WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

Somewhere on our vacation trip of almost 4000 miles through parts of Heaven’s Half Acre visiting family and friends I came across one of those church signs that caught my attention. More than that it actually forced me to think about the message being conveyed, which, I will admit, obviously accomplished its purpose. The sign read: “It’s not about religion. It’s about relationships.”

   It is, isn’t it? When it is all said and done, our relationship with another is more important than the differences we may have on faith issues, even fundamental faith issues. Want proof? Think of the families we know, perhaps even our own family, where religious differences are all over the spectrum even to the point of a brother thinking his sister is a heretic. Yet nothing can or will come between them because they are related.

 

   Yes, each would like the other to believe as s/he does. But that may not and perhaps will not happen until hell freezes over. In the meantime those icy religious differences are melted because of the warmth of their love one for another. They simply agree to disagree, agreeing only to model their own faith in the hope that the other will eventually see the light.

   This is not to downplay the importance of faith. Our personal faith guides and rules our lives whether we realize that truth or not. If another wants to know what we truly believe, if we want to know what we truly believe, all that needs to be done is for someone to videotape our life for one week. When that tape is played back and reviewed, what we believe about God, about Jesus, about the statements in the Creed will become crystal clear to one and all. Faith is a lived faith or it is no faith at all. Religion is not a belief system. It is a life system.

   We can discuss our faith till the cows come home; we can argue about it until we are hoarse; we can study it until we can read and think no more; and well we should, at least on occasion. What is most important, however, is how we live out what we believe; and we live out what we believe in our relationships one with another. Even after we are too tired and too worn out, even when we still do not understand why the other believes as s/he does or even why we believe as we do, what remains, what is constant, is the relationship we still have that holds us together. In fact, it may now be even stronger than ever because we have at least heard each other out.

   What is true within our nuclear family is just as true in our church family where, as we are all quite aware, differences of belief are also present. No two people believe exactly alike simply because no two people are exactly alike. It is our relationship as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ and not the total agreement on matters of our religion that is the tie that binds. Keeping that bond, that relationship, strong is what following Jesus is all about. Severing that bond, even loosening that relationship in the name of religion leaves everyone out in the cold.    
          
   If you have ever been curious about the ins and outs of the Episcopal Church, here is your chance to finally learn more. We’re hosting a new and exciting program called Via Media that promises to shine light on everything you have felt you have been left in the dark about. We are offering two opportunities to learn more about your faith with Via Media, an educational tool meant to keep members of the Episcopal Church informed about their faith and give seekers the opportunity to learn about the Episcopal Church. With insightful videos featuring well-known theologians and open discussion, the Via Media approach is a unique way to get people passionate and excited about the Episcopal tradition.

   Sunday mornings, Sept. 12 through Oct. 31, from 9 - 10:15 in the Library.

   Thursday evenings, Sept. 16 through Oct. 28; 6:15 to 8 in the parlor beginning with a light meal. Nursery care provided.

   In order to know how many booklets to prepare, we need those interested in participating to sign up. Call the office or sign up at the entrance of the church by Sept. 9. Bring a friend!