T.V. Dinners


I had to think about this particular blog for quite a while before I dared write it. See, I have not been a Christian for so long that I understand all of the intricacies involved in using the correct terms, comprehending doctrines, and whose camp I should be in. My philosophy has been to take the pieces I understand as coming from the heart of Christ and going from there. I do not necessarily choose to embrace or condemn all of what anyone believes; after all, they are not God.

With that being said, I had planned on writing about T.V. dinners tonight. While I work during the day, I mull over my thoughts and I pray some, and by the time I am ready to write at night, my thoughts are cohesive enough to put on paper.

However, the sudden death of Jerry Falwell made me stop and think about something else. I heard the news from a conservative radio host, who said to watch and see how Falwell was eulogized by the media. Well, he was right. They kept using the word ‘fundamentalist’ and then they would talk about his accusation of a certain Tellytubbie being gay. Well, even I knew more about him than that.

Anyway, the way they were using the word fundamentalist bothered me. What about that word seemed to make people cringe? I turned to my handy online dictionaries at Merriam-Webster and Encarta for the answers. Here are some of my results.

5. belonging to one's innate or ingrained characteristics

1 a often capitalized: a movement in 20th century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching b: the beliefs of this movement c: adherence to such beliefs
2: a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles

1. movement with strict view of doctrine: a religious or political movement based on a literal interpretation of and strict adherence to doctrine, especially as a return to former principles

2. support for literal explanation: the belief that religious or political doctrine should be implemented literally, not interpreted or adapted

This goes back to my original blog for tonight. People have gravitated from home-cooked meals to fast, quick, easy meals on the go. Why? Because we are always moving on to our next tasks, have to get to the next thing.

I fear that model has crept into our religion as well. We seek out God to solve our problems, line our pockets, and basically make our lives easier. At least I have a tendency to do that. Sure, I praise God on the good days. Nevertheless, I make sure I seek Him on the days things are not going well.

But how often am I seeking His heart? How often am I concerned for His well? And, how long do I pound on His door after I do not get an immediate answer that I seek? Have I condemned the world to a collision course to hell because of events I see on a daily basis?

Which returns me to the word fundamental. When did that become a bad word? Sure, Jerry Falwell said some things that were harsh on the ears. Even he admitted to making some mistakes in his life; things he wished he had not said. But why throw out the word whose definition describes how we should be on a daily basis.

Maybe we should spend less time focusing on things we cannot know on this side of heaven, and focus on the fundamentals we know to be true. How about literally interpreting Jesus commanded us to do? And, rather than interpreting God’s word to coddle everyone’s ears, we stick to the truth that we know?

So, to celebrate the word ‘fundamental,’ let us feast on the words of Jesus. And remember that being a fundamentalist is not necessarily a curse. Rather, let us focus on the bountiful feast that God’s word provides us. And may we all seek to be a fundamental light of the truth in a world that desperately needs it.

“Staying with it-that’s what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry, and you’ll be saved.” Matthew 24.13

“Listen carefully to what I am saying-and be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.” Mark 4.24-25

“I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.” Matthew 18.2-5

“Stand up for me against world opinion and I’ll stand up for you before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10.23

Jesus was asked which commandment was the most important. His answer?
“The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ And here is the second: Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.” Mark 12.29-31
(All verses are quoted from The Message.)