Text, Thesis & Tradition

I established an internet blog about nine months ago, and in that short amount of time I have entered almost a thousand full-length stories, reminiscences, spiritual applications, and a few dozen current news articles.

I recently wrote a reminiscence about my childhood, and focused on the local church; which my mother insisted my siblings and I attend on a weekly basis. The major implication of my story was a dearth of sermon material, including specific scriptures relating to repentance, forgiveness and a resulting salvation experience, and rather, the emphasis on a social gospel; yet obversely, the wonderful “high and mighty” music of the church, which was standard fare in every service.

Having finished this particular blog I posted it on my internet site, as well as my social media page. The subsequent comments I received were nothing less than unexpected, and provocative.

(Paraphrased)

“It would seem you are mistaken in your claim that you never heard the Gospel preached in that place, and you obviously don’t know Jesus’ definition of that word. Didn’t He call us to love our neighbor as ourselves, and go about doing good?”

(and)

“I think you are confused. The message of John 3:16 is to go out into the world and make a difference. You may have missed the call, but it wasn’t for lack of the message.”

(and)

“How could you lamblast the local church which you attended? How tacky is that anyway? You should be ashamed. I will pray for you.”

As a result, I defended myself and my persuasion in a minimal manner, and ultimately made the primary responder aware that debating the issue further would be a large waste of his, as well as my time; (since we were unlikely to change the other’s opinion of the matter).

Well, dear readers, if you care to check out the blog to which I have alluded, it is titled, “My Spiritual Roots,” and I posted it only a few days ago. It may be helpful for you to refer to it briefly at this point.

In defense of my blog, were I somehow given the wherewithal to write my reminiscence again for the first time, or to write a similar one in the future, I would not change a single word, jot or tittle. 

Ultimately, what I wrote involves my particular memories and perspectives, and I own them. No one else walked the same pathway that God, Himself set before me. No one ever could.

And, it is important to note, there is nothing inherently sacred about the liturgy of a local congregation, if indeed the traditions and textual emphasis depart from the good news of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If, as I have implied, the gospel of good works is maximized, and the blood and suffering of the Son of God, and repentance and forgiveness of sins is minimized, shame on me if I fail to speak out!

Beyond what I have previously written, whatever I choose to post on my own social media page is my own intellectual property, and is not posted for purposes of debate; only personal perspective. I respect what others post on their pages, regard it as their own intellectual property, and 

… maintain my university debate credentials in my wallet; (where they belong).

By William McDonald, PHD. Excerpt from (Mc)Donald's Daily Diary. Vol. 31. Copyright pending

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