THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 461

Times change and as a consequence, the capacity for formal institutionalized religious education, as it is recognized in the traditional sense, is not always conducive to understanding the breadth and depth of the love of God as elaborated within the scriptures or the extent of the love God has for His people. As Mary Parkins Ryan wrote in an article entitled, "Dr. Goldman and American Catholic Education" religious authorities continued to impose concepts and doctrinal formulas on children and youth, optimistic that as they grow older, their earlier religious training would lead to a greater sense of appreciation for continuing the teachings within formalized religion.

"These people deeply feel that whatsoever else may be accomplished in a religion class is a frill; to know correct formulas made by heart is the essential ... Children shall be taught the fundamental truths of the faith, and those especially must be committed to memory that are conducive to the love of God." This conviction became stronger as the Catholic Church in particular, and perhaps other church oriented institutions as well, feared the "new theology" and the "new catechetics." It appeared that many wanted "to cling to the old-time way of teaching the old-time religion so as to be sure the old-time religion [would] be perpetuated."

Although admittedly the article itself is dated, it is interesting to note the contrast that exists between this type of observation from an educator's point of view and the scriptures as delivered to us by the apostles. In particular, I am drawn to I Corinthians -- the first letter of Paul -- who was called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus -- with a message for the Corinthians. Beginning in I Corinthians 1:20-29, the scriptures state:

"Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ [is] the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

For consider your call brethren: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth, but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose what is low and despised in the world even things that are not to bring to nothing things that are so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus ..."

Looking back, we can readily see how traditional education and teaching practices have changed over the decades. There are times that good educational intentions in one era were reversed in the next. Indeed, we've all witnessed these debates on the merits of education (both religious and public) during our own lifetimes. However, the point here is that the good news gospel -- the Word of God -- never changes. The same gospel message delivered to the original apostles in the Bible is equally valid for you and I today. Not a "new theology" as suggested above but the gospel message intended for you and I even before the earth was formed.

John 1 states: "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us full of grace and truth, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him and cried, "This was He of whom I said, "He who comes after me ranks before me for He was before me.") And from His fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For this law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through  Jesus Christ."

In other words, there is no other gospel message for our children and youth. While some might say (as referenced in I Corinthians 1:12-13) that they "belong to Paul" or "to Apollos" or "to Cephas" or to other formalized religious institutions, we can rest assured that as believers we "belong to Christ." Is Christ divided? No. Was Paul crucified for you? No. Were you baptized in the name of Paul? No. Why? Because as John wrote, "among us stands one whom you do not know, even He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." John came to bear witness to the light that all might believe in the one "who was in the world and the world was made by Him, yet the world knew Him not." 


Therefore the gospel of Jesus is not so complicated that we need "to cling to the old-time way of teaching the old-time religion." What we do need to do is "Make straight the way of the Lord" as the prophet Isaiah said, and recognize that the real underlying fundamental truth is that Jesus loves us. Salvation is not about memorizing religious dogma but rather, reading the scriptures and committing to Jesus within our hearts! Thankfully, that gospel message never changes. Stand in the Offering Plate!