proper religion - part 1

last week, i sat with my grandfather (pa-pa) as he recounted stories to me about the catholic charismatic renewal in the 1970s. he and my grandmother were at the center of it in lima, ohio and there were plenty of traditionalists that did not approve. but one story struck me more than the others- and that was his account of my other grandfather, bob gallagher (who has been gone for several years). pa-pa told me that while many traditionalists were unhappy at their group's charismatic exploration: mr. gallagher was the only one of them that was not. in fact, his comment was something along the lines of, "they only want to pray, leave them alone."

call me sentimental, but to hear one grandfather praise the other with such honor about a time that seemed to invite tension among church members, meant a great deal. 

it seems to me, over the centuries- that division, in the church, is often caused by self-agenda. every denomination and sect of christiantity (and it happens in most religions)- has it's own interpretation of the the scriptures and practices necessary to lead a holy life. diverging from means ridicule and condemnation. what most forget is that Jesus' invitation was to all and he never made it political. truly religion in the hands of man is corrupt. and i am a firm believer that each generation must decide for itself how to be the hands and feet of Jesus among it's own. that doesn't mean that one way is more perfect than the other, and one won't make mistakes. but i do believe that God wants every to explore him the fullest extent- which also means we must be receptive to where another person is, that we may not be- that is extend a heart of graciousness.

knowing that two groups of people in the same body were at such interrogating odds- is saddening. but it happened. as it did with martin luther and many other radicals over time in church history (against charismatic and evangelical sectors too) that have stood up against tradition. no, this is not to say that tradition is bad, it is not! and it can be comforting, uplifting, sentimental and welcoming.  but that does not mean change cannot happen for those in need of it. and it does not mean that a generation of people cannot explore the essence of their Creator in such a way that will move them, and sweep their peers toward higher and better in a life of Christ. 

i have one grandfather who did just that. and another who patiently stayed with what he knew all his life. and both are (were) men who gave everything they had to One who gave them a name. each came out on top as a  man who impacted his world, and accomplished great things in the earth- on the account of others to the Glory of Above. and to each, i say: thank you...