In Entry #16, "God and Basketball," McManus talks about love and community. It's funny to hear him quietly and gently lay waste to the old argument about "not needing church... me and God... fellowship out here in nature..." You've heard those arguments. Opening statement says it all:
"Love can never be simply between you and God."
Without getting confrontational in a direct way, he's making statements that fly in the face of stuff like: "My relationship with God is personal."
The purpose of man is really intertwined with our fellow man -- loving those around us. Love is really what it's all about. Loving God is going to produce a lifestyle with love overflowing for others. It's not like you have to talk yourself into loving someone who is ugly/a jerk/you hate, either. Opening your heart up to God will expand your heart and give you the capacity to see others beyond your narrow, possibly wounded and hurt way.
"It (love) can never be limited to that relationship (God and I). Jesus makes that clear. Love is more than the relationship between a man and a woman, no matter how extraordinary it may be. Love is ever expanding. Love always grows, not just deeper, but wider. Love always loves people more and always loves more people. Love calls us to community; love calls us to humanity; love calls us to each other."
Yeah.
McManus ties in his title with a story about a friend of his named Ben. He and Ben were playing basketball. Ben had some unresolved issues with God. Finally, it became obvious what was going on. Ben was afraid that God was going to burn him. He'd been burned by Christians and other people, so this fear existed that God would do the same. In the midst of this discussion, the author throws out some other quotes I like:
"If religion can bring us to God, it can certainly take us from Him."
That's like the two-edged sword of our resonsibility and opportunity and capability. We have the potential for so much good in this world -- as well as bad.
"If we risk entering a community that claims access to God and we find ourselves betrayed in the process, it becomes the fastest way to become a practical atheist."
Wow. It would be good to be careful. I don't think we have to really worry about this (and in the process "walk on pins and needles" so as not to risk hurting anybody), but simply love God and love others around us -- be pro-active, not defensive. And we'll probably be "so busy doing good" that we don't screw up and do bad. Speaking in simplistic cliches, but I think the point is a good one. Be aware of the dangers of hurting others and then be active in helping and caring and loving ... and we'll probably avoid a lot of hurtful actions.
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at September 3, 2007 10:22 AM