Question of the Week...

Question...Some religions don't honor the so-called religious holidays, such as Christmas and Easter. What are your thoughts as to whether or not these days should be celebrated publically?

Answer...Good question. I truly see both sides of this issue, but take issue with both sides as well! There are religious groups that refuse to celebrate neither Christmas nor Easter, stating that Jesus should be honored on all days not just on a handful of occasions each year. That point is duly noted. Actually, I would very much agree with the premise behind that thought. Meanwhile, the other side of the coin states that Jesus should be exonerated in a very public way and these are just two days in which he can be highlighted and truly celebrated. Again, point noted.

Both sides of the issue comes with their problems. On one hand, Christmas and Easter alike have both earned their critics for becoming overly commercial. Christmas has rapidly settled in as a highlight of the fourth quarter economy and Easter means a spike in candy sales and various supporting items as well. On the other hand, you have religious groups that apparently see no problem with waving the Jesus flag loud and proud while simultaneously seeming to disrespect his ideology, life and accomplishments by insisting that these should not warrant public exoneration. It almost seems dismissive. Of course, these are the more legalistic sects of the Christian Faith who take this stand, so it's not really very surprising that they would attempt to turn what should be an opportunity to showcase the life and teachings of Jesus into another devilish opportunity to dismiss him through more legalism.

With all of that said, do I think that these holidays should be celebrated publicly? Well, yes. Sure, the over-commercialization of these events often distracts us from their true and deeper purpose. However, it should also be pointed out that such celebrations allow us to, in some way, shape or form, return to the loving and compassion driven message of Jesus...and to do so every year. What if we did away with the spiritual component of Easter altogether? Let's just make it a lighter, brighter version of Halloween with egg-hunting replacing Trick-or-Treating. No spiritual symbolism. No deeper meaning. Is that a better scenario for a person who connects to the teachings of Jesus? I doubt it. Such an approach, which is seemingly sought by the more legalistic faiths, leaves with it and opportunity for man to at least reflect on a man and his wonderful message.

To sum up: Absolutely...celebrate these holidays as opportunities to share the message of a very accomplished spiritual mind. Embrace the opportunity to do so. Yes, we should strive to keep the focus on the reason behind each holiday and not give in to over-commercialization. However, we should also do away with any legalism that teaches us to eliminate an opportunity to showcase a message that expresses love to our fellow man and a world that is in constant need of a big warm hug!

Thanks for the question, Becky. Keep 'em coming!
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Question of the Week:

First--an apology: I'm sorry for letting this segment slide thus far in 2011. I've had a few requests to rev it up once more because this Q/A prompts thought and helps clarify what the Compassion Revolution is truly about. So...with my humble apology issued, next question:

QUESTION:
"I really agree with you that legalism destroys what Jesus tried so hard to create. Do you ever think that we'll reach a point where the kind of love you're talking about will be lived by the more conservative voices of Christianity?" Grant from Bixby

ANSWER:
Wow...great question, Grant. Growing up in the legalistic Church of Christ, and recently having been exposed to the cult-like ideas of the Jehovah Witness faith, I would have to admit that the immediate future appears fairly entrenched in that mindset. However, I also want to emphasize that there is hope.

There are many disturbing tales to be told about how these more conservative Christian bodies outright ignore the message of Jesus in favor of upholding an adherence to religious law. Unfortunately, examples are numerous. I've heard stories of people being shunned in the Church of Christ over divorce, adultery, etc. I recently heard a story of a teenager being disfellowshipped from the Jehovah Witnesses for being involved in a gay relationship. I hear those things in one breath, and in the next breath, I hear how such poor and despicable treatment of those individuals is somehow justified by their respective churches. I mean, come on...disfellowshipping a teenager? That is one of the more ludicrous things I've ever heard.

That and other disturbing examples provide living and breathing proof that Jesus, and his teachings, have essentially been iconicized and ignored. He's been put on a high shelf, left to collect dust while the new religious authorities attempt to restore religious law and order in the wake of his teachings regarding relationship, love and compassion. At times, Man truly proves himself to be the least impressive of God's creations.

There is, however, strong hope. That hope also comes in the same form that has let us down: mankind. Man is progressing in areas where religion often lets us down. Yes, people love to gossip about affairs, etc., and many people love to make themselves feel better about their own lives by self-righteously judging the lives of others. There will always be that segment. However, it should also be noted that another segment exists and it's growing.

That growing segment is composed of many of the same members of that church body. Those members recognize the hypocrisy of the attitudes displayed by their church leaders. They realize that those attitudes do not bear the mark of Jesus' teachings. Those members exist and they will continue to grow in numbers until a strong enough voice can be mustered up and heard. Someone will speak up for that Church of Christ woman who feels the sting of the church's cold shoulder as she goes through a divorce. Someone will stand up for the teenager dispelled by the Jehovah Witnesses and encourage them to simply love their brother without judgment. At that point, Jesus will be officially taken down from that high shelf...dusted off and be allowed to become a living part of the church body once again.Then, love and relationship will supersede judgment and law. Then compassion will be the cornerstone of faith that Jesus foresaw. Then, we will all come closer to our God and closer to each other.

Thanks for the question, Grant!