Print this page

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL GOSPEL  
(The Gospel Supports Modern Psychological Principles)

1.  The Importance of Self-esteem:

Psychologists have discovered that each of us develops a self-image and then
lives "up to" or "down to" that self-image.  Therefore, if we "believe" that
we're children of God, we'll live "up to" that status.

"God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male
and female he created them" (Gen. 1:27);

"To all who received him, . . . he gave the right to become children of God"
(John 1:12);

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co- heirs with
Christ . . ." (Rom. 8:17); "How great is the love the Father has lavished on
us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! . . .
and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he
appears, we shall be like him . . ." (I John 3:1-2).

2.  The Importance of Forgiveness:Psychologists have discovered that if we
feel guilty, we will project our bad feelings onto someone else and blame them
for the problem.  Therefore, if we can feel forgiven, that will make us more
tolerant and empathetic toward others."How can you say to your brother, `Let
me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your
own eye?" (Matt. 7:4); "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment
on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning
yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things" (Rom. 2:1);"Be
kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other . . ." (Eph.
4:32); "Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive
as the Lord forgave you" (Col. 3:13);

3.  The Importance of Integrity:Psychologists have discovered that those who
believe one way and act in another way experience a painful condition called
cognitive dissonance. Therefore, if we are hypocrites we will live miserable,
non-productive lives."No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the
one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the
other.  You cannot serve both God and Money" (Matt. 6:24); "These people honor
me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me" (Matt. 15:8); "Watch out
for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they
are ferocious wolves" (Matt. 7:15); "Woe to you . . . hypocrites! You clean
the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and
self-indulgence" (Matt. 23:25); "They claim to know God, but by their actions
they deny him . . ." (Titus 1:16). Yes, the gospel supports modern
psychological principles.
 

WEBSITE CHANGE:
Our new Website is:   www.diversitypress.com
I still haven't solved my phone problem.  To take advantage of Toll Free
service, you will have to call 580-286-3148, let it ring twice and hang up.  I
will call back as soon as I can. (If you have blocked information so that
Caller ID does not identify you, try E-mail).  I'm open to any better
suggestions.

OTHERS CALL IT GOD

A big bang and a planet; an atom and a cell;
A fish, a bird, a mammal; a place where cave men dwell.
A sense of truth and beauty; a face turned from the sod;
Some call it evolution; but others call it God.

A field of lovely lilies; a wondrous starry sky;
A scene of snow capped mountains; a waterfall so high;
The oceans and the valleys; the waving goldenrod;
Some call it mother nature; but others call it God.

A patriotic soldier; a martyr with his loss;
A Gandhi and a Schweitzer; a Jesus on the cross;
Explorers who dare venture where no one else has trod.
Some call it dedication; but others call it God.
  -Adapted by Maralene Wesner from an anonymous poem
 

ARE YOU SMART?Are you smart?  Well, there's a difference between being
"intelligent" and being "smart."  Intelligence means having an academic and
creative potential.  This may or may not be developed.  But "smart" usually
means being successful at surviving.  It means adapting to circumstances and
coping with obstacles.To live "smart" is to set productive goals and then to
reach those productive goals.  No wind is favorable to a sailor who doesn't
know where he's going.  Let's learn how to set and reach goals by spelling
S-M-A-R-T.

Specific:     Goals must be specific.  Saying, "I want to become wiser" is
only a wish.  Saying "I will obtain a college degree" is a specific goal.

Measurable:     Goals must be measurable.

Saying, " I'm going on a diet" is only a resolution.  Saying, "I will lost 2
pounds per week is a measurable goal.

Attainable:   Goals must be attainable. Saying, "I'm going to win the Boston
Marathon" is only a "pipe dream."  Saying, "I will be walking 2 miles a day by
next spring" is an attainable goal.

Realistic:    Goals must be realistic.

Saying, "I'm going to marry a prince" is only a fantasy.  Saying, "I'm going
to marry a loving partner" is a realistic goal.

Timely:  Goals must be timely.

