The newly appointed Superintendent of Schools in Oklahoma has rescinded the previous superintendent’s order to put a Christian Bible in every public-school classroom. This is good news. Not because I am part of the non-existent War on Christians (God forbid!), but because I live in a country that is run by the rule of law. That rule – the Constitution – provides every person the right to practice their faith as they choose, regardless of what some religious zealots want. It makes sure that kids aren’t forced to read the Bhagavad Ghita or the Koran in the classroom. It makes sure that your good Christian child doesn’t have to pray something out of a Wiccan prayer book. Forcing someone to practice a religion that is not their own isn’t doing good – it is spiritual abuse. I am glad that the leaders of Oklahoma have come to their senses.
Part of practicing one’s faith is being respectful of the faith of your neighbor. When Jesus told His famous story of the Samaritan who helped, He filled it with acts of kindness and generosity, not words of judgment or theology. At no time in the story does anyone say, “You know, that religion you practice is of the devil – you should come to worship with me at a real holy place!” Jesus sticks to the narrative of respect and consideration, giving the listener a chance to understand that true faith is a combination of one’s internal belief system and outward good works. He never forces God on anyone; Jesus invites people into dialogue and then allows them the freedom to choose. And okay, the Gospel of John does get a little preachier than the others, but still. Faith isn’t genetic or gained by osmosis – faith is offered generously and accepted freely.
One of the best ways I think we can practice our faith is to live in ways that people see that we love God and neighbor. We can wear all the Jesus shirts we want – we can put those preachy bumper stickers on every vehicle we own – but if we don’t live it, nobody will believe it. Instead of forcing Bibles on kids in school, why not follow the Golden Rule? Why not stop trying to take free lunches and healthcare away from people who are struggling? Why not spend a little less on bombers and a little more on affordable healthcare? Want people to know that you know God? Act like it. Practice your faith, not in meaningless acts of piety, but in gifts of love. Then they will absolutely know who you belong to. And the world will be a better place.
Prayer – Holy God, You have called us to live our faith, not just talk about it. May it be so. Amen.
Today’s art is “Mont Sainte Victoire with Large Pine” by Paul Cezanne (1887).