Idolatry, Polemic & Living Together

Thursday, May 10, 2007 -- Week of 5 Easter

"Morning Reflections" is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117
An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
Another form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this location -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html


Today's Readings for the Daily Office (p. 962)
Psalms [70], 71 (morning) 74 (evening)
Wisdom 14:27 - 15:3
Romans 14:1-12
Luke 8:26-39


How do we challenge bad religion? How do we live in a pluralistic world?

This section of Wisdom is a passage of polemic against idolatry. It is similar to other contemporary writers such as Pseudo-Philo, the author of Biblical Antiquities. Wisdom says that "the worship of idols... is the beginning and cause and end of every evil..." The list of evils is pretty extreme and repeats stereotypes about Gentiles that appear elsewhere in Jewish literature, especially sexual stereotypes. Jews have been targets of similarly polemic from Gentiles.

When I read passages like this, I usually try to do two things. First, I try to hear and understand the original context for the polemic. What is the history of conflict that motivates the animosity? What abuse, violence or oppression has left damage? What might heal or reconcile the division? Where in our contemporary scene is there similar hostility and polemic?

And, second, when I read about idolatry, I usually see how well the language and exhortation connects with our own idolatry. It seems to me that our idols are consumerism, materialism, power and control. It can be revealing how on-target the ancient admonitions against idolatry are when they target our gods.

What I don't try to do is read the exhortations against idolatry as a commendation of my right-religious-thinking and a condemnation of the people I disagree with. That's a formula for religious delusion.

Here's where Romans 14 is helpful. Paul offers very constructive instructions about how people from different backgrounds with strongly held opinions can live together as a community of faith. "Let all be fully convinced in their own minds." Paul recognizes that good people come to different conclusions about important things. He doesn't force the win-lose condition of resolution or agreement. He lets people agree to disagree. He discourages one passing judgment on the other. He tells us each side can serve Christ in good conscience even while believing different things and practicing opposite behaviors. Our accountability is to God. "Let's all be fully convinced in their own minds."

Jesus takes it one step further. He encounters one who is the physical manifestation of every evil, immorality, uncleanness and idolatry. If there is someone in his society who is going to receive the projections of fear, hate, judgment and prejudice, it is a demon-possessed Gentile who lives among the unclean tombs. What is Jesus's response? It is not polemic or judgment or condemnation or avoidance. Jesus reaches out with compassion.

Jesus talks with the man and creates true understanding. Jesus helps him and restores him to community. In some ways it is a costly conversation. It cost somebody some money and property. When everything is done, there is a residual feeling of resentment and fear among the neighbors, and they ask Jesus to leave.

You could write these same stories about many divisions and animosities that trouble our planet -- conflicts between religions, between political and economic orientations; conflicts about sexual orientation, race, beginnings and endings of life. All of the stuff that separates us and creates suspicion, prejudice and polemic.

We can ask ourselves -- What are my idols? What do I give priority to which is less than God? What do I cling to?
We can ask ourselves -- What conflicts of conscience do I discover between myself and others? How can we live in community as we disagree?
We can ask ourselves -- How can I reach out to the other with the kind of understanding that brings reconciliation and healing?

Lowell
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The Rev. Lowell Grisham
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, AR

The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church is to explore and celebrate
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