Saying, "I'm going to be out of debt someday" is only conversation.  Saying,
"I will pay $500 per month on my bills and clear them up by next December" is
a timely goal.So, are you "smart?"  You are if you have productive goals that
are:

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic   and,
Timely
 

OF FAITH AND WORKS
(James 2:14-20, nas)  (Delivered September 3, 2000

Jim wanted to play football.  He read about famous football stars.  He watched
many videos; He attended every game. He visualized himself receiving the
Heisman trophy.  He believed in his ultimate success.Finally, the first day of
tryouts came.  After warm-up, the coach shouted, "Tackle practice!"  When Jim
reached the front of the line, he scrambled for the boy with the ball but to
no avail. Once, twice, three times the runner easily avoided Jim's attempts to
bring him down.  Finally, the coach called Jim off to the side and said, "Son,
I just don't think you're cut out for football."  "Oh yes I am," he retorted.
"I know the answer to any question you can ask!" The coach put his hand on
Jim's shoulder and said, "My boy, in football it's not what you know, it's
what you do that counts."James said about the same thing, "What use is it, my
brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save
him?  If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,
and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet
you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even
so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.  But someone may well
say, 'You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works,
and I will show you my faith by my works.'  You believe that God is one. You
do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.  But are you willing to
recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?" (James
2:14-20, nas).This shows us that faith and works are not opposites.  They are
not contradictory.  Instead, they are complementary.  Faith is the mental part
of the equation; work is the physical part of the equation.  God isn't a
divine bell-hop.  Prayer isn't a magical incantation.  Faith isn't a gullible
attitude.  Paul said, "I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with
my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind" (I
Cor.  14:15).You see, mind, body and spirit must be integrated if we're to
achieve anything.  In the book "Chicken Soup for the Soul," Monty, is the son
of a poor itinerant horse trainer.  Once he was asked to write a paper about
what he wanted to be when he grew up.He described his goal of someday owning a
horse ranch.  He wrote about his dream in great detail, drawing a diagram
showing the location of the buildings and stables.  He even included the floor
plan of a beautiful home. He really put his heart into the project, but when
he got his paper back it was marked with a big red "F."  The teacher
explained,  "This is an unrealistic dream for a young boy like you.  You have
no money.  You come from an uneducated family.  You have no resources.  Owning
a horse ranch requires buying the land and paying for the breeding stock.
There's no way you could ever do that.  If you want to rewrite this paper with
a more realistic goal, I will reconsider your grade."Monty thought for a long
time. Finally, he turned in the original paper with no changes, saying, "You
can keep the 'F.'  I'll keep the dream."Today, after years of hard work, Monty
Roberts lives on that ranch, in that house.  And that school paper is framed
and hanging over his fireplace.Yes, faith involves both dreams and deeds.  So,
let's analyze F-A-I-T-H.

 THE "F" IN FAITH STANDS FOR FACTS.That means the accomplishment must be
possible.  John said, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that
if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us" (I John
5:14)."According to his will," means in agreement with universal principles.
Jesus didn't expect God to change the laws of gravity when Satan dared him to
jump off the pinnacle of the temple. "According to  His will," means "In line
with reality."  It's not like the prayer of the little girl who said, "Please
God, make Boston the capitol of Vermont, 'cause that's what I put on the
test." That's not possible because it's not a factual statement.  Our belief
system must not be based on fiction.The "F" in faith stands for facts.

THE "A" IN FAITH STANDS FOR ACTION.We must do what we can to achieve it.
James said, "What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he
has no works? Can that faith save him?" (James 2:14,nas).The "work" is our
part of the covenant. Once a hungry man dreamed he saw a shop with a sign that
read, "Ask and ye shall receive!"  Delighted, he entered and demanded a loaf
of sliced bread."  "You don't understand," the clerk replied.  "God provides
the resources, not the finished product.  He gives wheat seeds, not baked
loaves."Jesus didn't expect God to turn rocks into rolls when he was hungry.
Yes, there was manna in the wilderness, but the Israelites had to gather it
and prepare it for food.  Faith must have feet!    The "A" in faith stands for
Action.

THE "I" IN FAITH STANDS FOR INTEREST.We must really desire it.  Paul said,
"But eagerly desire the greater gifts . . ." (I Cor.  12:31). Having an
earnest desire is more than just having a passing fancy.  Someone said, "If we
could accurately measure desire, we could accurately predict success."  In
other words, if you want it badly enough, you can get it.  Once a young man
seeking spiritual insight traveled to India.  The sage he met took him to the
River Ganges.   The youth expected a mystical ritual, but instead the wise man
held him under the water until he finally struggled to the surface gasping in
desperation. "Now," the sage said, "when you want enlightenment as much as you
wanted air, you'll find it."Faith rewards sincere seekers.The "I" in faith
stands for interest.

