There were many responses at this blog to my “Open Letter to Anne Rice.” A good bit over 100. I read all of them, though not every one of them was posted.** I responded to most of those I read, particularly because I kept seeing the same set of basic assumptions popping up. I promise not to squeeze any more life out of this moment than there is, but below is a short(ish) response to two of the more prevalent assumptions underlying many reader comments. (PLEASE NOTE: this is not a further commentary on Anne Rice’s announcement; it is a response to common assumptions found in the reader comments on my initial letter)
The first prevalent assumption among those who commented on my previous post was that I am “an idiot.” Pffssst… chyeah, right. Am not.
The second is that I am “a jackass.” Now, that I can buy.
Actual Assumption #1:
The “Human Element” of Religion
There was, present in many of the comments posted, the assumption that one can remove the “human element” from religion. It’s an immensely problematic idea and here is why I think so: Many, if not most, would agree that religion is a human construct; that we made it up. Religion is either the way we go about seeking some Divine Source we can only hope and believe is really there underneath it all or it is our poetic and philosophical effort to make lemonade from the lemons of life. Therefore, if one ascribes to this idea of religion, then all there is to it is the human element. We are either reaching out for “God” who couldn’t possibly have had anything to do with this circus of dogmas and funny robes or we’re deluding ourselves in order to cope with the absurdity of life.
In that light, let’s suppose that one’s entire religious practice was made up of silent meditation alone in a room in an empty building in an abandoned city whose residents had been eaten by zombies who then, themselves died from side effects of the 5-Hour Energy Drink stored in the blood streams of the very alert people they had eaten (I’m just trying to paint a picture of isolation here… stick with me). Even in that very isolated scenario, the practice of meditation would have had to be learned from someone else. Be it face to face or in written form or by instructional video, the transference of religious knowledge or spiritual practice is always a human process; People teaching people to be (ostensibly) better people. Religion is people.
So, if religion is a human construct and you remove the “human element” from it you are left with nothing.. which would make many among us just as happy… until the zombies show up.
But what if you are just crazy enough to believe that The Divine communicates directly to people? Luckily, I am just such a nut. So is Anne Rice. We’re nuts, Anne and I! You see, I believe, along with Anne Rice, that God has revealed Himself to His Creation over many, many years. We believe that the pinnacle in this long history of revelation is the Incarnation of Jesus Christ; God becoming man. This tradition makes the elimination of the “human element” problematic in that God, with every phase of revelation over the course of history, has intentionally and consistently chosen the human element; even to the extreme of becoming human. Prophets, Priests, Teachers, Guides, Rulers, etc.. all human, as was Jesus of Nazareth. So while we might be a ripe mess, it seems that in some strange way we are the mess God wants.
Furthermore, this same tradition shuns the individualistic practice of faith in which religion is “just between God and me.” The instructions or teachings that have accompanied each phase of revelation are communal instructions and teachings. The teachings of Christ in particular are teachings spoken to crowds of people rather than to individuals. They were/are designed to create a culture of forgiveness, generosity and hope rather than just individuals marked by those traits. Christ’s methods were and are communal: He called a group of twelve people to himself and taught them as a collective. He taught the masses who followed him. Meanwhile, despite his deep criticism of Judaism, Jesus nonetheless continued to teach within that system; in its synagogues and to the communities gathered there around Torah. I think it’s safe to say that, even if one is unsure as to His “agenda,” Jesus sought (and seeks) to accomplish his goal by reshaping the way people live, not as individuals, but together… until the zombies show up.
Actual Assumption #2:
The “End” of Religious Practice
Lastly (I promise) throughout the comments, there seemed to be a further assumption that the practice of religion is intended for the improvement of ones self. Agreed… but. That is not it’s end. A better self is particularly better insofar as that better self can then help other selves become better selves. There is a responsibility that comes with health, blessing and wisdom; the responsibility to pass it on. The healing of our own lives becomes a gift we have the privilege and responsibility to offer others. But even that is not the end.
The better self helps others be better selves and they, together, become better communities which, in turn, create better neighborhoods, better cities and better cultures which eventually, hopefully and prayerfully transform the face of nations and the globe into the shape and pattern of what Jesus called “the Kingdom.” Christ’s “end” from the very beginning was to redeem all things and all people, reconciling them to the Father and instating His Kingdom on earth as a dwelling place for all of God’s creation. A dwelling place with the foundations of Justice, Mercy and Love. Any religious (or irreligious) idea which excludes an entire people group from this vision is out of line with that vision and its Architect. In this light, if someone really “gets it,” the last thing one ought to do is disconnect themselves from those who don’t get it. George Bernard Shaw said it thusly: ”I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die.”
