July 20, 2003
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
Ephesians 2:11-22
There is often a fine line between superstition and religion. The Gospel of Mark speaks clearly of the growing popularity of Jesus. Crowds thronged to him wherever he went and many put forth every effort just to touch the fringe of his garment hoping that they might be made well. The author of the letter to the Ephesians not only speaks of how Jesus provided a means of reconciliation for the Gentiles to God, but that through the blood of Jesus Gentiles and Jews alike are reconciled to God.
The idea of all people being reconciled to God as one human family is a wonderful concept and worthy of great effort by us all. The idea that Jesus had to die in order for this to come to pass is a throw-back to very ancient ideas of an angry God demanding that someone pay for human sin and separation by someone else giving their life. A sacrificial approach to religion shoulld only be understood as part of the evolving nature of human beings in the early stages of human development. This concept, however, should be viewed as outdated and should be remembered only as "where we have been". Those who promote such a demand by God in our day are in the dark ages of religion and thus are part of the problem of our world rather than part of its solution. Through what Jesus taught by word and example much progress can be made. The goal should be that the same spirit which enlightened and inspired him do the same for us. His death as a criminal on a cross is a dark spot in human history. Such a death cannot in any sensible way be attributed to a demonstration of God's great love. Jesus died rather than turn his back upon his principles or even just become silent. It was the evil capacity of human beings through making wrong choices that brought about his death.
Human beings are reconciled to one another and to God through loving attitudes and behavior, not through someone dying in their place. The authors of Mark and Ephesians were in tune with their world in their proclamations. We are without excuse!