THE "T" IN FAITH STANDS FOR TALENT.We must have the ability to do it.  Paul
said, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's
gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his  faith" (Rom.
12:6).Once a king asked a poor subject for a contribution.  The man was
reluctant, so he only gave the king 3 pennies.  That night when he opened his
money bag, there were 3 pieces of gold.  "Oh, My!" he said, "I wish I had
given him all my coins."Yes, God can do great things, but He can only use what
we give Him.  Faith requires us to go with our strengths and use our
skills!The "T" in faith stands for Talents.

THE "H" IN FAITH STANDS FOR HOPE.We must have confidence and expectations of
victory.  The writer of Hebrews said, "Faith is being sure of what we hope for
and certain of what we do not see" (Heb.  11:1).It's easy to have faith when
things are going well.  But there are times in everyone's life when we have to
"fly blind."  A pilot making a landing in low visibility knows the land is
there, but he can't see it.  He must trust his instruments to navigate for
him.And so it is with us, when things aren't what we'd like them to be.  We
know that life is in process, and on its way to greater good.  We just can't
see that.  During those times we must rely on our spiritual radar to navigate
for us.   Jesus said, "Because you have seen me, you have believed blessed are
those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29)."During the time
of the darkest night," says the Talmud, "act as if the morning has already
come."The "H" in faith stands for Hope.
A mother said, "My son Bill, celebrated a birthday.  Several of his friends
asked eagerly,  "What did you get?"  "Two books, a new shirt, an airplane and
a camera," he told them.The next morning I reminded him, "Billy, you don't
have a camera.  No one has given you a camera."Well, maybe not yet; but
Grandma called yesterday and told me she was giving me a camera for my
birthday," he insisted.  "So, I really do own one." And he kept calmly
claiming that camera until it actually came a week later.That's faith.  Billy
believed he had that camera whether he could see it or not because he knew his
grandmother always kept her word.  God's promises, like Grandma's are
absolutely trustworthy.James said, "When he asks, he must believe and not
doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by
the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord"
(James 1:6-7).Again, this belief doesn't mean the anticipation of fantastic,
unreasonable rewards; or manifestations out of the blue.  Instead, it includes
recognizing reality, exercising determination, knowing our desires, using our
abilities and keeping an optimistic outlook.There's a big difference between
magic and miracles.   Magic is expected when we tell God what we want Him to
do for us.  Miracles occur when we ask God what we can do for him.  Magic
wants to change things.   Miracles always change us.  The poet James Bowman
wrote a poem which says:

I asked for bread and got a stone
With which to grind the grain,
That made the flour to form the bread
That I could not obtain.

Instead of asking Him to give
The things for which we pray,
All that we need to ask from God
Is this: "Show us the way."

So faith is based on Facts, Action, Interest, Talents and Hope.  Any other
kind of faith would make us helpless and keep us immature.  Monterey,
California once had a thriving fishing industry. Fishermen hauled in  tons of
sardines.  They sold them to a big cannery right there by the bay.There was
also a huge colony of pelicans in Monterey.   Now, pelicans ordinarily feed
themselves by swooping down low over the water, and scooping up fish in their
bills.  But these pelicans were different.  They didn't have to fly and hunt.
They could eat their fill of fish heads and scraps dropped over the sides of
the fishing boats.They had it made!  There was an abundance of food and the
birds were all well fed and happy.But, when World War II began, the fishermen
left and the cannery was closed. Now, the pelicans had a problem. A whole
generation didn't know how to fish. Why should they fly and swoop when there
was plenty of food lying on the surface of the water, right in the harbor?
The  birds began to starve to death.  People tried to feed them, but it wasn't
enough. Soon scores of bodies were lying all over the place.  You see, we can
have too much done for us!  If everything we need is given to us we won't grow
or learn.  Solomon said, "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads
only to poverty" (Prov. 14:23).Paul said, "When we were with you, we gave you
this rule: 'If a man will not work, he shall not eat' " (II Thess. 3:10).James
said, "But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your
faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  "Know, O vain
man; be assured that faith without deeds is worthless?" (James 2:18,20).Faith
can't make impossible things happen; but if it's possible, faith makes it
probable; and if it's probable, faith makes it certain.

