Well, tear up my nametag and call me a heretic. Things I Wonder About

Fortunately, I am not a pastor or a theologian, so I can offer any crazy idea that pops into my head and not get in trouble.  In fact, I can even get ordained through the internet and start my own church. But it’s easier just to blog.  So here are some random thoughts. 

Gambling: The newest fundraising trend around here is Coach Bag Bingo.  For about thirty-five dollars you get the chance to win an expensive handbag and a night out.  It would be a great fundraiser for the church.  However, the Bishop doesn’t approve of gambling.  I believe this is because gambling is leaving things to chance, and for a Christian chance does not exist, since God controls everything.  (Crazy theological idea: if God has control of everyone’s life, then it may be your destiny to hit the lottery or win a Coach bag.)

Reincarnation:  I really like the idea of reincarnation.  Maybe in my next life I can use some of the things I learned (usually the hard way) in this one.  (Crazy theological idea:  Could the “many mansions” of John 14 be our different incarnations?)

Jesus and Martha:  I remember in Sunday School, Martha was offered as a bad example.  She was too concerned with getting dinner ready for a houseful of people and should have been listening to Jesus.  To call someone a Martha was not a compliment.  As I got older and had my own house and had to feed everyone, though, I sympathized with Martha. And when she asks her sister Mary to help her, not only does she not get any assistance, but Jesus tells her that she needs to get her priorities straight.  (Luke 10:38-42)  Maybe he should have offered to help.  How about a miracle here? How hard would that be for someone who could raise the dead?  Maybe Martha should have said, “Fine,” plopped herself down at his feet and let the gang see what happens when everyone sits around talking, even if they are listening to Jesus.

In John 11, Jesus gets on Martha’s case again.  When Martha points out that her brother Lazarus has been dead for four days, and smells, Jesus says, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”

“Sorry.  I guess I missed that when I was in the kitchen.”

(Crazy movie buff idea:  Jesus and Martha remind me of those old Spencer Tracey/Katharine Hepburn movies, where they fight all the time but are really attracted to each other.  But Jesus died before anything came of it.  Or did he?  Yes, he probably did.  Some things are too crazy even for me.  And he was too busy after the Resurrection anyway.)