Jeremiah Out of Context (Updated from 5/5/2014)

People have problems with quoting Jeremiah 29:11-13 and Psalm 32:8.  They have a problem with it because it is taken out of context.  Out of context?  It isn't even taken out of proven writings!  Granted the Old Testament has at least been around for a while, like before the written word, so even it must fall into the realm of faith.  But is it supposed to be that difficult?  

I equate most religions to Obamacare, the Affordable Care Act.  The "Act" consists of 20,000 pages of "simplified" healthcare for everyone.  Do you understand it?  No, of course, you don't.  Even the people that wrote it don't, but they'll be happy to explain it to you.  And religious scholars take issue with the context of a parable.  Why?  Because God's word isn't supposed to be that difficult.

Don't overthink the word of God., and don't over-analyze what God wants for us.  What makes you think it was ever intended to be difficult?  God gave us his Son and the knowledge we need to move forward, and yet, we rely on priests and scholars to interpret the Word.  God's word should not need interpretation.  According to scholars, parables need interpretation, because they are lessons hidden within stories.  The Word of God, however, was meant to be very clear.  It is not hidden! Evidence of this would be the Ten Commandments.

As I read Jeremiah and Psalms, I can't help but wonder.  For me to pray, well, I envision the Kingdom "secretary" fielding my prayer and telling the front office supervisor, "There's another call for the Big Guy from Villari."

"Frank?"

"Yeah."

"Oh, great.  Better put him on hold."

If you've ever heard bad "on-hold" phone music, the Kingdom of Heaven outsources theirs - to hell.   Rest assured, I will be on hold for a biblical eternity before I lose the connection and have to call again.  If I do get through I have no doubt reaching customer service in New Delhi will probably seem like heaven.  So I don't pray, I talk to God "mano y deity" knowing God is ever present, and I try not to be demanding or prideful.  I ask only for guidance along my path.  Watching over me, after that, is unnecessary, as what will be, will be.   

Out of context?  Isn't that the problem with most religions, and letting someone else guide you and make decisions for you?  How many people need to interpret God for you?  God is already guiding you, and advising you, all you need do is listen.  After all, he wrote all we need to know across our hearts and minds, to prevent misinterpretation by scholars.

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either view any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony: tolerantpastor@gmail.com