FACTS
ACTION
INTEREST
TALENT.
HOPE
 

THE DOCTRINE OF RECONCILIATION
Delivered August 20, 2000

The story is told about a Spanish father and son who had disagreed so
violently that the son ran away from home.  Two years later the father heard
that his son was in Madrid. Wishing to reconcile with him, the father took out
an ad in the newspaper.  It read, "Paco,  Meet me at Hotel Montana, noon
Tuesday.  All is forgiven.  Papa."  When the father got to the square where
the hotel was located, he found almost a hundred young men named Paco, all
waiting to be reconciled with their fathers.You see, everyone yearns for
reconciliation.  Everyone longs for the forgiveness, peace and unity that
reconciliation brings.  Everyone wants things to be okay again between them
and another person or them and God.  This is what Paul meant when he said,
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ. For if, when we were God's enemies, we were
reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been
reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  Not only is this so, but we
also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now
received reconciliation" (Rom. 5:1,10-11).Reconciliation must do more than
just abolish sin and relieve guilt.  It must add a positive element to our
lives.  For instance, in the First World War, the allied armies defeated the
Kaiser, but soon Hitler, who was worse came in.  The Pharisees of Jesus' day
cast out the gross sins, but then self-righteousness and pride took over.  You
see, moral reform is good, as far as it goes; but to stop there results in
failure.  Reconciliation indicates harmony and agreement.  A woman told a
story that illustrates this concept.  She said, "While visiting a lodge in the
mountains, my husband and I found a row of rocking chairs on the porch.  We
settled into a couple and started to rock.  Soon more guests joined us until
six chairs were rocking.  I couldn't help but notice how "out of sync" the
chairs were.  Like a row of pistons moving up and down, each had a different
rhythm.  But then, something fascinating began to happen.  Gradually the
chairs fell into exactly the same rhythm.  I said, 'Look, how our chairs are
all moving together.' The man on my right, who happened to be a research
scientist, explained; 'Sure!  If you hang several pendulums on a wall and give
them enough time, they will do the same thing.  Even insects that chirp or
blink will eventually fall into unison.  It's known as entrainment.  It means
that two or more rhythmic beings will gradually alter their movements until
they are locked together in the same rhythm.'As we rocked on, I thought about
this unusual phenomenon that God has designed into His universe.  I believe He
has instilled the same mystery in the human heart.  If we spend time in God's
presence, our life rhythm will gradually fall into alignment with His."To
experience reconciliation, we must end our resistance to change and begin our
orientation to spirituality.  As we learn God's laws and modify our outlook,
we adjust our view of the world.  This process of adjustment leads to orderly
growth.  We are able to discover our purpose and find our place in the
universe.Now let's consider how the doctrine of reconciliation can affect our
daily lives.

I.  FIRST, HOW DOES THE  DOCTRINE OF RECONCILIATION  ENRICH US PERSONALLY?Paul
said, "God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him
to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in
heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.  Once you were
alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil
behavior.  But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through
death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from
accusation-- " (Col. 1;19-22).Notice the words: "alienated from God", and
"enemies in your minds."Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.  A business
woman, who had goofed with a client, went into the empty ladies' room at work.
 She said, "I was frowning at myself in the mirror and muttering, 'You dope!
You numbskull!  You idiot!'  Just then a co-worker walked in, heard me and
looked around, shocked.  'Who are you talking to?'  'Just myself,' I admitted
sheepishly.My friend was aghast.  'Would you dream of talking to somebody else
that way?'  When I shook my head negatively, she said, 'Remember, it says in
the Bible, "Love your neighbor as yourself."  It doesn't say, "better than
yourself."   Never treat yourself any worse than you would treat another human
being.  Running yourself down is an insult to the One Who created you.'When
she left, I thought about how often I put myself down, how often I mercilessly
criticize the way I look or act.  It seems as if I have a little scorekeeper
in my head, who only keeps track of the things I do wrong!"You see, God isn't
in conflict with us.  We are in conflict with ourselves.  Reconciliation
gradually brings inner peace.  But strangely enough, this can create a
problem.  Most of us are unaccustomed to having a calm and quiet mind.  We
actually feel uncomfortable with tranquility.  We have become so used to
turmoil and dissonance that anything else seems abnormal.  But it's not!
Isaiah said, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you" (Isa. 26:3).The doctrine of reconciliation
emphasizes harmony and accord outwardly.  It emphasizes fulfillment and
satisfaction inwardly.  A famous man said, "If we have not peace within
ourselves, it is in vain to seek it elsewhere."The doctrine of reconciliation
enriches us personally by eliminating our inner conflicts.

