Religion, spirituality, and faith.

One of the chapters in the Master's dissertation that I completed last year, is headed "Spirituality or Religion?" and, indeed, there is a difference between the two concepts.

Spirituality is that which, within the created order, marks out mankind from everything else. It is the sense of the transcendent; the awareness of “otherness”; the consciousness of that which is beyond the natural world of the physical senses. Often, when we use the word ‘spiritual’ we have something good in mind, something positive and attractive. In this sense it’s easier to think of Mother Teresa as spiritual than an Adolf Hitler. That which is ‘spiritual’ is that which is of the spirit. The latter is non-physical, yet not abstract. It is much more than “the unique search for human identity”. It is, indeed, something supernatural, that could not have “evolved”.

Spirituality has been termed “the fifth dimension”. In our natural, physical, world we experience three spatial dimensions – length, breadth, height/depth – and one, linear, time dimension. However, eminent physicists such as Stephen Hawking, postulate that there are as many as ten dimensions in the known universe, including two time dimensions - one of which he refers to as "imaginary time".

This second “imaginary” time has no beginning and no end – effectively what theologians refer to as “eternity”! The whole concept of the spiritual may easily be thought of as that dimension that links the material, physical universe with the supernatural – that which is above, beyond, and superior to, the time-space continuum that is our natural experience.

Religion tends to take that which is spiritual, and then organise it! Such organisation leads to a hierarchy (a priesthood), and an organising of the rituals to provide an element of uniformity (a liturgy). This leads to a formulation, and unifying, of the central beliefs of the group (creed and doctrine), and a religion is born. It is this order and tangibility that makes religion easier to share with others than spirituality. The latter is, as a former ministerial colleague was, colloquially, wont to say, “Better felt than telt”!

Christianity has an undoubted spiritual aspect. However, in spite of the endeavours of people since its earliest days to make it so (and how well they have succeeded, in popular terms!), Chistianity is not a religion! It is a relationship - a relationship with Almighty God, the Creator of all that is; through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ; confirmed by the indwelling of God, the Holy Spirit. It is a matter of placing our trust, solely and completely, on the sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary; accepting that there is no other way by which we may be saved from the righteous judgement of God. And, in the Greek language, the same word (pistos) may be transated "faithful" or "trustworthy". Chistianity is a matter of faith!

We are, whether we admit it, or not, spiritual beings - we have the very breath of God breathed into us (Gen.2:7); many are religious, some very much so! But it is a living faith in the Lord Jesus that, alone, brings the guarantee of eternal life. I commend Him to you.

Legacies.

On Friday of last week (this being the first day of the week – so why do we consider it to be part of the ‘weekend’??), the death was announced of Keith Waterhouse, a well-known British journalist and writer. Many tributes have been paid to the late Mr Waterhouse with regard to what one newspaper referred to as “… wonderful novels, sparklingly witty dramas, a cast some of the most splendid characters in modern fiction, and joyously wry observations on day to day life.” (Daily Mail, editorial).

The final comment in that editorial article was “Fleet Street may have lost a genius and a legend – but what magnificent gifts he left behind.”

This morning and afternoon, I conducted the service of Holy Communion/the Lord’s Supper in Calderhead-Erskine Parish Church – in nearby Shotts and Allanton. In doing so, we remembered One Who died almost 2,000 years ago. During the message (sermon!) I recalled an incident from an old, fictional, television series about a Royal Navy frigate, in which the vessel came upon a lone yachtsman who turned out to be a retired Vice-Admiral of the Fleet. This man had had a great reputation but, as the storyline unfolded, we learned that it was based on a lie, and he had set out to sea, in his yacht, to commit suicide.

When the Commander of the frigate realised this, he tried to persuade the Admiral to return with him, in the ship. But the Admiral’s reply was, “I have a debt to pay.” “But must you pay it with your life, sir?” asked the Commander. The answer came, full of sadness and regret: “Yes, Commander. It’s that sort of debt.”

“It’s that sort of debt.” It can only be paid with my life!

I wonder if you can envision the picture that comes to my mind every time I think of that story. I see Almighty God, looking down on a sinful humanity. And I see Him arranging to send the Son, the only-begotten Son, to die a horrible and agonising death on the cross at Calvary. And, in my vision, an angel asks “Why?” The Lord replies “The debt must be paid.” “But, Lord”, enquires the angel, “Must it be paid with His life?” “Yes,” says the Father, “It’s that sort of debt.”

And so, freely, in love, He gave the Son to die; not to repay a debt of His own, but to repay the debt of your sin, and of mine.

Keith Waterhouse may well have left a legacy of excellent literary work. However, it does nothing to bring me forgiveness and salvation from the wrath of God that I deserve. The ‘legacy’ of the Lord Jesus is salvation, full and free. Now that’s what I call a magnificent gift to leave behind! And that isn’t even the end of the story – but that’s for another post!

Rites of Passage

Today has been a day marked by two specific events. In the early afternoon, Joyce and I attended the funeral service for a lady whom Joyce had been visiting regularly, and taking out, for some years. Mrs Baxter died, unexpectedly, as the result of a heart attack. However, while there were tears shed at the service, the whole event was a celebration of Mrs B’s 79 years of mortal life, and her having come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus, a number of years ago. What was in the coffin, we were reminded, was only the mortal remains – the body that Mrs B had used. The real person had already gone to be “with the Lord” (cf II Cor.5:8). So, we were able to grieve, as those who have hope – hope that is based on the death and resurrection of the Lord. (cf.I Thess.4:13).

