Christian Soldiers
18th December, 2003
Dear Friends
Christmas is a time when the relationship between commerce and religion
becomes perversely apparent. A parallel historic association was described
in last weeks Economist magazine as follows:
“From 1534 until 1549, Pope Paul III was CEO of the biggest company in the world, the Roman Catholic Church – monopoly provider of the most important service of all - Salvation…. Papacy Inc. had cash flow problems because indulgences were not selling well.”
After a tense week in which our finances and relationships were under pressure, I wondered whether commentators would describe our Church as a community also driven by ‘guilt avoidance’? That was until I attended the annual Toy Service at my local church. A church united in the wonder of God’s grace. Contrary to the stereotype of ‘stewardship’ aversion, the church was packed for a celebration of generosity - excellence in the grace of giving. The joyful recognition of being already blessed, being better than despondency in need of being blessed. A recognition that the sufficiency of Christ’s gift, as celebrated this season, liberates us from impoverished hopelessness.
For some reason this year political correctness is being replaced by ‘faith correctness’. In France, Muslim women are criticised for religious headwear; in civic Britain, symbols of Christ and the Cross are being denied. Even our hymns and carols are vetted! Feeling guilty about my own impropriety at the end of the week, I decided to look to the hymn ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ for comfort. It is true that the title and rhythm evokes an image of the crusades, and a combatant approach to witness. But armies are not all about aggression. They are also symbols of cooperation, collaboration and the camaraderie of directed community. The third verse captures this sentiment –
“ We are not divided, all one body we, one in hope and doctrine, one in charity”.
Could this describe us?! During the coming year we are invited to be a community united by the warmth of fellowship. Let’s hope that the prospect of joining a ‘happy throng’ will not offend our delicate political sensibilities!
Thank you for your contribution and friendship.
Yours truly,
Victor Pilmoor
Treasurer