II.  NEXT, HOW DOES THE DOCTRINE OF  RECONCILIATION IMPROVE OUR RELATIONSHIPS
WITH OTHERS?

As human beings we are inter-dependent.  A traveler to Africa told of seeing a
herd of buffalo.  He said, "The herd was packed together in a tight circle,
forming one solid mass of muscle and horns.  I waited, frozen, afraid even to
blink.  Finally, satisfied that the danger had passed, the animals began to
break ranks and meander over the hill top.  We went up to where they had
formed that group and saw blood-streaked blades of grass.  The guide said,
'Lions must have recently attacked this herd.  Alone they are no match for a
pride of hungry lions.  Together, however, they invincible!'

 That is why Jesus formed a band of disciples.  That's why Paul called us to
be "workers together."  Alone we are vulnerable.  But, together we become
invincible.

Paul said, "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ
and gave us the ministry of reconciliation" (II.  Cor.  5:18).The ministry of
reconciliation is one of the most important of all ministries.  If we're
reconciled with God, we will get along with our fellow man.  John said,
"Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has
eternal life in him" (I John 3:15).On the other hand, if a person gets along
with his fellow man, that shows that he is reconciled with God.  Again, John
said, "This is how we   know who the children of God are . . ." (I John 3:10).
 "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers
. . ." (I John 3:14).Peacemakers are doing God's work.  They heal hurts and
bring people together.  An old poem says:

He drew a circle and left me out---
A heretic, rebel, thing to flout.
But love and I had the wit to win.
We drew a circle and took him in.

Someone said, "Christians may not see eye to eye, but they can walk arm in
arm."That's the ministry of reconciliation.  Paul describes Jesus' mission to
unite people.  "He himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has
destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his
flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create
in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body
to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death
their hostility.  He came and preached peace to you who were far away and
peace to those who were near.  For through him we both have access to the
Father by one Spirit.  Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens,
but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household" (Eph.
2:14-19).The doctrine of reconciliation improves our relationships with others
by eliminating exclusiveness.

III.  FINALLY, HOW DOES THE DOCTRINE OF RECONCILIATION PROMOTE THE KINGDOM.The
future depends on united efforts.  Paul said, "God was reconciling the world
to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has
committed to us the message of reconciliation.  We are therefore Christ's
ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you
on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God" (II Cor 5:19-20).We are now the
agents of reconciliation.  Achieving peace on earth is up to us.  That's a
tough assignment; but remember, together, one person and God are a majority.
An athlete recalled a significant event.  He said, "Once an NBA rookie played
on the team with superstar Michael Jordan.  During one particular game Jordan
went wild and scored a magnificent sixty-eight points.  The rookie rode the
bench until the last minutes of the game.  Finally, the coach graciously sent
him in and he made a single free throw.  When interviewed in the post-game
show, the rookie was very pleased with himself, "Together," he said.  "Michael
Jordan and I scored sixty-nine points."Likewise, as we work together in areas
of teaching and healing and worship, God allows us to share in His victory.
An old, old story illustrates this concept: They say once, Antar, the famous
Arabian poet, was traveling through the desert.  The sun became extremely hot
and he was famished for water.  When great effort and sheer will-power he
continued his journey until he reached an oasis.  But, when he tried to draw
water from the well, he discovered that his rope was not long enough to reach
the bottom.  In despair, he was resigned to die, when he spied a cloud of dust
on the horizon.  He began to wonder it this were friend or foe.  He watched
the cloud intently until he saw at last a chieftain of an enemy tribe.
Ignoring the dying poet, this Bedouin tried his rope, but it was not long
enough to reach the water either.  Finally, the two were willing to put their
hostilities aside and one said to the other, "Tie your rope to mine and then
we can both quench our thirst."  Soon the bucket was drawn from the well
brimming with sparkling water.  The lesson is apparent: There is value in
co-operation.The doctrine of reconciliation promotes the Kingdom by motivating
us toward productive co-operation.Are you letting the doctrine of
reconciliation affect your life in a positive way?  Does it give you inner
peace?  Does it help you with interpersonal relationships?   Does it encourage
you to work for social and spiritual progress?  That's important, because the
world is too small today for anything but brotherhood!

