A dear friend sent me a few thoughts this weekend, and I thought we might consider them as we begin this week’s meditations.
The Universal Christ of Colossians “who reconciles all things to himself… in heaven and on earth” (Colossians 1:20). For centuries Christians have used Jesus in a competitive way — our way or the highway; instead of considering Jesus in a more cosmic way. This exclusive vision of Jesus causes others to hear the Gospel as tribal, as opposed to a more inclusive Christ who honors all of creation.
“Jesus is the way — he’s not standing in the way. — Brian Mclaren. If God loves us all, and Jesus said, “Behold, I call you friends,” doesn’t that signal to each of us to do likewise? Mutual respect and intelligent interfaith dialogue naturally flows from the message of the gospel. It does not preclude it, but requires it. If we worship a God of love, how can we do otherwise?
We hear a lot these days of “us versus them” in our politics, in our churches, in our schools, and in our streets. Exclusion is a big part of the problem, not its solution. Perhaps a different and better path is to be cooperative with all and honor our connections not our differences?
Have a great and thoughtful week.
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