believe. Whatever atrocities have been committed in the past by those who misunderstood this, I do not condone them. What it does mean is that I should have a right to express my beliefs to anyone who will listen. The last time I checked, this is still a free country. I do not see why the mere exchange of ideas should be offensive. In fact, I have found time and again that it is far easier to talk about Christ with a Muslim than it is to the average American on the street. The Gospel, Christian, is Good News, remember? What does the average person do with good news, hm? Keep it secret and go into a closet and rejoice by himself for the rest of his life?

   ¹⁰But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Matthew 2:10,11

  I cannot and will not force anyone to go to church or to read the Bible or to watch a televangelist (even I avoid those). But I will not give up my right to explain myself and why I do as I do. If you want to, go ahead and give me your books to read on why you don't believe. I'd actually appreciate that. Let's talk like adults. But understand that I do not think I have the right or mandate to beat the same drum over and over into your aching ears. All you have to do is calmly say, "Thanks for your concern, but I find I can't believe in Jesus." I might ask you what you understand the Gospel to be, and ask to try to work with you to understand it better, but you always have the right to end the conversation any time.

  If you hear the message of Christ and reject it, fine. All I'm interested in is that you really understand what it is you are rejecting. I do expect people to reject it-- most, in fact. The Scriptures tell me that this will happen. There is nothing I can do about it, and no offense taken. But I am in trouble with God if I don't take the opportunities given me to share this Good News with you in a natural way.

  By the way, I did not use the opportunity to share the Gospel of Christ on that list. I had only one intention: to show that there is a reason for the things people do, and when they are spiritual reasons, healthcare workers do well to pay attention to that aspect of human life. If you are interested I can send anyone the entire thread and you can see for yourself how many Americans react to the slightest mention of spirituality. It was very interesting.

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