Is it acceptable to blend faiths to find meaning?
Examining the authentic to spot the fake
The Rev. James Taylor, senior pastor, Lawrence Heights Christian Church, 2321 Peterson Road:
The question, "Is it acceptable to blend different faiths to find meaning?" has a simple answer: No. Romans: 16:17-19 says: "Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teachings which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting."
Unfortunately, most people really don't know what they believe. They choose a place of worship because they like the nursery, the choir, the children's programs, the preacher. Sadly, their decision often has little to do with doctrine. Therefore, to expose them to other ideas and convolute what little they know only confuses them further.
Those who train to find forged money never once study a phony dollar bill. They spend their time studying the real thing. They look at the bills under different lighting, feel them, examine their ink and color under magnified lenses. On the streets, they can spot a phony bill in a heartbeat. Why? Because they know the real thing so well.
Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" (John 14:6). In other words, Jesus says he is where you find real meaning in life. If you spend time studying and applying his word, you don't have to blend that with anything. Study the real thing and you will spot a phony in a heartbeat.
- Send e-mail to the Rev. James Taylor at j.t@lawrence-heights.org.
Take what you need for personal understanding
Charles Gruber, Lawrence resident, is a student of Judaism, Zen Buddhism and Sufism:
My favorite smoothie is a blend of chocolate, bananas and raspberries.
My favorite chicken dish is a blend of stir-fried chicken, pineapple and sunflower kernels.
My favorite family constellation is a blend of my family and my wife's family.
My favorite dog is my lab-chow mix whose name is Babe.
My favorite sacred scriptures come in all flavors: the New Testament, the Old Testament, the Koran, the Upanishads, Faith and Principles, the Tao Te Ching, the writings of Confucius, the Zoroastrian Scriptures and Buddhist Sutras.
My favorite teachers are the ones who say, "Take what you need for your understanding and leave the rest."
My favorite music blends voice and guitar.
Is chocolate the One True Flavor?
Is chicken the One True Fowl?
Are biological children the One True Offspring?
Are pure-bred labs the One True Dog?
Is any spiritual path the One True Path?
Is any music the One True Sound?
Some people will answer yes to some of these questions.
Some people will answer no.
Who is correct?
Both are correct.
For themselves.
For me?
I get to decide.
- Send e-mail to Charles Gruber at cgruber@cgruber.com.
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