During the month of February I read several news articles reporting on the celebration of one of the world’s most noted naturalists. Charles Darwin, the English naturalist who brought to the world the theories of evolution, is being remembered this month on the 200th anniversary of his birth. As I’ve read these articles I’ve been reminded of the “culture wars” over the issue of human origin and the teachings of evolution. Certainly, this is one of the leading issues we debate – religiously, theologically and scientifically. Relatively recently, there have been battles over the teaching of Intelligent Design along side the theory of evolution in our classrooms.
In 1859 Darwin published his greatest work, The Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection. It was a long book which began to stir the world under this theory of evolution. The idea of evolution was essentially the hypothesis that living things might share a common descent. Darwin began to develop this theory during his five-year journey on the H.M.S. Beagle (1831 – 1836) where he was the ship’s naturalist. However, it wasn’t until 1842 that he began writing a pencil abstract of 35 pages on his theory of evolution – which was found more than 50 years later in a cupboard under the stairs at his house in Kent. (The Wonders of Life on Earth, 3).
Life on earth changes. This in and of itself is not a likely newsflash for any reader today. As we look at the history of our planet Earth, it seems clear that it has undergone change. Most recently our world’s meteorologists and scientists have been monitoring the changes indicated by global warming including rising waters, receding icebergs and increased tornado/hurricane/tsunami activities. However, Darwin suggests a theory of change that includes natural selection – not change for the sake of random change. Dr. Colin Barnstable, a professor of neurobiology at Yale University School of Medicine writes a simple explanation of Darwin’s theory:
Darwin’s theory of evolution has three components: the first is mutation – a series of changes in the chemistry of the genetic DNA. This mutation leads to variation. The final point of evolution is selection. There are certain variations in particular environments that are more advantageous than others. Those that are advantageous are passed down genetically to offspring. Over a long period of time this can develop a new species. This is the process of natural selection. (Seeing Gray in a Black and White World, 80)
The sticking point around this evolutionary process, which seems innocuous, innocent, and quite brilliant at first blush, is when this principal is applied to the development of human beings. Christians struggle with this theory – as do Muslims and other religions.
The evolutionary process is in direct opposition to the literal account of creation given in the Book of Genesis which tells us that God created the universe and everything else in six twenty-four hour days. This does not allow for evolution.
There are also those who believe the evolutionary process diminishes the role of God in creation. Evolution seems to be too happenstance and distances the hand of God in creation. A third question arises – if evolution is believed are we (human beings) then evolved from a lower being – chimps, apes, or some sea creature millions of years ago?
How does a Christian resolve themselves to these questions? Perhaps the answer to this question is found in our definition of evolution. Do we define evolution as an uncontrolled, random process based solely on the genetic aspects of the fittest survive and perpetuate? Or is there a controlling hand in all of this?
One of the Christian responses to this question is what is known as Intelligent Design. The theory of Intelligent Design holds that certain features of the universe and of life are best explained by an intelligent cause, and not an undirected process such as natural selection. Intelligent Design explains the wonderful complexities of life and asks the question of whether evolution alone suffices to explain this complexity. When we look at the Book of Genesis we read that God spoke into being day and night, the heavens and earth, the plants and animals and sea creatures and so on. While scripture tells us God spoke into being all of creation, scripture is quite silent on how this occurred. Is it not possible that God in all God’s infinite wisdom and capability set into motion a series of events that began with the formation of planets and stars – the cosmos? And God established the rules in which the universe runs (many of which we are still learning about) and from this process God governed the creation of humanity?
While evolution claims an unplanned process, Intelligent Design disagrees with this. Intelligent Design speaks of a Creator with a plan. Many scientists believe this to be quite likely and find it congruent with their faith as Christians. As I learn more about evolution, creationism, and Intelligent Design I tend to be in agreement with those regarding Intelligent Design. The theory of evolution seems to explain the mechanism and basics of developing life; yet, we would find this explanation lacking if we were to stop here. I believe there are points along the evolutionary process that God steps in and takes a more active role. Such as when hominids became human – God stepped in and gave us a soul – higher reasoning – and a purpose.
Intelligent Design speaks of purpose and intent behind the design. In some ways I find this equivalent to our own personal lives.
