This Wednesday night we will begin our summer study at May Memorial. During this study we will think together about cults and non-traditional Christian groups. We will have our first session at May Memorial this week, and then through the summer we will go on several “field trips” to visit non-traditional Christian places of worship. As we engage in this learning experience, I hope a couple of things are accomplished.
First, I hope we we understand more clearly what we believe as Christians. What is it that a community must believe, must confess, must do, to be Christian? What are the essentials for a Christian Church in faith and practice? I hope we get better clarity about what it means to be Christian.
Second, I hope we learn more about those who worship and serve in non-traditional Christian settings. We live in a nation that guarantees religious freedom, so we share our community with those who are free to practice religion as their conscience leads them. Many Christians have questions about Mormonism, or Christian Science, and this is a good time to learn about the people who are in these traditions.
As we go on our “field trips,” I go with these ideas in mind:
First, I go with the belief that every person we encounter is loved by God and is looking for their spiritual and religious needs to be met. Every person should be treated with dignity, respect, and kindness.
Second, we can learn best about the beliefs and practices of others by talking directly to them, not listening to what someone says about them. More information is always good.
Third, someone stating that their faith is Christian does not mean that it is so. Christianity is not simply what someone defines it to be “for themself.” While there is great diversity within Church, that diversity is not limitless, and individuals nor communities are not free to change certain beliefs and practices and a community remain Christian. In our relativistic culture it is not uncommon to hear someone say that “this is my truth.” There may be a correct usage of this phrase, but when it comes to Christianity, it is not simply “my truth” as I see and interpret it. It is a faith that is centered on the Living Word of God, Jesus Christ, and is passed down to us. A Christian demonstration of kindness and respect for the sake of learning does not imply approval or acceptance of beliefs and practices outside of Christianity.
I hope you will join us for the summer study, it will be engaging, informative, and a great time to build community within our church and with those outside of our faith tradition.
Wednesday, June 4, 6:30 p.m.
May Memorial Baptist Church
Wednesday, June 26, 6:30 p.m.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
1957 Capeway Road, Powhatan
Wednesday, July 10, 6:30 p.m.
Unity Church of Bon Air
923 Buford Road, Richmond, 23235
Wednesday, July 17, 6:00 p.m. (this time is different than other Wednesdays)
Second Church of Christ, Scientist
8791 River Road, Richmond, 23229