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By Jo Gamm Witt
Some denominations practice what they call “close communion,” disallowing those who are not part of their denomination to partake of communion. I’m familiar with a pastor who so rigidly adheres to this practice, that he alienated a visitor to their service by not allowing him to partake when he went forward for communion. The pastor chose rules over love. It wasn’t the pastor’s place to judge the visitor’s heart—it was his place to show him love by allowing the man to partake of the meaningful experience that he sought. What impression did that leave in the mind of the visitor? Why would he ever return to that church or any church, out of fear of being rejected and turned away due to firm adherence to rules over love? Why would he even choose to be a Christian, when a Christian and a pastor nonetheless had turned him away from a meaningful Christian experience? What would Jesus have done? Jesus didn't just hang out with his own group of people—Jesus hung out with those viewed as sinners, EVEN sharing a meal with them. Jesus never taught exclusivity.
Some denominations treat women as if they are lesser than men. I have to ask myself why any woman would allow herself to be a part of any religion, denomination, or congregation that treats her as having lesser value or worth than a man. Women served in leadership roles in the bible, even in the Old Testament. But if we’re looking to the bible for direction, we also need to consider the bible not only within the context of the time and culture in which it was written, but also in regards to all of it being translated (not necessarily exactly) and much of it not being written down point-in-time, but rather written down later. Women are no less intelligent, nor less wise than men. And women have been equally effective leading congregations in denominations that allow them to serve in such roles. Are religions, denominations, and churches who treat women as subservient treating women with God’s love? Rather, they are choosing strict adherence to their rules. What would Jesus do?
Some denominations adhere to the belief that you must be baptized in order to go to heaven. A pastor was heavily pushing that idea to me a few years ago when I was exploring various denominations, and my Dad had a good comeback: he said that the thief on the cross wasn’t baptized, but Jesus told him “Today you will be with me in paradise.” It’s more about having a right heart, a spiritual connection with the Lord. Baptism is more of a public ceremony, and although no doubt meaningful to those who experience it, it by no means is REQUIRED in order to enter heaven. And some churches purport it must be an immersion baptism. And yes, that’s how it was originally done. But shouldn’t it be more about what’s in the heart? To exclude anyone or judge anyone based on whether they’ve been baptized or how they’ve been baptized is not showing God’s love and instead may turn some away. Personally I’m petrified of the water, having nearly drown as a teen, and although I was sprinkled in baptism when I was 10, I would never do the immersion experience. When strict adherence to rules turns others away, we are not showing God’s love.
Some denominations also push church attendance as if it’s a sin to not attend. When we look at the original Christian worship after Jesus’ ascension, it was small groups meeting in homes. Although in their time this was more practical, especially when their lives were constantly in danger just because of them being Jesus’ followers, so that they needed to worship in hiding. However, a lot can be said for meeting in small groups, in sharp contrast to large congregations or megachurches where few if any even know your name. Personally I and am more drawn to small congregations where people are more likely to actually get to know one another and to care about each other, to share ideas together, and to grow together in their Christian faith. “Church” has evolved to be in such contrast to the original church. Personally I am so turned off by ritualistic components of church services—none of that has any meaning for me. And some have more rituals in their worship than others. However, I also respect that what is meaningful for the individual worshipper is all that matters. And love dictates that we show respect to others as to what worship they find meaningful. Love dictates focusing on what unites us: our common belief in the Trinity. But if we also evaluate “worship” itself, what is our motive for attending church? True worship can be time alone spent between an individual and God and not involve other people at all. There is public worship, whereby we may be nourished by feeling a togetherness with other believers, and then there’s private worship, where we grow individually in our closeness and connection with God. For me I view the latter as more important. However, love dictates that we show respect for whatever is meaningful to each individual in their walk with the Lord.
Some denominations stress evangelism, and although seemingly well-intended, if not approached with love, may turn others off instead of drawing them to Christianity. I think this is especially true of those who use the bible against people. Bible passages need to be considered not only within the context of the writing, but also within the context of the culture in which they were written, in addition to it being translated writings that are not necessarily translated word-for-word exactly in meaning. That’s why for me I choose not to quote scriptures exactly, nor to adhere to any particular translation as being more accurate or “better” than another. I have studied and read through the bible many times, but the key word there is “studied.” I have studied the bible for meaning and thus am better able to apply its precepts, rather than just rotely quoting passages. And the key concept in studying how Jesus interacted with others is love. Numerous times when the Jewish leaders criticized Jesus as a rule breaker, he responded that treating others with love was the higher command. Are we showing others love when we judgingly accuse them of being sinners? As if we ourselves have not sinned? (Let he who is without sin cast the first stone, Jesus said). All have sinned and fallen short of being worthy of salvation, and yet God loved his created people enough to send his Son to die in our place—shouldn’t we in turn also show His mercy and love to everyone around us? And in showing them God’s love, they will come to know Him too.
The bible teaches us that one day all the various other spiritual gifts will end, but that love remains forever. The bible also tells us that God is love. And if God is love, we should be like Him by letting love guide all our actions in life.
Jesus taught us that love trumps all. May we be more like Him in how we treat everyone.
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