Our lives are much more than birth, activity and death. We are created with purpose. Our intent is to find that purpose through prayer and relation with God that we might find how to best fit in God’s overall plan. Our purpose is not always clear, nor easy for us to understand. Even with this we must understand there is a purpose in God’s grand design. God’s hand is upon each one of us – in both good times and turbulent times. When we seek out God’s will in our day we begin to fulfill God’s purpose. As I conclude this message I want to leave you with these words from Psalm 138: “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”
Peace be with you my friends.
Until next time,
Patrick
Saturday, May 16, 2009
In His Steps - Part III
In Part I and II of In His Steps, I introduced a book written by Charles M. Sheldon. Throughout the novel a question is asked by those who strive to reshape their lives according to how Jesus would respond in a given situation. For one year certain members from the mythical First Church of Raymond are committed to asking themselves, “What would Jesus do?” as a guide to their daily lives. Their pledge is to answer this question as honestly as possible and act accordingly.
Let me begin today by sharing a bit more about Charles Sheldon. Sheldon was born in 1857 in Wellsville, New York. He was educated at Phillips Academy, Brown University, and Andover Theological Seminary. This helped prepare him for a life of congregational ministry, following in the footsteps of his father. He began his ministry in Topeka, Kansas with the Central Congregational Church in 1899 where he would essentially live out his pastoring years. Sheldon had a working relationship with the Christian Herald for twenty-six years. The Herald was perhaps the most influential Protestant publication of the time in America. Sheldon died in 1946.
While In His Steps does not explicitly address the question, ‘What would Jesus do about religion today?’ it does seem to be a topic of interest with many people I talk to. I had a recent conversation with a man who asked me questions about Muslim belief and where Jesus fits in; why people call Catholic priests ‘father’ when scripture tells us only God is to be called father. I was asked about the Holy Wars – the Crusades – and all the killing “Christians” did then; as well as why many churches are losing members and seeing lower attendance today? We had only a brief time for discussion and I was not able to answer all of the questions; yet, I came away from the discussion wondering, ‘What would Jesus do about our religions today?’ Are our religions (and denominations) as Christ envisioned they would be some two thousand years ago?
In the novel, Reverend Henry Maxwell leads his congregation on a journey to take up the cross and live like Christ. In the initial parts of the novel, I get the sense that Maxwell holds himself somewhat aloof – apart and separate from other churches and perhaps other denominations. There is nothing explicitly stating this; nevertheless, it is a feeling I get. Yet, when the young man, whom I mentioned in the first article, addresses the congregation and then dies, a definite impact is left on Maxwell. We see the good Reverend begin to change. His sermons take on a more spiritual overtone and are less polished. His focus on the needy and the outcast is sharpened.
Mr. Gray, the minister leading the tent revivals in the area of Raymond called ‘the Rectangle’, calls upon Reverend Maxwell one afternoon asking for help. He asks Maxwell if he would preach this night as he was unable to due to a severe cold. Maxwell’s initial response? “I’m sorry, but it’s my regular prayer meeting night”. Then he flushes and adds, “I shall be able to arrange it in some way so as to come down. You can count on me.” Then he asks Gray if he would stay a moment so they can pray together.
Maxwell goes on to preach several times in the tent church of the Rectangle. He is also invited to preach at the Nazareth Avenue Church and the Settlement Hall of Chicago. Throughout all this, his view of the Kingdom begins to broaden. It is no longer limited to that of his church and town – he begins to encompass the many in need throughout the region. He begins to step outside his comfort zone, his self-created box of comfort, and see beyond the confines of his own church and/or denomination. He begins to accept that God’s children span the globe and are of many different shapes, sizes, colors, backgrounds, and yes – even different religions.
So, how do we handle the question of straddling denominational lines and issues when it comes to serving the needs of others? How do we interact with other religions? What do we do for the one who rejects Jesus but accepts God?
When thinking about the Hindu, the Jews, and the Muslims I think of those who have a sincere faith – a deep desire to be in relationship with God as they understand the demands of that relationship. Imagine a Hindu, Jew or Muslim who has heard of Jesus Christ and the Christian gospel, but is not persuaded to convert to Christianity. This person prays regularly, studies, helps those in need, gives in stewardship, remains humble; yet, has not been persuaded to become Christian, perhaps in large part because of the Christian role models available. Nevertheless, this person believes deeply in God and strives to be in a meaningful relationship with God.
As Christians we say that God forms all persons in their mother’s wombs, knows them by name, loves them, sees and hears every prayer they utter and sees their attempts to do what is right. Would this God stand by and watch these people perish? Has he designed an eternal punishment for those who, though they have sought God, do not understand Jesus is the Christ and did not call on him for salvation? I find this contrary to the loving and gracious God I have come to know.
