THE SCRIPTURES EXAMINE THE CHURCH

In the early Church the candidates who were working toward baptism would have a special questioning during the Sunday liturgy. The literal translation of this spiritual exercise was the scrutinies.

 

This name sounds somewhat harsh to our English ears but it was a time when the Scriptures were used to examine the Church. Were the people actually living up to their calling? Were the teachings of the Gospels become enfleshed in their lives?

 

It was not a time to see whether the candidates passed for failed the exam. It was a time when the teachings of the Gospels (i.e., the Scriptures) asked the people of the Church to see if they were living up to the teachings of Jesus.

 

We need to bring this practice back to today’s church. It is much too easy for people to staunchly maintain that they are living a good Christian life and are threatened with the challenges that the Gospel / Church teaching might bring.

 

God has created all human beings in his own image. Every human being is of equal worth in the eyes of God. How well are Christian people living this out in the way they respect all people (no matter the differences) as their equals. We know that in some countries certain groups of people are marginalized and not given equal opportunity for education and job opportunities. How are Christians living out our belief in the equal dignity and value of each human being? 

 

The earth and all parts of creation are the first part of God’s revelation. Human beings were given the earth in terms of stewardship. They were to  use and enjoy all parts of creation as a gift. But we know that so much of the earth has been exploited, polluted and laid to waste. Our religious teaching brings us to a new awareness of our responsibilities toward the earth. Does the average Christian work toward preserving and caring for the gifts of the earth? Are we handing on a planet to the upcoming generations that is liveable and will provide nourishment for their survival and their thriving as a human community? Are we listening to the challenges that our Christian faith place before us in our responsibility for the earth?

 

This is only a beginning but it lays out that the Scriptures and the teaching of the Church are active questions for each and every believer. We may experience resistance to such questions but it Is  a very healthy way to live our Christian faith. Think of these questions as physical exercise. The exercise will make us strong. It will keep us healthy.