SD-36 Arrived back from Italy last evening. Much rest, much food and wine, but I could not get away from the whole arena of religion and what it is and does to us all.
Since I used the word 'arena' let me start with a comment about what Christians did to the Colosseum - many of you know this. Though it is a wonderful ruin that allows us to take a glimpse back at the past (the movie The Gladiator was not far off at all) it was the Christians within the "Roman Empire" that ruined this arena. To facilitate the building of their churches and adorn them with fine metals and marble, they removed the facade and the precious metal stakes that held the stone in place. Even though that arena was used for the entertainment of the masses so as to keep the 'folk' happy with free, thrilling events, the Christians did not mess up the arena because of this. They pretty much looted the arena. It shows that when you are one of the powers that are used to keep people in order - which the church became after Constantine - anything goes when you want something to go your way.
We are not meant to be a power-filled people who live and use power in the way of empires and nations. When we follow Jesus, we step back and enter into a vision for life that brings wholeness tot he whole world. Whenever we tie ourselves to an empire - the least will never have enough for we will step back from justice and mercy and kindness and hospitality in order to become or remain one of the 'players.' In the Colosseum, there is now a prominent cross in the ruins. It is noted to be a way to honor the 'martyrs' of the faith who died there. It is my understanding that there were many, many more people butchered in that place than Christians.
I would like to continue on for a few days of reflection on the brutality we (Christians) committed as we moved into being an empire religion - a religion that took the images of the faith and transformed them into a kind of propaganda for the well-being of empire. Tomorrow I will simply comment on this arena - who benefited and who were betrayed.
Connection: On this return home, I am in a tailspin as the church that emerged alongside the empire is still the church of today. Can we - Will we - How will we - find our way home.
Blessed are you, Maker of all that is and all that will be. Though we have traveled so far from the way of our Lord, Jesus, we trust that you are with us still. Bring us home again. Nurture our hearts that our lives will be filled with the wonder of your Reign. Amen.
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