God's answer

The recent weather in San Diego has rendered me physically lazy. I do not want to drive to the YMCA to work out, and I certainly do not want to jog outside in the rain. As a result, I have been flexing my spiritual muscle (it's the only muscle I can boast even though it's frequently flaccid).

Last night I blogged about my unique perspective. This morning, I think God provided an answer. Come with me on my biblical journey this morning.

1. God's answer: 1 Corinthians 19-23 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law, To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

My interpretation was that I can wear my old secular humanist hat while I wear my Jesus hat. I don't have to become like people subscribing to secular humanist beliefs. I used to be that person. I may wear my hats and not be able to see a damn thing. I may fall flat on my face. I may repel people instead of save. Frankly, the goal of saving people feels unattainable. Yes, I know that's why Jesus steps in, but I'm afraid of failure and I am not omnipotent enough to recognize success or defeat. At least I know I have two hats for a reason.

2. Another thought on my mind as I continued reading was the issue of eating meat: animal cruelty, hormones, etc. When I'm shopping at Trader Joe's, I can find some free range, organic, pampered meat. The last time I bought meat, it was not at Trader Joe's.

God's response? (Aside from "Do better") 1 Corinthians 10:23-30 "Everything is permissible" - but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible" - but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seeks his own good, but the good of others. Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it." If some unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without asking questions of conscience. But if anyone says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then do not eat it, both for the sake of the man who told you and for conscience' sake - the other man's conscience, I mean, not yours. For why should my freedom be judged by another's conscience? If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?

My interepretation: It's past the point of not asking questions about where our meat comes from and how the animals are treated. Buy free range or local eggs, etc. from local farmers when possible. Try not to eat the meat that is not free range, but when refraining is no longer possible, thank God for your meal. Oops, I bought abused meat again. I'm sorry, but I thank you for providing me with food.

3. Feminism

Now this issue is unresolved as of this morning. My bible adventure took a sharp turn. First I read this: 1 Corinthians 11:4-10 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head - it is as though her head were shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or shaved off, she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head

I was wiggling with discomfort, about to stand on a soap box, until I read "sign of authority." I can live with a head covering as a sign of authority, but am I going to start covering my head in church? Only if it's freezing inside and I need a hat to stay warm. Is this Jesus's take-away message? No. Am I sinning by not covering my head? Possibly, but I commit worse transgressions.

I continued until I read this verse. Now I had heard the Bible was actually revolutionary for women and made them part of the storyline when they were typically ignored. So explain this: 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

Say what, Paul? Things are a little different in the world today. I know my pastor would not read this and suddenly advise all women to stop talking. Their prayer is just as important as a man's. On the other hand, praying in a public forum also makes me wiggle uncomfortably, so it's an easy out for me. I must be silent, Paul said so. It's not meant for that, either. Submitting to the Lord, I can acknowledge. Submitting to a husband, I can tolerate since he is supposed to have my best interests at heart, biblically anyway. I have no idea what the "law" is and I have no clue why it would be disgraceful for a woman to talk in church. Looking at Paul's argument, he sets the stage among a "congregation of the saints;" personally, I do not see any saints at my church. People with admirable, saint-like qualities, but we're all sinners. Maybe my new Bible full of history and cultural context will provide further insight.

As for now, I'm glancing at my soap box while remembering it's a small detail. Jesus listened to women; he did not defer to their husbands.

God answers some question and poses new ones. He's challenging like that.