As state Supreme Courts – and the US SC, eventually – prepare to hear cases about public schools and governments force-feeding religion on unwilling participants, I think it is important to remind ourselves that theology is an opinion. You might believe that what you believe about God is fact, but that is not true. Theology is, technically, the study of God. Every person has their own take on what they have been taught, and I defy anyone to tell me that they have bought the theology of their church completely. I don’t expect you to jump on the deconstruction bandwagon with me; that’s a chaotic, crazy ride, but I do expect you to be honest with yourself. We all pick and choose – to say you believe everything the Bible says is the greatest self-deception of all.
This speaks to the brilliance of the founders of this country and the writing of our foundational documents; they used the word “Creator” on purpose. That is a generic way to speak of what some would call God, others Jehovah, still more Allah, or, maybe, the Great Spirit. In America, you can believe that God is a giant wad of spaghetti flying around the universe with a colander for a helmet (Rastafarian -look it up), and that is perfectly fine. You can believe that life is a hopeless slog that, in the end, leaves us in nothingness, devoid of eternal life – that’s your choice. What you can’t do – and this is pointed at any alleged person of faith who thinks participating in the January 6 Insurrection was an act of faithfulness – is commit violence in God’s name. Of course, historically, that seems to be one of the things people of faith do best.
We cannot prove that God exists, that’s why it’s called “Faith” and “Belief” and “Conviction”, not objective Fact. Was Jesus God made flesh? I think so – but that’s my opinion/belief/faith stance. I can’t force anyone else to believe that, just like I cannot force the Bible on kids in public schools. That’s why there shouldn’t be prayer at publicly funded events – like Congress. The last thing I want to hear at a school board meeting is someone trying to cast evil spirits out of the students in that district – I actually witnessed that. I don’t want my kids reading the King James Version of the Bible or being taught Catholic Catechism. You want that for you and yours? Do it in the privacy of your home or in the presence of your faith community. Just leave me out of it!
And when it comes to your religion, please keep your opinions to yourself unless I ask you to share them. I am glad to share my faith with anyone who would like to know about it, but if you don’t? Have a nice day. I know I will.
Prayer – Holy God of many names and images and imaginations, bring Your Spirit of goodness into each one of us, regardless of how we speak of You. Amen.
Today’s art is “Presence” by Wendy Manzo.