I had the good fortune to become close friends with a Jewish rabbi from Kenosha several years ago. He has since moved back to New York following the tragic loss of his young wife. We had many fruitful conversations about our respective religions and I enjoyed learning more about his faith. Nothing he shared with me indicated that he would be a lost or rejected soul. I haven’t had the blessings of knowing Muslims or Hindus, but I believe those who fulfill the great commandments better than many Christians I know will not be exempt to God’s grace and salvation. I believe it is possible for God to save them.
So what do we (as Christians) do when confronted with someone who resists the will of God, does not live a life of love, does not value justice or mercy, and lives a life in which they are the center of their existence?
There are those who have resisted God’s will their entire lives and lived only for themselves. Will these persons have their lives snuffed out with nothing to follow? Or will they, upon their death, live an eternal life separated from God surrounded by others whose only focus is themselves – where the entire world revolves around them? Either way, a life separated from God seems to me a life of Hell.
Working across denominational lines – is a by-line or title I have considered using more than once. Recently, several of us from my church visited Janesville’s New Life – Assembly of God and the Faith Community Church. We are in the process of beginning a contemporary service to compliment our well established traditional service. Both non-Methodist churches have offered to help us with our new service. We have been offered the “loan” of their praise bands as well as other resources. New Life recently invited us to participate in the Fourth of July Freedom Fest with them. Their reason for inviting other churches is this: “The purpose of inviting other churches to help is to show the community that churches are on the same team and that we can work together.”
I have experienced that same sense of teamwork, camaraderie, and willingness to share with the Reverends George Calhoun and Nate Crandall of the Seventh Day Baptist church. Churches can and should operate across the denominational lines. A number of years ago while pastoring in Kentucky a District Superintendent told me that when we make it to heaven, Jesus will inform us, “You all had it almost right. None of you were spot on, but you all were very close.” We should work across denominational lines because, as New Life eloquently states, “churches are on the same team and that we can work together.”
I’ll close this article with a Newsweek article about Billy Graham. “He [Billy] is sure and certain of his faith in Jesus as the way to salvation. When asked whether he believes heaven will be closed to good Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, or other secular people, though, Graham says: ‘Those are decisions only the Lord will make. It would be foolish for me to speculate on who will be there and who won’t… I don’t want to speculate on all that. I believe the love of God is absolute. He said he gave his son for the whole world, and I think he loves everybody regardless of what label they have.”
Peace be with you my friends. Please know that I keep this community in my prayers.
Until next time,
Patrick
Let me begin today by sharing a bit more about Charles Sheldon. Sheldon was born in 1857 in Wellsville, New York. He was educated at Phillips Academy, Brown University, and Andover Theological Seminary. This helped prepare him for a life of congregational ministry, following in the footsteps of his father. He began his ministry in Topeka, Kansas with the Central Congregational Church in 1899 where he would essentially live out his pastoring years. Sheldon had a working relationship with the Christian Herald for twenty-six years. The Herald was perhaps the most influential Protestant publication of the time in America. Sheldon died in 1946.
While In His Steps does not explicitly address the question, ‘What would Jesus do about religion today?’ it does seem to be a topic of interest with many people I talk to. I had a recent conversation with a man who asked me questions about Muslim belief and where Jesus fits in; why people call Catholic priests ‘father’ when scripture tells us only God is to be called father. I was asked about the Holy Wars – the Crusades – and all the killing “Christians” did then; as well as why many churches are losing members and seeing lower attendance today? We had only a brief time for discussion and I was not able to answer all of the questions; yet, I came away from the discussion wondering, ‘What would Jesus do about our religions today?’ Are our religions (and denominations) as Christ envisioned they would be some two thousand years ago?
In the novel, Reverend Henry Maxwell leads his congregation on a journey to take up the cross and live like Christ. In the initial parts of the novel, I get the sense that Maxwell holds himself somewhat aloof – apart and separate from other churches and perhaps other denominations. There is nothing explicitly stating this; nevertheless, it is a feeling I get. Yet, when the young man, whom I mentioned in the first article, addresses the congregation and then dies, a definite impact is left on Maxwell. We see the good Reverend begin to change. His sermons take on a more spiritual overtone and are less polished. His focus on the needy and the outcast is sharpened.
