First Baptist Church of Dallas is returning to the headlines with the sermon "What to Say to Those Who are Gay".  As I grew up in a conservative Christian Church I heard many sermons preached from the pulpit from this pastoral perspective.  I’m curious why these individuals are intent on division rather than unity.  What is so interesting and unique in life if you are a cookie cutter version of what your pastor and your church says you should be?  Can we not welcome individuality into our lives and into our church pews?  

We welcome controversy and debate on life issues- how to raise your children, how to help the environment, how to make an impact within your community, how to vote in an election.  But when it comes to lifestyle choices people tend to draw a line in the sand and demand a choice - either you are with them or against them.  If only life was always so black and white.  

It has been said that the most frequently quoted Bible verse is no longer John 3:16 but Matthew 7:1, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."  This isn’t to say that Jesus condemned judgement simply that he is condemning a critical and judgmental spirit, a sense of superiority.  This requires us to look at ourselves first for the problems that we see so easily in others.  Hmmm, one might be obliged to say, point that finger right back at yourself mister pastor before you point it at someone else… 

Rather than close our minds to the thought that there is only one right answer and one right God who will save one righteous group of individuals I think it is time to think outside the box.  Open your mind to the possibility that everyone is here for a purpose for which we ultimately do not know the reason why.  That purpose might inevitably involve the existence of a greater being, an amalgamation of natural gases within the atmosphere, or an extra-terrestrial science fair project gone wrong.  However, we must accept that we are all here on this earth for varying lengths of time and it is our choice to make our time on this earth the best possible experience for ourselves and those around us.  

Yes, a bit hopeful but it encapsulates my current belief system.  Isn’t it a nice break from the cynical sarcasm?