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