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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Rarely does it take more than two articles to cover a topic, but the evidence in support of looking behind to see ahead is so plentiful that it can’t be helped, and is why I spread them out over several weeks. Mr. Santayana’s oft-quoted caution cited above can be applied in a couple of different ways, failure to remember past mistakes often being disastrous – failure to remember what’s been done well, equally problematic; but no topic exemplifies the tension between the church and the world (past and present) more than religion and science, which are often portrayed as being diametrically opposed to each other. In reality, the church has consistently viewed the universe as the natural revelation of God (Psalm 19:1,2), and scientific study as the examination of God’s orderly “influence” on the world around us.
A core issue dividing science and religion today is evolution, which impacts our beliefs concerning stem-cell research, euthanasia, abortion and many other social issues of our time. And while it has been correctly pointed out that the Bible is not a scientific textbook, never attempting to give the scientific details of God’s acts of creation, it does give us a glimpse of His wondrous power; inspiring us to examine Him and His creation more closely. In the process, we discover ample scientific evidence to encourage our faith in the reliability of the creation story.
For example, scripture inspired the studies that led to genetic classification (Genesis 1:21-31); the discovery of the existence of atoms and molecules (Hebrews 11:3); the true shape of the earth (Although this was hotly debated in the church as well as among secular scientists, some of whom believed the earth was flat. See Is. 40:22); the hydrologic cycle (Job 36:27,28; Ecclesiastes 1:7); ocean currents (Is. 43:16) and global wind patterns. (Ecclesiastes 1:6)
Free enterprise and the “Protestant” work ethic are grounded in man’s freedom to be all he can be or chooses to become. Before Christ, manual labor wasn’t done by the rich and titled but by slaves and the working “class”, into which you were born and never allowed to leave; regardless of your ability or desire. Christianity on the other hand, taught that each man was made in God’s image, it being his responsibility to then mirror God in doing his best at all times. Hard, honest work was considered as honorable, meaningful and worth doing by everyone, to the glory of God. (Colossians 3:17) As such, Christians tend to excel, which inadvertently becomes a problem. For when riches increase, which almost always happens when the Christian work ethic is practiced, religious fervor often decreases as people become self-absorbed in the pursuit of the material possessions prosperity affords.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 was another inducement to work that has at times been cited as evidence of an uncaring spirit. Yet for a struggling community to achieve success, all members of that community had to contribute. Besides which, there is a huge difference between, ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat.’ and ‘If a man cannot work,…’ Everyone was expected to do their best, whatever that was. Paul’s encouragement for us to, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands,…so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”; making a profound impact on any individual or society choosing to embrace it. (1 Thessalonians 4:11,12)
Contrary to popular belief, the church – for the most part – has viewed sex as a thing of beauty, working to uphold its value and purity; teaching that it should never become a commodity to be bargained over and thus used or abused. Sex was meant by God as a shared joy, an opportunity for mutual physical pleasure and emotional growth. A primary consequence of sex – children – should never be seen solely as a burden of responsibility but as an opportunity for continued joy in a family setting; marriage not being something you have to do but something you are thrilled to become. Sex is God-created, and as such, should be cherished and properly engaged in; monogamous, married sex not a hindrance to expressions of love but a protection from abuse, illness and a cheapening of a wondrous gift. The “constraints” of marriage enabling us to more completely enjoy ourselves through a total commitment and freedom within a framework of mutual trust and dependence.
Christians led the way in caring for the ill, studying the intricacies of the mind and body as well as the causes of disease; healing those who could be healed, comforting those who couldn’t. Preventive medicine, in the form of personal hygiene and cleanliness was urged and practiced by those following the Judeo/Christian standard of living long before the rest of society grasped the significance of cleanliness, chasteness and the separation of the ill from the healthy while ministering to those in need. Rome had military hospitals for her legions, while temples of Aesculapius practiced some health procedures; other cultures at times offering simple places of hospice care where the sick could be brought. But for the vast majority of people, to be sick was to be shunned. Jesus openly expressed concern for the disadvantaged and sick inspired many within the church to develop hospitals and hospices to aid those who could no longer care for themselves; and as knowledge was gained through observance and care of this sort, they then became centers of healing and instruction. From this movement also came nursing societies and emergency response organizations such as the Red Cross.
Inspiration for great art was fueled by the church as well. Cathedral adornment, frescoes, painting and sculpture exploded in and through the efforts of the church and the inspirational themes of Christian scripture. Music and literature were fostered and encouraged by these ideals too, and blossomed under the patronage of the church and its people.
Obviously, the church has never brought about complete or immediate change to any society, in part because Christians have always struggled to fully understand their faith and genuinely practice its values. But we have at least acted as leaven or yeast that is worked into a batch of dough, giving opportunity for the good and proper in people to rise and permeate the rest of society. (Matthew 13:33)
Many have gone before us, leaving a legacy of struggle and success. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3
What will your legacy be? Jesus challenges us to, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, (being a source of warmth and comfort while illuminating the true way of abundant living) that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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