Regarding Christian Controversies

There are quite a number of things this Christmas season that many people have differing opinions on. It seems like the church against the world, but even on the inside of the debates and trifles we see the world against the world, and sadly the church against the church. I want to address two of these issues in this blog. First of all is the film The Golden Compass. I have not read the Dark Materials trilogy, nor do I know much about Philip Pullman that isn't heresay (which puts me on an equal footing with a great majority of those who so adamently protest against the film), but I must admit that, from the previews, it looks like a good movie. Even moreso, because I like good movies, I will go see it. I'll eagerly jump right in line with all those people who might be going specifically for the supposed anti-Christian message, sit right next to them in the theatre, and maybe even chat about the film superficially when my wife and I leave the theatre. I don't feel like the centuries of Christian truth can be swayed by a 2 hour movie. And even if they can, who's fault is that: Philip Pullman's, or ours? I do not at all feel that I need to convince people that they should see the movie (though I do feel it better that people see what is really going on for themselves), nor do I feel at all pressured by those who aren't going. However, I would say that we ought not to wage a war about a movie. Not on the unbelieving community, and much less opon ourselves.
Secondly, on the matter of the celebration of Christmas. I was unaware of such a controversy until recently. Clearly if one studies the bible it's pretty obvious that Jesus of Nazareth was not born on Dec. 25th. Just like it's equally obvious that the precise dates of his acsension are just as cloudy (but nobody will gripe about Easter). Does it have some weird practices....I can't say. I've never bowed down in front of a Christmas tree, nor have I prayed to Santa...although St. Nicholas might just be able to hear us from his place in glory. But to see the church, and the athiestic communities bickering so fiercely saddens me. That we, the church, should turn aside from a day to celebrate the fact that Jesus came, and is coming back to participate in such a childish diversion shows that the church in America clearly has too much time on it's hands. Even worse is the debate within the church. Ignorantly condemning people of participating in pagan ritual, judging Pastors and friends based on the installation of a Christmas tree into their homes and whether or not they sign their presents "Santa Claus". I will say that it is good to not buy into the materialism of the season. It's a trap set before us by those who would twist earnest sentiments into a bigger fiscal statement, and a higher stock quote. If you have a tree, do not judge those who don't. If you don't, do not judge those who do.

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and notholding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch" referring to things that all perish as they are used—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

Col.2:6-23

So if you have a tree or not, or you see the Golden Compass or not. Understand that you have the freedom of the grace of God which is found in Christ. So whatever you choose to do this Christmas season do it for the Glory of God, and as such, do it in such a way that glorifies our Father in Heaven.