Expectations for Religious Rites

I recently witnessed the baptism of our associate pastor's baby daughter. It was a joyous occasion for the congregation as well as many out-of-town family and friends of Pastor Jen and her husband, Chris.

Not all denominations baptize babies or children, but we Lutherans do so as a promise to God to raise the child as a Christian. When the child is older and a young adolescent, he or she takes confirmation classes to accept the Baptism that was performed as an infant.

 As I witnessed the promise of these parents, I knew it would be fulfilled, and then I wondered about the many babies and children who are baptized, but are never seen again except maybe on Easter and Christmas when their parents attend.  

Grace is an important part of the Christian faith, but as Pastor Jen once pointed out in her sermon, behavior changes because of it - not because of having to, but because of wanting to. Would there be a church if it depended upon the support of those who only attend twice a year or less often? Would they have a site for baptisms and funerals? That's easy to answer.

Thankfully, there are others who respond to their faith on a regular basis. They do so out of thanksgiving and a desire to worship God. The Bible says it is impossible to take one's faith seriously without deeds. James 2:14 "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?" It's the old "actions speak louder than words" in practice. Deeds alone might not get you into Heaven, but they are a consequence of receiving grace.

It is not for me to judge those who do not practice their faith or fulfill their promise of Baptism. I was once one of those" maybe once or twice a month" attendees when our children were young.  But, I’m not really sure why some people find the ritual important, but the follow-through not.  

 

Personally I don't think God will care if we participated in a ritual, forwarded an email out of guilt, or professed to have faith, but I think He will care that we live what we truly believe. No man knows the heart and mind of God, but I know I feel much better in trying to live my faith.

 

 

Words Are a Blessing

     I love words, no matter if I write them or read them. They are a blessing and make a difference in my life as well as help me to make a difference in other's lives, too. Words motivate us, entertain us, and make us think.
     As an author, I'm given many opportunities to read and review the written works of fellow authors. Lately, it has been my pleasure to read some very wonderful books, and of myriad genre. The reviews I have recently posted on Amazon.com are all five stars. If the book doesn't deserve that rating, I will not post one. Books should enrich your life and those are the ones worth knowing about.
     Tracy Million Simmons is a fellow board member of the Kansas Authors Club. She has written an excellent little book called Tiger Hunting. It's entertaining and very imaginative since it takes place in the western part of Kansas.
     Dr. Ed Mrkvicka's book, The Sin of Forgiveness, is highly provocative. He makes a compelling argument that forgiving someone who is not repentant is contrary to what the Bibles tells us. Whether you agree or not, it causes us to examine hardcore beliefs and faith which can only help us to grow and become more resolute in what we understand as truth.
       Scalpel in the Sun is Dr. Rene Chang's account of his days as a surgeon in Saudi Arabia in the 70s and early 80s. Not only does he treat the reader to a different culture, but throws in some easy to understand medical knowledge as well.
     J.J. Hibbert has written Unconventional, a novel that resonates with his fellow authors, but is worth reading by others as well. It's about a struggling young author who overcomes odds to write and make his first novel a success. It's a good read for the triumph of the spirit.
     Mary Queen of France: The Story of the Youngest Sister of King Henry VIII by Jean Plaidy (alias Victoria Holt) is an excellent historical novel. There is something to be learned about one of England's most famous kings as well as the unfortunate obligations to which even the elite must succumb.
     Frank McCourt's, Angela's Ashes, is a memoir that will touch the hearts of those who have compassion for their fellowman. He deftly illustrates the poverty in both Ireland and the U.S. before WWII with his heart-wrenching depiction of life as a child growing up in those circumstances
        Song of Achilles (P.S.) by Madeline Miller uses information from The Odyssey and The Iliad as well as other books of that time to offer another interesting account of the Trojan War. As with most books, there are some surprises that conflict with Hollywood's version.
     These are just a few of my favorite recent books, but I hope they will give you some options that you might not have previously considered. Reading something out of the norm enriches us and exposes us to the uncommon. If you like one or more of these books, I encourage you to contact any of the present-day authors if a way of doing so is given. Nothing is as gratifying to an author than to know they have made a difference through words, whether that is to make you think or simply give you pleasure. Now is your turn to reciprocate.