(c) John, Rekesh 2004-2008. No part of this work may be copied or reproduced without the author's permissionThe BrotherhoodThe Evangelist is lamenting infighting among Christian groups.
“Its ridiculous! We are supposed to be one flock under one shepherd, yet we have as many denominations as the Hindus have gods…”
“That’s an interesting comparison…” I offer.
“Now look at the Moslems. They are so united, you find only two groups. Touch any one of them and the whole group comes to their rescue. Now is that brotherhood or what?”
“I believe they teach the brotherhood of man, or at least that of the Moslem!”
“Yeah? Well, we teach the fatherhood of God. Doesn’t that mean we are all brothers?”
“You are right!”
“Yet we are so divided and opinionated. And do you know why?’
I scratch my head.
“I’ll tell you! I spent a long time thinking and praying about it. Then I had a powerful revelation!”
“Wow!”
“We Christians need to pray together more often. And the brotherhood must have a strict dietary regimen, like in Moses' times. The Moslems have plenty of restrictions on what they can eat and when. They have to fast during Ramadan prayers, for example.”
I scratch my head again, “I understand the worship part. Fasting is helpful I suppose?”
“Aha!” he said, “Imagine thousands of believers praying together in unison and in spirit, five times a day.”
In my mind flashed an image of the Kaaba at Mecca, and of many mosques. People were kneeling and praying - a beautiful sight of mass worship.
“Now,” he said, “If Christians were to do that, we could start killing each other pretty soon.”
“How is that?” I am still puzzled.
“Isn’t it obvious brother? If you are doing that exercise en masse, don't you think..." he paused,
"...you shouldn’t be left to figure out what the guy in front of you stuffed himself with for lunch?”
A cloud passed over my head, and then sunshine returned quickly. Suddenly I could see his point.
What great insight some of these evangelists have!
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