Mr. Gray, the minister leading the tent revivals in the area of Raymond called ‘the Rectangle’, calls upon Reverend Maxwell one afternoon asking for help. He asks Maxwell if he would preach this night as he was unable to due to a severe cold. Maxwell’s initial response? “I’m sorry, but it’s my regular prayer meeting night”. Then he flushes and adds, “I shall be able to arrange it in some way so as to come down. You can count on me.” Then he asks Gray if he would stay a moment so they can pray together.
Maxwell goes on to preach several times in the tent church of the Rectangle. He is also invited to preach at the Nazareth Avenue Church and the Settlement Hall of Chicago. Throughout all this, his view of the Kingdom begins to broaden. It is no longer limited to that of his church and town – he begins to encompass the many in need throughout the region. He begins to step outside his comfort zone, his self-created box of comfort, and see beyond the confines of his own church and/or denomination. He begins to accept that God’s children span the globe and are of many different shapes, sizes, colors, backgrounds, and yes – even different religions.
So, how do we handle the question of straddling denominational lines and issues when it comes to serving the needs of others? How do we interact with other religions? What do we do for the one who rejects Jesus but accepts God?
When thinking about the Hindu, the Jews, and the Muslims I think of those who have a sincere faith – a deep desire to be in relationship with God as they understand the demands of that relationship. Imagine a Hindu, Jew or Muslim who has heard of Jesus Christ and the Christian gospel, but is not persuaded to convert to Christianity. This person prays regularly, studies, helps those in need, gives in stewardship, remains humble; yet, has not been persuaded to become Christian, perhaps in large part because of the Christian role models available. Nevertheless, this person believes deeply in God and strives to be in a meaningful relationship with God.
As Christians we say that God forms all persons in their mother’s wombs, knows them by name, loves them, sees and hears every prayer they utter and sees their attempts to do what is right. Would this God stand by and watch these people perish? Has he designed an eternal punishment for those who, though they have sought God, do not understand Jesus is the Christ and did not call on him for salvation? I find this contrary to the loving and gracious God I have come to know.
I had the good fortune to become close friends with a Jewish rabbi from Kenosha several years ago. He has since moved back to New York following the tragic loss of his young wife. We had many fruitful conversations about our respective religions and I enjoyed learning more about his faith. Nothing he shared with me indicated that he would be a lost or rejected soul. I haven’t had the blessings of knowing Muslims or Hindus, but I believe those who fulfill the great commandments better than many Christians I know will not be exempt to God’s grace and salvation. I believe it is possible for God to save them.
So what do we (as Christians) do when confronted with someone who resists the will of God, does not live a life of love, does not value justice or mercy, and lives a life in which they are the center of their existence?
There are those who have resisted God’s will their entire lives and lived only for themselves. Will these persons have their lives snuffed out with nothing to follow? Or will they, upon their death, live an eternal life separated from God surrounded by others whose only focus is themselves – where the entire world revolves around them? Either way, a life separated from God seems to me a life of Hell.
Working across denominational lines – is a by-line or title I have considered using more than once. Recently, several of us from my church visited Janesville’s New Life – Assembly of God and the Faith Community Church. We are in the process of beginning a contemporary service to compliment our well established traditional service. Both non-Methodist churches have offered to help us with our new service. We have been offered the “loan” of their praise bands as well as other resources. New Life recently invited us to participate in the Fourth of July Freedom Fest with them. Their reason for inviting other churches is this: “The purpose of inviting other churches to help is to show the community that churches are on the same team and that we can work together.”
I have experienced that same sense of teamwork, camaraderie, and willingness to share with the Reverends George Calhoun and Nate Crandall of the Seventh Day Baptist church. Churches can and should operate across the denominational lines. A number of years ago while pastoring in Kentucky a District Superintendent told me that when we make it to heaven, Jesus will inform us, “You all had it almost right. None of you were spot on, but you all were very close.” We should work across denominational lines because, as New Life eloquently states, “churches are on the same team and that we can work together.”
I’ll close this article with a Newsweek article about Billy Graham. “He [Billy] is sure and certain of his faith in Jesus as the way to salvation. When asked whether he believes heaven will be closed to good Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, or other secular people, though, Graham says: ‘Those are decisions only the Lord will make. It would be foolish for me to speculate on who will be there and who won’t… I don’t want to speculate on all that. I believe the love of God is absolute. He said he gave his son for the whole world, and I think he loves everybody regardless of what label they have.”
Peace be with you my friends. Please know that I keep this community in my prayers.
Until next time,
Patrick
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