CHRISTIANITY: Values have changed

Forget bad drivers — what’s happened to Christianity? Growing up, I was taught Christian values: service, mercy and faith. Now I see glorification of wealth, neglect of the vulnerable and outright rejection of Christ’s teachings. Who balked when Rev. Budde preached a basic gospel message? Why do they call him ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do as he says? (Luke 6:46) G.K. Chesterton observed: “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” Perhaps some church leaders found Christ’s teachings too hard, and invented a religion where they can avoid them. Here’s a Gospel fidelity checklist for living on Earth as it is in heaven:

Do you… (Mark “Yes” or “No.” One point for “Yes.”)

1. Love God above all else (e.g., more than wealth, nationalism, etc)? (Matthew 22:37-38, Mark 12:30-31; Luke 10:27)

2. Love your neighbor as yourself? (Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27)

3. Celebrate life with joy, generosity, and good wine? (John 2:1-11)

4. Reject the accumulation of wealth? (Luke 12:13-34, Matthew 6:24, Mark 10:17-21)

5. Actively help the vulnerable? (Matthew 25:31-46)

6. Practice radical forgiveness? (Matthew 18:21-22)

7. Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you? ( Luke 6:27-31, Matthew 5:38-45)

8. Welcome outcasts, marginalized, and foreigners? (Luke 10:25-37, John 4:7-26, Matthew 25:31-46)

9. Speak truth to power, even when costly? (John 18:37, Matthew 5:37).

10. Reject leaders who exploit faith for power and wealth? (Matthew 23:1-39)

Scoring:

0-2 = Judas

3-4 = Doubting Thomas

5-6 = Denying Peter

7-8 = James the brother 

9-10 = True Disciple

Your Coeur d’Alene man yelling at clouds,

JIMMY ROBNETT

Coeur d’Alene