WHAT'S NEW?

E-MAIL SERMON SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE: If you like our sermons, you may obtain
one EVERY week by sending us your E-mail address.  I have a little over 200 on
my mailing list so far.  It's easy cancel if you find it's not for you.

So far we have sent 15 messages.  Previous messages are available also.

To obtain current messages, log on to our church Website:
www.ForMinistry.com/74740FBC
 

NEW PERSPECTIVES BY E-MAIL
Sorry I didn't think of it before.  I got an E-mail from a friend who
suggested it.

E-BOOKS:
Spiritual Vandalism is now available in E-book format from:
http://buffalo-creek-press.com Price: $8.00.
 

ORDERING POLICY

Those who have ordered books from us  are aware of the fact that we give a
hefty 50% discount.  Why?  Well, there's a good reason:  We signed a contract
with Amazon.com which requires a 50% discount; and we have to pay shipping.
Under the old prices, I was not even able to recover my costs.  Amazon.com
requires this of me; but they have no clause in their contract which says I
can't give my customers the same consideration.

Our best seller with Amazon.com was "A Time To Weep," so we decided to make
this book of funeral messages available in perfect binding.  It's not my
favorite but then, I'm not the one searching for sources of good material.
 

MY POINT OF VIEW:   By Miles Wesner

Traditional Christianity has identified the Gospel as the death, burial and
resurrection of Christ.  But Jesus' teachings do not consistently support this
doctrine.  In fact, as early as Jeremiah's time, the sacrificial system was
being questioned.  It was not meant to be the center of religious experience.
"When I brought your forefathers out of Egypt and spoke to them, I did not
just give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices, but I gave them
this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk
in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you.  But they did not
listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of
their evil hearts . . . When you tell them all this, they will not listen to
you . . . Therefore say to them . . . Truth has perished; it has vanished from
their lips " (Jer. 7:22-23,25,27-28).

Things haven't changed much.  We still don't obey.  We still don't listen.
And when someone points out deficiencies, they are ignored.

It's no wonder Jesus said, "Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the
kingdom of God ahead of you" (Matt. 21:31).  Today, I would paraphrase this:
"Even the secular humanists and homosexuals are entering the kingdom ahead of
you."

Paul centered his message on the sacrificial motif because the Jews had to get
past this before they could grow.

It's unfortunate that the psychological sciences had to develop outside
Christianity, because they were not allowed to grow within Christianity.  For
2000 years we've been so "hung up" on sacrifices-the death burial and
resurrection theme, that we've neglected the more urgent needs of mankind.

The writer of Hebrews advised us to: "Leave the elementary teachings about
Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance
from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,  instruction about
baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal
judgment" (Heb. 6:11).

The death, burial and resurrection may be necessary for those who are so
immature and guilt ridden that they can't get their lives together until they
can feel forgiven.  But God doesn't play the blame game.  He forgives and
forgets our negative past, and when we understand the reasons for our negative
behavior we can develop a more positive outlook and get on with our lives.

If reason rather than superstition had been allowed to dictate the direction
of our religion, psychology would have predated Augustine.

Religion, as we know it, might not have survived without the superstition of
an earlier age, but truth would have survived.  Superstition has preserved too
much of ancient religion, and those of us who want to get past it are
considered heretics.  Even when I point out "Scriptural" justification for my
insights, I get little positive response. It's hard to "swim  upstream" but
it's necessary if we expect to be relevant in the 21st century.

If the death, burial and resurrection of Christ was relevant, I would have no
trouble emphasizing  it; but I see so many other problems facing this
generation.  We say, "Christ is the answer"; but don't even know what the
question is.

