Advent With Merton... Reflection

Today was Day six in the good ole Advent with Merton book I use every year. The scripture was Revelation 3:17-20. This passage is an exerpt from the 'devotional' portion. I found it quite interesting in light of my Global Justice & Religion course yesterday, which investigated the word 'fundamentalism' its origins and its meaning today. There is nothing wrong with Christian fundamentalism in it's strictest historical sense. But just as liberal Christians err toward the 'rebellious zeal' mentioned in the passage, more fundamental branches err toward to moral idolitry the passage also speaks of. Perhaps if there was a way to discourse with one another we could help each other grow. It's always really good for me to hear, "Anna, maybe thats a step too far," or, "Are you comfortable with that theological move. I'm not sure I am." Anyways- and I do this to- i think that sometimes since morality and christian ethics seem easier to grasp than God we go after them in the place of God. Also quite handy with the God of Morality (rather than say... The God of Love) is the ability to judge our selves and others into a neat little comfortable box. Quite unfortunate for us that Jesus had no boxes, and this box system ends in the proverbial hell- judging ourselves into alienation from God, Christ, The Holy Spirit, and the rest of humanity because in the end i fear we all try to judge ourselves to the top, alone. Perhaps there would be some way for the 'two camps' to talk to each other instead of remaining in polarizing sin for one another. I'm as guilty as the rest, but The Kingdom has to be worth sucking it up and starting the dialogue. It's only the second greatest commandment and all. So here's the passage hope you enjoy:

"It is normal and necessary for a mature Chrisitan to have to confront, at some time or other, the inevitable shortcomings of Christians-- of others as well as himself. It is both dishonest and unfaithful for a Christian to imagine that the only way to preserve his faith in the Church is to convince himself that everything is always, in every way, at all times ideal in her life and activity. History is there to prove the contrary. It is unfortunately true that Christians themselves, for one reason or another, may in the name of God himself, and of his truth, cling to subtle forms of prejudice, inertial, and mental paralysis. Indeed there may even be serious moral disorders and injustices where holiness should previal...
The Christian must learn how to face these problems with a sincere and humble concern for truth and for the glory of God's church. He must learn to help correct these errors without falling into an indiscreet or rebellious zeal..."

love,
anna