The last two days have been meditations on the valuing and honoring of differing opinion on theological perspective.  In acknowledging God in the neighbor, there must also be an acknowledgement and honoring of the neighbor’s interpretation of God’s will.  I struggle with this daily.  I want to frolic about beautiful woods with babbling brooks holding hands with everyone who celebrate my same liberal ideals.  I raise my eyebrows at those who are ultra conservative and fundamentalist, and scoff at their intolerance. 

Now on one hand, I will give a justification–I see where intolerance has led in the past being a triple minority.  This history is always in my head, although I know that we are constantly moving forward as a society (even when they are teeny tiny baby steps).  Therefore on the other hand, I know that much of my disillusion is reactionary, out of fear and sadness.  My thoughts are that we are to champion the collective actions and inactions that reflect humility and graciousness in the compassion for others… sometimes, this might even align with our own actions.

Romans 14:1-12. Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions.

There are two sides to that. On the one hand, we must take care that what we regard as acceptable behavior–eating meat? moderate consumption of alcohol? prayer in schools? having an abortion? entering into a same-sex union? jumping to another church because of theological differences?–is not a scandal to others. Many Christians today, from every hue of the theological spectrum, charge boldly forward, head held high, banners aloft, singing the songs of Zion, but with nary a thought about whether others among the faithful may see their behavior as scandalous. “If someone doesn’t like what I’m doing, it’s their problem, because I know what’s right and I’m tight with God,” they say. There’s not much humility, not much graciousness, not much of the spirit of Jesus in that.

Then there’s the other side of it. Being totally enamored with our own opinions also carries the  risk that we’ll be the ones to take offense at anyone and anything we don’t like. It is pharisaical arrogance to assume that people who do things we wouldn’t do are–always, beyond question–enmeshed in evil. There’s not much of humility, graciousness, or the spirit of Jesus in that, either.

I recognize and repent for my pharasaical arrogance.  I pray for reconciliation and community.  I acknowledge that my pride is oftentimes at odds with Your will.  I thank You for grace and the gift of the great Reconciler.