Somehow we've gotten the idea that the Gospel has to be mysterious.  If that
was true then witchcraft would be logical.  We reject witchcraft, but keep all
the other religious "science fictions" of the rapture, tribulation, beasts,
tongues, etc.  We spend so much time dealing with these "marginal issues" that
we don't have time to deal with the real issues of life.

Faith in Christ is not believing that "the blood of Christ cleanses us from
all sin."  Faith in Christ is believing that his teachings provide the best
way of living our life.  Jesus said, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do
not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46)

Billions of people have faith in the efficacy of Christ's death; but few
follow his teachings.  Many have believed the traditional doctrines, but their
lives have been so destructive that their very names are synonymous with
evil-Kaiser Wilhelm, Hitler, Stalin, etc.  If these men had followed the
teachings of Christ, it would have been a different story.

A song says, "There's no cross for you to die on.  It's been done for you and
me!"  That's not true!  There is a cross for us to bear; and anyone who
follows truth will be crucified; but it's a price worth paying.

My concept of truth may be faulty but Jesus said, "Whoever lives by the truth
comes into the light . . ."(John 3:21);  "Blessed are those who hunger and
thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are those who are
persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"
(Matt. 5:6,10).

In other words, those who have a passion for truth will recognize and follow
truth when they become aware of it.  Those who are open will automatically
correct their course in life.

Now, nearly every group: Christians, Muslims, Hindus, etc. feel that their way
is the only way to "salvation.  I'm no exception.  I believe the only way "to
be saved" (to make my life a positive contribution to God and mankind) is to
follow truth.

I realize that I do not have "all the truth"; but when I see it, I will follow
it.  I even believe one must be "baptized" in order to be saved; but that
baptism has nothing to do with a tub of water.  I believe one must be so
dedicated to (immersed in)  truth, that every deed is predicated upon it.  The
guiding principle of one's life must be truth, and the only test truth must
meet is the test of love.  As Christ commanded, "Love one another" (John
15:21). As Paul said, "Speak the truth in love" (see Eph. 4:15); and as John
said, "Everyone who loves is born of God" (I John 4:7).

Christianity has not been tried and found wanting.  It has not been tried.
 

WHY STAY WITHIN THE CHURCH

Did Jesus agree with all the teachings and doctrines of his religious
tradition?  Of course not!   But, did Jesus leave in a huff and refuse to
worship in the Synagogue?  Of course not!

Instead, he stayed within and effected change.  It would be so easy to do what
atheists and secular humanists do- repudiate, condemn and abandon the church.
But that's not the wisest response.

Sure those who have been hurt by its ignorance and intolerance; and those who
have seen the great damage caused by its superstition and guilt producing
doctrines, find the urge to attack and destroy tempting.  Tempting, but not
productive.

Let's be objective.  Even with all its faults, organized religion still has a
powerful influence on the great majority of human beings.  Therefore,
modifying it, adapting it and using it is much more logical than abolishing
it.

The church can be an effective vehicle for ongoing adult education.  It
reaches people no other institution will reach.  The church can be a stable
support group for those in crises.  We're "herd animals" and we do need each
other.  The church can be an agency to provide practical therapy for the large
numbers of people who can't afford or won't seek psychological help.  The
church can offer safe and moral social activities for young people and
families.  The church can be a means to extend benevolence in both physical
and emotional areas.

You see, religious organizations are ready made channels to meet many needs
and provide many vital services.  Let's not dismantle and destroy!  Let's not
"throw  the baby out with the bath water."  Let's not eliminate the good along
with the bad.  Instead, let's stay within and effect change.
 

WHY AM I A BAPTIST

I am a Baptist for several reasons:

1.  First. My parents were Baptists.  My  father was one of the greatest men I
ever knew.  My mother invented Fundamentalism.  I loved her but think  she had
her priorities wrong.

2.  Second, I was raised in a fundamentalist church and bought it "hook, line
and sinker.

3.  Third, being raised in the "Bible belt," most of my public school teachers
were also my SS teachers.  They taught me that if someone shows you a better
way, you will be wise to follow it.  This became a guiding principle of my
life. (I even remember the first time I verbalized this as an adolescent).

