Saturday, March 6, 2010

Episcopal faith values questions, service


From Maryland-

What if Jesus were living in today's society, observing the teachings of churches?

The Rev. David Dingwall leaned back in his chair and thought for a moment.

"I wonder if Jesus would recognize much of what is being said and done in his name," he said. "Some of it, he would say, 'Yes. You get it.' But certainly not everything."

Soft-spoken, with a depth of thought, an easy laugh and prone to toying with his moustache when formulating an idea, the pastor of St. Paul's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in downtown Ocean City said he believes Jesus was militant, a radical, intensely political, but not violent. Jesus issued an invitation -- experience a new way of life.

It can be summarized by reading The Sermon on the Mount, recorded in the fifth chapter of the Biblical book of Matthew, one of the gospels.

"The beatitudes are in the Sermon on the Mount. 'Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.' It contrasts what society values today," Dingwall said. "Jesus was a militant, but many churches have domesticated his personality. I don't think Jesus founded an institution. I think Jesus founded a movement ... if you are not making a difference, having a positive impact on the community, if you are not there to serve, then you're a social club for the like-minded. I don't think that's what Jesus meant."

More here-

http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20100306/LIFESTYLE/3060356/1024/Episcopal-faith-values-questions--service

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