Living the Story #12, Lent 2011

Then said Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice." Matt 23: 1 - 3

I recently read a book that talked about about orthodoxy. That's a big word that just means "right belief." Orthodoxy is important. Believing rightly is a big deal.

There is a certain preacher out there under lots of fire these days from the "christian community" (two words that really are the opposite of what's happening these days as the hateful, prideful things being said in the name of Jesus and his community or "common unity" are hardly represented). People are upset at him as they perceive him straying from "right belief".

I won't comment on what I think of it all here. I haven't read the new book yet. But this book I read talked about orthodoxy as well as "orthopraxy" which is a word I think the author made up but he defined as "right practice." These two things are as important as one another. Our practice or actions confirm our beliefs.

If we're worried that someone has left orthodoxy and publicly and pridefully dismiss them through silly things like blogs and social media, then we have missed the point. The scripture tells us that if we're concerned about someone, we should go to them lovingly with a heart to restore.

And in the mean time, the people of Japan and Haiti and Burma and the streets of any city in any country all around the world really don't care right now whether a new book is theologically sound or not. They are waiting for us to do the right thing.