4.  I was educated by Baptists.  I attended Oklahoma Baptist University for as
long as I could finance it.  Then, I transferred to a state university, where
a large percentage of my professors were also Baptists.

Later I attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  I loved it.
However, while there, a few cracks began to show up in my Baptist shell.  When
I questioned certain beliefs and practices, or suggested new ways of looking
at things, I was informed that "Good Baptists aren't supposed to think that
way."

I lacked only 6 hours of course work when I ran out of money and enthusiasm,
at about the same time, and dropped out.  I taught school and attended
seminary in the summers; but the course work I needed was offered only in the
fall and spring semesters.  In addition, my advisors told me that I could not
begin my doctoral program until I completed those requisite courses.  (In a
secular university I had been permitted to work on my Masters while I
completed the last 2 hours required for my bachelors degree.

My withdrawal from Fundamentalism was every bit as traumatic as a drug addict
withdrawing from hard drugs.  I suffered such severe depression that if I
hadn't had a family who loved me, I probably would have committed suicide.  I
confided this to a person I thought was my friend and he said, "It's a pity
you didn't succeed."

After a life-threatening accident, my wife, who had never been a
fundamentalist, gave me guidance and support.  From then until now I have had
few bouts with depression.  I became a "liberal" and have never regretted it.
If going to the Fundamentalist's "hell" is the price I must pay for my liberty
and peace of mind, I will gladly pay.  I am no longer an addict of
Fundamentalism.  Instead, I am a follower of truth.

I can remember preaching (even as a fundamentalist), "If you do not believe
what I preach is the truth, you have an obligation to reject it." "The Bereans
were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the
message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if
what Paul said was true" (Acts 17:11).

I really think that this philosophy saved my life.  It is one of the few
principles from my fundamentalist days that I still espouse.  I guess, in that
sense, I've always had a "liberal" streak in me.
 

LETTERS:

Dear Miles and Maralene,

At one time I purchased a book about the "unforgivable sin: Blasphemy of the
Holy Spirit."  I gave the one I had away and need more copies.  Barbara Allen,
Burt Lake MI

If you have an email edition of New Perspectives, it would save you cost and I
would be delighted to receive it in that form.  I enjoy reading it.   Dr.
Larry McSwain, Destin, FL

Thanks for sending me your New Perspectives in April.  My wife and I are
landscape gardeners. . . I took them with me and read them at lunch and
whenever I had a few minutes to spare.  If possible, could you send me the
ones I missed between now and then.
Also, thanks for the book "What's Your S.Q." . . . I would be interested in
purchasing other books, but either I didn't get a price list, or I lost it. .
. I'm enclosing some money, send me as much Liberal Christianity as it will
buy.
Thanks for printing Gene Garrison's letter.  We worked for them for a short
while before they moved to North Carolina.  They are two of the nicest people
we've ever worked for.  He suggested I subscribe to Baptist Today which is
where I saw your ad.  I'm glad I followed up on his suggestion.  Wayne
Chambers, Midwest City, OK

I believe we met at a CBF meeting sometime.  I'm currently pastor of an open
and welcoming American Baptist Church  in Austin, TX.  Just wanted to thank
you for your "Observations" column on inclusion of all Christians in the
church.  It was well thought out and good to hear that word from my home
state.
I'm working on an essay to be submitted for a national publication on the
subject. If it doesn't go anywhere, I'll be sending it out for distribution
and will send you a copy.  Mary Zimmer, Cedar Park, TX

(ED: I believe we may have met at the Alliance for Baptist Convocation in
Austin.  I haven't been to a CBF meeting in several years).

Thank you so much for all you do.  All of your writings are so helpful! Our
prayers and endeavors are with you as you seek to "change the direction of
organized religion."  Please add my name to receive your E-mail Sermons
Service.  Robert Brubaker, Lynchburg, VA
 

New Perspectives is an organ of Diversity Press, published quarterly.  It's
purpose is to promote the products of Diversity Press (a self-publishing
enterprise), and the liberal theological views of Miles and Maralene Wesner.
No advertisements are accepted.  Original material is copyrighted.  Please
give credit in published works.

Subscription is FREE upon request.  Foreign subscriptions are reduced by 50%
to minimize shipping.

Letters to the Editor: will be edited to fit space.  Please indicate if you do
not wish your letter printed.