Sunday Summary: Science, Politics, & Muslims

SCIENCE:
In 1632, Galileo was ordered to Rome to stand trial. He was accused of heresy for claiming that the Sun was the center of the universe and that the Earth revolved around it. This opinion was contrary to the Christian religious doctrine of the day, and he was required to retract his statements and repudiate his findings. Galileo was sentenced to house arrest for the remainder of his life. His "Dialogue" was banned, and any future works were forbidden from publication.

But here we are, 381 years later, and Galileo's findings are undisputed and scientifically proven as fact.

There's a perception among some Christians that science (like evolution) shouldn't be believed or taught, for fear that it may disprove or debunk their beliefs. Cody used this anecdote on Sunday:

Treating the Bible as a scientific text is like...

"Trying to use a paint brush to drive screws into a wall."

It doesn't work. The Bible can be interpreted, not as a scientific text book, but as a story of God's people. Does science raise questions? Absolutely, but let those questions strengthen and affirm your faith, instead of destroy it.

Think of it like this: Henry Ford developed and manufactured the first automobile that was widely available to the American middle-class. His design and production methods revolutionized transportation and industry the world over. But does that mean Ford built every single automobile that rolled off the assembly line at the plant? No, but he (and his ideas) probably had an influence in the concept and manufacturing of the vehicles for many generations to come.

In the same way, perhaps it can be believed that God set the world into motion and that his fingerprints are all over the history of the Earth. Faith aims to teach us what our existence means. Science aims to help explain our universe.

POLITICS:
Scripture sometimes gives us reason to want to be politically active. Maybe we read a particularly moving passage and feel a call to make a difference and seek justice in the world. But, the political arena can get dirty at times. There is often "mud slinging" from both sides of the aisle. But this passage from Ephesians 4:29-32 addresses this:

"Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted. Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you."

You'll often hear one party or the other take a lesson from scripture and distort it to fit their agenda. However, using faith to promote hate misses the mark... by a long shot. Work for justice should be full of grace and love. Be peacemakers. Remember that your citizenship of the "Kingdom of God" takes precedence over your citizenship of any nation on Earth.

MUSLIMS (and other world religions):
Growing up in small town North Dakota, Cody explained he didn't experience much in the way of ethnic, cultural, or religious diversity. Many of us can probably relate. But, in attending college, traveling, meeting new people, and exploring world religions, he came to wonder "Why is there such strong hate among different religions when many have so much in common?"

Example: Islam considers Jesus Christ a prophet or a messenger of God, who was sent to guide the children of Israel with a new scripture (the Gospel).

Example: Mary (Jesus' mother) is a strongly revered figure who appears frequently in the Qur'an, and is considered one most righteous women in the Islamic tradition.

We may not agree with every part of another religion, but we should respect their moral code. Look, not for the differences, but the similarities and try to relate to each other with grace and open hearts. Engage in conversation. Learn from the good in each other... and don't assume you know God's plan for others.

WHEW! That was enough for three sermons! Ha!

Written by Kay Weiss, guest blogger

:: IN THE COMING WEEKS ::
10.27 All Means All
11.3  Your Questions Answered Explored

Stay tuned for more updates!