“God, you name is eternal, God, you’ll never be out-of-date.” Psalm 135.13
A TV network analyzed Christianity’s failure to respond to the threat of eastern religions in the 60’s and 70’s. As the night wore on, watching the program became an exercise that became increasingly difficult. The producers documented the issues and weaknesses of institutional religion clearly and accurately. The rhetoric and comments came across as personal experiences without bitterness. The words sharpened and hit home as I saw that nothing has changed. The individuals interviewed reflected many people today looking to the Christian God. They see a God who is less relevant, less life changing, and more superficial than others gods.
Does God and gods come in and out of fashion? Is God something that changes with the season or decade? Do all paths lead to the same end? Can we learn from each other?
The mistake is, I believe, to answer all questions with a strong affirmative “yes”! Closing one’s mind to the lessons and experiences of other walks is the height of arrogance and self-sufficiency. Do I honestly believe I have the sole perspective of God that is accurate and complete? Do I believe God is working grace in every person’s life? If not then how does God choose?
God is a fashion that is eternally fresh and vibrant. For reasons I do not completely comprehend, his permanence brings what is a constant need across the generations. Love, unconditionally acceptance, grace, relationships, and dialogue never go out of style. Do the appearances change? Yes! However, the fundamental lines remain the same!
The critical thing to remember is that not all appearances are the same. God and gods are different. They express fundamentally different values, frameworks, and paths. Some are similar, however the God of Jesus Christ is unique. No other God brings unconditional hope to everyone without strings.
The problem in the 60’s, 70’s, and the 90’s is one of relationship. People found God irrelevant because they did not wear just Him. God never goes out of style; He is leading edge fashion!