The other event was our own celebration of thirty-nine years of marriage! It was on Friday, 4th September, 1970, that we stood before Rev George B. Duncan, in St.George’s-Tron Parish Church in Glasgow, and exchanged our marriage vows. I would like to be able to say that those years have never witnessed a disagreement or a harsh word. Unfortunately, we are both human, so that has not been the case! However, our common love for the Lord, and His overwhelming love for us, has kept us together through good times, and less good times. For this, we are both grateful.

Of course, as many would know, Joyce has had to put up with a lot more because of me, than vice/versa!! I am daily thankful that I was given such a faithful, encouraging, supportive, diligent, wife. Every time I read the words of Proverbs 31:10ff, I think of my own wee wife, and express my gratitude for her. It is, in my opinion, one of the saddest marks of contemporary ‘western’ society, that there is such a lack of commitment between couples, leading to separation and divorce on an ever-increasing scale – with all of the problems that come hard on the heels of such family breakdown, especially when children are involved. One of the things that I told couples I was marrying is that after the wedding comes the marriage – and that requires hard work, even sacrifice, if it is going to be successful. As we anticipate, by God’s grace, another year together and a Ruby Wedding Anniversary, I wonder how many of the young couples of today will ever reach that significant milestone?!

Death, and marriage – two of the Rites of Passage about which I have taught children for many years. We may not all become married but, prior to the return of the Lord Jesus, each of us will die. May those who remain after we have gone be able, as we were able today, to “… not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope.” And may marriage – that God-given institution – be again honoured in our society, and encouraged by all who have influence over others.

Climate change.

In spite of having been scanned from a newspaper (hence the 'shadows' from the other side of the page!), the picture is quite striking! Tears appear to be gushing from a face, carved into the Arctic ice-cap by melting water. The accompanying article states that “The image has been likened to the Earth goddess Gaia’s reaction to the deteriorating condition of her world”.

I am as aware as anyone, of the negative effects of the forecast climate change (a more accurate form of terminology as, looking out at the rain falling steadily on Motherwell, and with a thermometer showing only 12C, it can hardly be recognised as ‘global warming’!). However, while endeavouring to do my own little bit to limit CO2 emissions, and shocked at the headline in the same newspaper that informs me that “Throwaway food costs £1bn a year”, and refers to the vast amount of perfectly good food (some not even having been unwrapped, and well within its ‘use by’ limit) that is dumped, each year, in Scotland alone, I am a wee bit concerned that, as a society, we are worshipping the creature rather than the Creator (see Rom.1:25).

It is undoubtedly true that the average schoolchild knows much more about the negative effects of climate change, than about the sinfulness of mankind, and the Gospel that offers salvation! It is obviously acceptable to publish the claimed reaction of “the Earth goddess Gaia … to the deteriorating condition of her world”. Yet some of the letters that I send to The Herald (not the newspaper from which the photograph was taken!) that would emphasise a Biblical lifestyle/perspective, never see the light of day (the one reproduced below was not used!).

By all means, let us all practice Biblical stewardship, that recognises that “The earth is YHWH's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him.” (Ps.24:1). But let us not make the mistake of putting the cart before the horse, and making a ‘god’ out of that which was created “In the beginning …” (Gen.1:1), and that is in the sorry state in which it is now found because of the sinful selfishness and greed of mankind.

The Second Coming

My favourite column in The Herald newspaper is The Diary, written by Ken Smith. It always brings a smile to my face, and I have even been able to provide the occasional contribution! Today’s column included this interesting item:

“Away in a manager
READER Bill Arnott was cheered up in his local shopping centre yesterday by the sheer daftness of a message on a T-shirt a shopper was wearing.

It read: "Jesus is coming", and below, it added: "Everybody look busy.”

The heading is the giveaway to what was being said, but it did make me stop and think. Two points were being made (even if neither the contributor, nor the author, realised it!). First of all, Jesus is coming! This is one of the clearest predictions of the New Testament. Jesus, Himself, spoke simply and distinctly (would that some current politicians would do the same!!): “The Son of Man will soon come in the glory of His Father and with His angels to reward all people for what they have done.” (Mt.16:27); “When He finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with Him, the Son of Man will take His place on His glorious throne. Then all the nations will be arranged before Him and He will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left” (Mt.25:31-32); “There are many rooms in my Father's house. I wouldn't tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together.” (Jn.14:2-3).

Others also testify to this fact: in Acts 1:10-11, the angelic beings assure the watching disciples that “Jesus has been taken away from you into heaven. And someday, just as you saw Him go, He will return!” Likewise, the writer of the letter to Hebrew believers: “So Christ died only once to take away the sins of many people. But when He comes again, it will not be to take away sin. He will come to save everyone who is waiting for Him.” (9:28). James, too, makes such a reference: “Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return.” (5:7); and John, in both his first letter, and in the great book of the Revelation of Jesus, the Christ, makes this Second Coming clear: “And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when He returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.” (I Jn2:28); “Look, Jesus is coming with the clouds, and everyone will see him, even those who stabbed him. And all peoples of the earth will cry loudly because of him. Yes, this will happen! Amen” (Rev.1:7).

The other thought that I had concerned the activity of the believer. The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not suggest that being a disciple of Jesus means sitting back and lazily awaiting the Lord’s return. Indeed, the New Testament writings make abundantly clear that, while our salvation can never be obtained by our works, however good, that same salvation should be recognisable by our good works! So Paul exhorts: “My dear friends, stand firm and don't be shaken. Always keep busy working for the Lord. You know that everything you do for Him is worthwhile.” (I Cor.15:58); “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” (Gal.6:4); “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.” (I Thess.4:11).

So maybe the message on the tee-shirt wasn’t as daft as it might at first have appeared! Jesus is coming; and those who eagerly await that glorious event will want to be found, not just looking, but being busy in His service, and bringing glory to His name.