CHRISTMASTIDE - A. D. 2001

Surely, we have all been closeted with folks who seem to delight in taking on the insufficiencies of the church. As a matter of fact, it is through these interludes that we have our best chance to gain a working idea of how the unchurched view the church . . . . it can get pretty grim. In the mind of the great "unwashed," our beloved Anglican Church and our friends in Rome get no credit for their liberal advances in liturgy and theological thought. "Where do you get off telling us that if we don't do this or that, we are going to Hell?" we have been asked. I am not sure who buttonholed these people and made these assertions. "Well, what about not going to Heaven if you don't believe in Jesus?" is usually the next semi-rhetorical question. We have been known to point out that Jesus is rather hard to not believe in, as He is an historical figure whose life and deeds have had a considerable impact on civilization as we know it. As usual, it always comes out that they have been told, presumably by the same person who contacted them about going to Hell, that if you do not believe that Jesus is who He said He is, that you were cut out of Heaven. Here we can only suggest that they consider current thinking in our traditions that gives considerable hope to those in most of the great faith structures in today's world. A disclaimer should be issued, however, to the effect that by giving the matter proper study, it may likely become clear that our Lord is the real deal.

All this is by way of pointing up a fact that we all probably know: the greater church is interpreted to the world by the louder church. And the louder church is most often the more conservative and fundamental church. If its extreme segments are causing concern for Islam and the world, can the Christian Church be far behind? No, I am not suggesting that we should call in the Air Force or the Navy to bomb churches we feel are too fundamental, but if we find what we perceive to be a flaw in what people think of the church at large, we should do something about it now. It is against our nature to confront our brothers and sisters who do not share our more "liberal" views. They have a right to believe as they see fit. I think, however, we have a right, and often a duty, to say balderdash when we feel it is right and proper so to do, keeping ever mindful that people can say the same to us. The important thing is to love the people who look us in the eye and say balderdash. It's in the Gospel somewhere, I think. There is authoritative evidence that people from time to time leave our church without saying, "Balderdash!" How wonderful it would be if we could simply clear the air and perhaps say, "Yes, I see where you are coming from; but I disagree, so let's go and help the poor, and talk about this again, soon." A splendid amount of this sort of thing took place at the recent Day of Understanding. Make room for disagreement and even the possibility of being wrong; then go out and be the real Church.

We will soon be wishing all and sundry, "Merry Christmas." If someone retorts, "Balderdash," we will still love that person. That most will return our holiday greeting in kind, with feeling and love, is the best hope of the world. To all, we wish a very blessed Christmas and a happier New Year. Wasn't it Jimmy Durante who often said, "Merry Christmas, Mrs. Balderdash, where ever you are?" Rock on, Jimmy! 

Noah