A Little Controversy

I've been in summer school for the last month. Thankfully, it ends this weekend! Woo! I'm actually sitting in my last class right now, but I digress.

In my Children's Literature class, on the first day, we were asked the normal stuff: name, what we do, one interesting fact. I mentioned that I was a Preschool Teacher at Reynolda Church, where I also just took a job as the Assistant Director of Elementary Ministries. Apparently, that was super exciting to the people in my class. (there are only 6 of us, mind you). They asked questions about my church and what I do there, what we believe, and about the Pastor. I am incredibly biased about my church, so I was, thankfully, able to answer their questions.

The next day, I had a lady come up to me and tell me, "I really like Presbyterians because they believe in reincarnation." She smiled and I got a blank look on my face. I told her, "Well, I won't speak for all Presbyterians, but I know EPC doesn't."

I quickly emailed my boss and asked for his help. And after thinking about what he said, and about my own experiences, here is the conclusion I came to: Western religions don't typically believe in reincarnation. Christianity doesn't believe in reincarnation. I told her that, it really is impossible to call yourself a Christian and believe in reincarnation. Reincarnation is the idea that we will come back as something different based on our merit from this life. Belief in reincarnation negates any belief in an afterlife - Heaven or Hell, and therefore, there is no need for a Savior. No need for a Savior equals no need for grace.

Then that question of: why would a loving God send people to hell? came up. Well, I was reading in a Max Lucado book "Grace for the Moment" and it spoke to that. It said there are two things wrong with the statement: God sends people to hell. First, God doesn't send anyone to hell. We choose Heaven or hell. Some choose Heaven. Some choose hell. Ultimate free will. Second, people insinuates some form of innocence in its broadness as a term. Well, innocent people don't go to hell; sinners go to hell. Anyone who believes in Jesus is redeemed and therefore, saved from damnation.

I think she was taken aback, and I was, too. The bottom line is that we will be called to defend our faith. "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." - 1 Peter 3:15

This was one of my first attempts at apologetics - the defending of one's faith. I assume it was quite controversial since I continued to get asked questions about theology and church practices for the next few classes.

But no worry - I'm beginning to like controversy.