Invocations and eternal questions

Having read the front page article about the Coeur d’Alene City Council meeting invocations, and the editorial about “needing a bigger church,” I feel compelled to write.

The “bigger church” piece mentioned that in earlier years the Press gave room for pastors to write for the then “Faith Section” of the paper. The information provided was a little inaccurate. Without elaboration, I will say that I wrote every Friday for some time and always asked others to do the same — few were willing or able. And yes, the section was canceled. Moreover, recently, Bob Shillingstad, who had a regular voice, was bumped as well. Not sure why.

I, as a faith leader in this community, have no objection per sé to having a variety of voices, opinions and/or articles given room in the Press. I believe there should be variety — at the least to inspire conversation. However, the invocation is another matter.

The concept of a “bigger church” is not the issue here. The Church is wide and deep. The issue is a person’s definition of “the church.” Not all who claim religious affiliations would be or want to be affiliated with the Church.

Whoever authored the piece in the “Opinion” wrote, “Why should Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Bahais, Hindus or others who live in our community be prohibited from saying a public prayer once a year or so?” Well, I can answer that — in the form of a question.

Do you/we believe that the gods of Islam, Buddhism, the Baha’i or Hinduism, et al. should be welcomed here in Coeur d’Alene? (Please note, I am not asking if the people should be welcome — I am asking about the spirit entities they serve, worship, contact, etc.)

Invoking a spiritual presence over our mayor and City Council members is a serious matter — even for those who do not believe in the spiritual dimension or in spirit entities. The agnosticism of those who believe in “nothing” does not change the reality of the spirit world.

If our City Council members truly believe in God, they should likewise fear the repercussions of invoking a wicked or demonic spirit.

I love our community and have a pastoral heart for its protection.

This is no time for political correctness or negligence of responsibility.

I fear for our community. Should we invoke the presence of a spirit upon which none of us should be foolish enough to call?

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Paul D. Van Noy is pastor at Candlelight Christian Fellowship and president of the Kootenai County Ministerial Association.