This morning my mind has been preoccupied by the thought of where religion tends to keep the Body of Christ.
Two completely different concepts, religion and the Ecclesia.
One is bounded by Institutional maintenence, the other free to experience a conversational mentorship with the Christ.
The former static, but strewn with defensive atrocities; the latter with passion and too often suffering martyrdom.
The former wounds those who attempt freedom, labeling them with ignorance and eventually heresy. The latter offering compassion to the wounded, the outcast, the Spirit affording courage for martyrdom, if need be!
I thank God for the providence that has brought us to the point of civility, and separation from the tyrany of a church-state conspiracy that would otherwise likely judge even me.
The history of Christianity is dotted with such moments where God inspired men and women to step out of the conventional faith, even at times into controversy with the Institutional interpretation of Biblical text.
Ironically, it has always been through the marginalized, often impoverished, the heretic judged, that progressive revelation has been afforded.
To my friends on the fringe, be encouraged, share your thoughts though challenged, as that has been the lifeblood of the Ecclesia, the called out ones!
Matthew 27:59-61
59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.Matthew 27:59-61
New International Version
59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.