New policies

Recently I commented on another blog about some religious issues he'd blogged about. Another reader responded to my comment and linked to a post he'd written about something I mentioned. Though it was a rather tame argument, it did become somewhat of an argument. I'm afraid that arguing about religion, especially on line, is really a dumb thing to do.

Not far from where I live there is a minister who believes that if a person is not reading the 1611 Authorized King James Version of the Bible he/she isn't reading the Bible at all. Surely, if this pastor has been to seminary, he realizes that the KJV hot off the press in 1611 included items like the first two books of the Maccabees, Sirach, Tobit and Bel to name a few. These aren't books that I've heard many Protestant ministers recommend. But, from what I can tell this pastor isn't one for discussion.

So often people have their own ideas about their faith and nothing anyone does or says will change their minds. I've seen blog posts and essays on line about fasting and other spiritual disciplines in which sweeping judgmental statements are made. People are criticized for not agreeing with the blogger's position. These practices must be practiced according to the letter of the law or else those who fail to do so may be in deep trouble. Often, though not always, the clergy of these churches allow for grace and leniency.

The new policies:

Henceforth I will not be discussing or arguing with these people anymore. They have no authority over me even if I did attend their churches. That does not mean I will not discuss faith/religion on line, but I will not get sucked into debate with people who have no authority over me.

Secondly, I may request that the person give me an email address of his/her priest, minister, rabbi or whatever so that I may discuss the issue with that clergyperson. In many cases I suspect that the spiritual director, if there even is one, would be very disappointed at the things folks are saying on their blogs. I suspect that the bloggers in question would be ashamed or embarrassed to have their pastors read the narrow views expressed in their writing.

In all my days of arguing and discussing with members of one particular religious group -- a group that really stresses a strong relationship with one's spiritual director -- not once did anyone ever say, "You know, this discussion is going places I'm not sure about. I will confer with (spiritual director) and get back with you on this." Not once. Very telling I think. So, if you're willing to include your spiritual director in the conversation, we might move forward (if I decide to violate new police No. 1). Otherwise, no dice.