We're All In This Togeather

Yesterday I was at a study when I heard a remark that rubbed me the wrong way. Someone said that nonbelievers had no basis for determining right and wrong. Really? Just what does it take to know murder, theft, adultery and telling lies is a bad thing. I don't have to know the 10 commandments to know that. These things are fairly self-evident.

What bothers me is how this argument sets up the Us vs Them philosophy. People who go to church are automatically better than those who don't. No wonder fewer people claim to be Christian. There are times I am ashamed of the word "Christian".

Unlike the religious people of His day, Jesus didn't have a problem associating with sinners. I am a Transwoman who has a certain degree acceptance where I worship. What if I were a Lesbian? Would that make a difference? Would I be one of those "unclean" individuals that didn't belong in the house of God? If I am outside the love of God, what makes anyone else believe they are on the inside?

We are all in this together. The only thing that separates us from nonbelievers is that our lives are pointed in a different direction. Otherwise we are the same sort of people and share the same problems and enjoy the same love of the Father.

Jesus Loves Me?

Love is a curious word. We love our boyfriends / girlfriends. We love sports. We love our friends. We "make love". In each case the context determines the meaning of the word "love". Were we to use the original language of the scriptures, we would have five different words that are commonly translated as "love". Notice what happens in Peter's dialog with Jesus when the words are changed slightly account for what was actually being said.

Jesus: Do you love me Peter?
Peter: I am your friend.
Jesus: Do you love me Peter?
Peter: You know I am your friend.
Jesus: Are you really  my friend?

From childhood I heard "Jesus Love Me", but there are too many times I cannot believe it. It just seem inconceivable at times that I would experience the degree of loneliness and pain I do if God really cared. No Jesus, you don't love me. There, I have said what I have felt all too often.

Of course, I am not going to get away that easily. Jesus, you know I am right. You are not a good parent. You don't protect me from bad things and you don't rush in to comfort me when I need it. You're not a good friend either. I mean why couldn't you have been around those time when I needed someone to talk to, someone who talks back that is. As far as being a companion... I don't even want to go there.

What did you say? You never promised me any of these things? What do you mean I don't understand what you are trying to say to me? What about Peter? Well, when you said "love", I thought you meant... At least that is what I wanted Well, I don't know if I can do that. Its kind of hard and... You will? Maybe I was wrong, sorry... What? I'm not sure.  We'll see.