DISCLAIMER: All this is only my opinion, which I will continue to force down peoples’ throats by posting it here on my own blog where you are all morally and legally obliged to click and scroll until I am through controlling you; after which point you are free to move on and linger at the far more entertaining and informative Daily Show page.. That is, of course.. until the zombies show up.
**(comments I did not post were generally those that were only insulting without offering content… also ignored were any comments submitted by Yankee fans.)
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Thanks for writing this, Justin. Didn’t feel like you were forcing it on me at all.
I just came back from a visit with my parents, who deny the existence of the supernatural, claim that IF Jesus existed he was simply a man that people turned into something he wasn’t, and believe that any religion is something they neither want nor need.
Difficult to start a spiritual conversation with them….my dad also eschews scripture because, in his words, “nobody REALLY knows what Jesus said”.
The fact that Dad is in the early stages of Alheimer’s and Mom is battling advanced lung cancer which has spread to her brain is a motivating factor for me to continue to pray and seek meaningful conversations with them.
I appreciate what you have to say about it all – it keeps me focused and helps me consider things from different vantage points.
Gail
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Interesting. Because I thought your open letter to Anne Rice was EXCELLENT and told all my friends to read it, who told all their friends to read it.
As far as I know, none of us commented though…maybe we should have.
I find a vast majority of “mean-spirited” comments are from individuals who did not fully read something controversial I wrote. They pick out one sentence and make a whole assumption based on that. Sigh.
Good job clearing up misconceptions though. You are an excellent writer, which is why I read your blog.
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Another winner.
Well said, brother.
Oh, and the links were a nice touch, too.
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Please thoughtfully consider adding this one to the list of responses to your Anne Rice post that you plan on reading.
http://clintwells.blogspot.com/2010/08/anne-rice-christianity-and-integrity.html
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Justin,
Thought I’d share one of my favorite quotes – seems appropriate.
“The purpose of Christianity is not to avoid difficulty, but to produce a character adequate to meet it when it comes. It does not make life easy, yet it tries to make us great enough for life.” – James L. Christensen
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Dude! So glad I found your blog!!! Loving you and your writery with exclamation marks!!!!
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Justin Reply:
August 3rd, 2010 at 12:16 am
@Randall
Thanks, man. I’m glad you dig it.
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It’s great to be able to read such thoughtful and well-written opinions about faith as written by you, Anne and various other people. I have come to realize over the years that God must be like an elephant, seeming to be many different things to those who believe. I believe that God is a mystery and much bigger than my mind can comprehend. I do believe that Jesus is the son of God and I am commanded to feed His sheep as should all Christians. We defeat the purpose when we fight with each other because this gives non-believers a reason to turn their backs on religion. We as Christians and followers of Christ must do our very best through prayer and faith to work on his behalf. We are the ones who should be working miracles. God works through us.
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[...] My Blog Exploded Anne There Is Rice Everywhere: a follow-up to my letter to Anne Rice (tags: article blog justinmcroberts) [...]
Now, that we’ve made it clear on how Christians should feel about Anne Rice, let’s get back to feeding the widows and the poor.
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Very good insight. I also appreciated your open letter. Nice work. Keep it up.
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Right on Justin! Thanks for your insight! I appreciate your thoughts and your blog. Keep it up!
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I like your thoughts. I don’t get the zombie reference. And the word one’s is possessive: “the practice of religion is intended for the improvement of ones self.”
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It’s interesting that immediately after you said to AR, “if you are going to follow Jesus, it means you need to love everybody, even ignorant jerks,” then God gave you the opportunity to respond with love to everyone… even some who may have been ignorant jerks. (Kind of how my grandmother used to warn us, “never pray for patience!” because God will send you things that will, you know, try your patience).
So, I offer this unrelated encouragement: according to “What to Expect The First Year,” babies are physically able to sleep through the night when they reach about 10-12 pounds, which is usually around 10-12 weeks. Rest well, sir.
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If religion is a human construct and you remove the “human element” from it you are left with nothing.. which would make many among us just as happy… until the zombies show up.
_______________
Mary
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