Wednesday, August 09, 2006

This is My Body ...

Awhile ago at church my four year old daughter Gwen asked me, "Mom, is it time to eat the body of Christ?". Ewwwww! It sounded so barbaric spoken that way. Adults don't usually refer to it so bluntly. We talk about it as receiving communion or the bread. And we can quickly translate to something symbolic, but children don't do that, so it must sound crazy to them. I also know that in John 6 Christ's talk of eating his flesh tripped up some of his followers and caused them to walk away.

So what of all this? Is it only symbolic? Some believe it actually becomes the body and blood of Christ. Should we soften how we talk about it so that it doesn't sound like we are being cannibals or should it make us uncomfortable? I keep meaning to spend some time reflecting on this because I think there is meaning to be had here. I thought maybe instead I would throw it out for feedback from others. Do any of you have any thoughts on this?

Friday, May 06, 2005

I exist in the realm of stupid people :o)

I saw a movie, the other night, about quatum physics which was pretty thought-provoking and full of things probably beyond my realm of intelligence. It did provide some pretty cool things to think about and I am sure there is truth in there, though some of the conclusions people seem to draw off of it were hard for me to buy (for more reasons than just an offense to basic christian thought).

One thing in the movie that I have been thinking about is a lady at the end said something to the effect that we are not good or bad, we are god, there no judgment for things done wrong, etc. etc. Nice thoughts ,and for me, I believe, there are strong elements of the truth in there, but if there is no price to pay for bad things then why did Christ have to suffer and die?

I suppose this movie might say that he only had to suffer and die in the realm of the reality of people who need that or choose that. And "I am sure" those realities are less evolved (i.e. realms of stupid people). Or maybe the history of Christ's followers just misunderstood and got it all wrong. Maybe his death wasn't a sacrifice but that is just how they interpreted it to fit their needs. Hmmm. And of course I won't try to go see what Christ (or his followers) said about his own death in scriptures because that's going to bring about a whole lot more for me to blog about.

I guess for now I will suffice to say that I exist in the realm of stupid people and need a savior for my shortcomings and need a god to make me whole. It would be nice if there is no hell but I myself, in my realm, cannot throw that concept out just because it is uncomfortable and is hard to reconcile with a god who is love. I am sure I do not fully understand it and I am okay to be uncomfortable with it and still be convinced god is very loving!!! Cheers!