Just a quick note. I am writing this as a layperson and am attempting to stay neutral in affiliation with specific denomination. The intent is to (hopefully) provide some personal commentary and reflections to help everyone grow in faith. That said, these are not necessarily reflective of any church teaching. I actually was a bit hesitant to post any writings such as this, as I 1) don’t want to offend anyone and 2) don’t want to say anything that detracts from or otherwise bastardizes scripture. However, I hope I have managed to avoid that here. Thank you for taking the time, and God Bless. – The American Contemporary
Faith is a pivotal part of the human experience, and one’s identity and relationship with the world around them. Trust and love for God and the wonder of creation allow us to craft beauty in a world so often reduced to trivialities and evils. But while we seek to better understand our faith and grow closer to God, we often (or perhaps I should use ‘I’, as to not presume the intentions and piousness of others who likely are holier than myself) attach personal fixation onto the truth of God, reducing scripture, history, and spirituality to a part of our personal identity rather than an outward force which works within and through us for its own purposes. We wish to offer praise and express the fullness of the truth in the best way we know, which is most admirable. Yet in doing so, all too often we respond to differences of opinion, variations of faith, and heterodoxy with hostility and intolerance. This is true of all denominations, both in perpetration and in suffering.
Of course that is not to say that the truth and fullness of faith should not be fought for, nor should it be ignored. Quite the contrary, discussions of faith have occurred since the foundation of the church, such as the Counsel of Nicaea, where various priests, scholars, and theologians gathered to debate and enshrine the truth of our faith. But these discussions and debates are ones meant to be held in good faith, not to discredit or invalidate the faithfulness or intention of others, but to collectively understand the absolute truth.
While we can all agree that heterodoxy is not something to strive for, there have been exceptional advancements in the faith which have occurred as a result of unique and varying viewpoints and denominations. From the artistic and scientific contributions of the Catholic Church alongside their countless theologians, to the mysticism and ceremony of Eastern Orthodoxy, to the evangelization and community building of various protestant denominations. There are aspects to heterodox faiths (relative to your denomination) that we are open to challenge, but it is essential that we similarly acknowledge two things: 1) that despite their views differing from ours, it does not invalidate their capability to receive grace, nor does it damage their capacity for faith, and 2) the we recognize positive contributions made across various perspectives, cultures, and peoples to developing faith, contributing to God’s creation, and offering praise.
I am often concerned with trying to best understand the fullness of faith, and as such I often worry about the particular nuances that come with it. Perhaps I fail to fully comprehend another position that would change things, or I missed a passage or historical precedent. But when this occurs, I often find myself drifting back to Mark 9:38-40, which states (using the KJV version here, for no reason other than I enjoy the poetic way it is expressed):
“And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part.”
This passage is one that speaks to the uniform and abundant grace of God, and serves as a testament to God’s continuous work, even in places where we least expect. This person, while not a part of the church hierarchy or even a formally taught minister, was still capable of advancing the word of God, demonstrating that even when one does not fully comprehend, goodness may still be done if you are willing to try and accept Him.
Truly, this passage is a reminder of the need for humility in our faith, and understanding that while we may quibble over some aspects, we are all siblings unified in faith. The Ecumenical love we share for each other should serve both to unite us and bring us closer to truth. While we may never fully reach a consensus, we should always be open to good-faith debates and discussions so that we may learn and grow together. And while the differences persist, the Holy Spirit is not bound my our whims or laws. Goodness and Godliness may happen anywhere, and remembering this may help us all get a little closer to God.