Jesus, when speaking to the crowd anxious to stone an adulterous woman to death, commanded, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." Of course not one person in the throng met this qualifier. The conservative Oklahoma GOP candidate who recently said that "stoning gays is the right thing to do" must have forgotten this particular Bible story when he made such a brazen statement!
While this is an example of intolerance, not everyone is so blatant in their discrimination of social, cultural and religious differences. Some are hypocritical, being polite to a person's face while harshly criticizing them behind their back. Others simply use avoidance, refusing to engage with those who hold opposing perspectives.
My own parents have cited their Christian faith as validation for annihilating our familial relationship because they decided they couldn't accept my poly-partners, Charles and Marie. It would appear they have confused common courtesy and kindness to others with 'condoning' something they disapprove of!
While the question of God being real is often subject to debate, if Jesus were alive today, how would He handle the situations that are deemed unacceptable by social, cultural or religious standards?
In Jesus' day, spiritual leaders were the highest members of Jewish society. They strictly upheld the law and traditions of their time. Since everyone looked up to them, they avoided 'sinners' and the outcasts of society in order to maintain their clean image. As Jesus preached the Good News and His ministry expanded, He inevitable came into personal contact with these same 'undesirables'. There are several instances where he incited strong criticism from other spiritual leaders of the time. They didn't agree with him breaking societal taboos, cultural bans and tradition in order to spread His message.
One instance where Jesus broke these taboos stands out.
The Woman at the Well.
Jesus and his disciples were tired and hungry and stopped midday to take a break at a well. While Jesus rested by the well, his disciples went into a neighboring town to get food. As Jesus waited, a Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well. He asked her for a drink of water, which prompted an ensuing conversation during which He shared He was the Messiah.
In His encounter with the woman at the well, Jesus broke three Jewish customs. First, He spoke to a woman. Second, she was a Samaritan. The Samaritans were a mixed race hated by the Jews, not only for their cultural mixing, but because they had their own version of the Bible and own temple. Third, she was shunned by the other women of the area for her immorality. By drinking from her jar, Jesus was therefore considered ceremonially unclean. Knowing her history however, He still engaged in conversation, which shocked her. Even his disciples misunderstood Him, not fully grasping that His message of Love was ultimately for people from all walks of life.
Our human tendency is to judge others because of stereotypes, customs or prejudices. Some Christians, claim deep concern for the 'sinner's salvation yet refuse to even speak to, or be associated with, the actual 'sinner'.
Exactly how does that work if their goal is to 'reach the lost'?
What would Jesus do?
He would treat people as individuals, visiting their homes, eating dinner and mingling with them, demonstrating love, compassion and acceptance.
Mom and Dad, I urge you to reconsider the line you've drawn in the sand. There's some things here we could probably discuss.
Rika
