What in the world do paper plates
and folding chairs have to do with the Christian system of practices? These
two objects are commonly found, they're not mentioned in the Bible, and they
serve no purpose in our rituals. They may not seem all that important, but
I'm going to use both of them to explain two concepts of Christianity.
Actually, I can't take all of the credit for the idea. I participate on
the "Religion & Spirituality" message boards for one of the major internet
providers. One of the posts didn't make a lot of sense to me although others
seemed to be in full agreement of the points being made. After declaring that
all of the people who didn't agree were bigots, the person went on to state
the following:
"While some may be satisfied with inviting our Lord to
sit down to supper adorned with paper plates and plastic utensils, the
Catholics want a church for our Lord fit for our Lord and King!"
Don't get me wrong, the word "Catholic" could've been
replaced by the name of any denomination and I'd still have a problem with
that statement. I won't come out and make a statement saying the person who
wrote it is completely wrong. I may have read more into that one sentence
than is there, but coupled with the word "bigot", the intended meaning of the
message is completely lost and becomes, in my mind, a way of of elevating the
ways of the chosen denomination over the ways of all the others.
I took the time to respond with my view of what was said. When you read
the following, please forgive my sarcasm. It was unnecessary to making my
point and I shouldn't have said it that way. However, I didn't want to change
anything here to make myself feel better. One of my many faults is a hot
temper which often comes out as sarcasm.
My response:
Bigot!? Why resort to name calling just because people have a difference
of opinion? By the way, here's my bigoted opinion.
". . . paper plates and plastic utensils . . .". Have you ever heard that
song, "What would you do if Jesus came to your house?" I wouldn't change a
thing. I don't even own a set of fine china or sterling silver tableware.
Would Jesus expect me to go out and buy these things before I could serve him
a meal? I think he'd appreciate the ease of cleanup of paper and plastic so
that I could spend more time talking about the things that are really
important.
". . . want a church for our Lord fit for our Lord and King". Nice
sentiment. Don't you think the Lord would be just as comfortable on a folding
chair under a tarp during a revival? Let me give you a clue. He doesn't care
what the building looks like as long as his followers are gathered in true
worship of him.
Again, please forgive me for so much sarcasm. Now I
must ask, do you see my point? No? God doesn't expect the biggest and the
best when it comes to possessions, buildings, apparel, etc. If so, this
website would be filled with beautiful graphics, midi music, and colored
text. He only expects the biggest and the best when it comes to how we
personally live our faith. It's what's in out hearts, minds, and souls that
matters.
