ARBITRARY FAITH

Jesus is not an arbitrary decision. When he is…it is often a bowl of mush emotional decision. Of course this might certainly be a right beginning if the individual goes on to a stable and determined decision of faith.
Arbitrariness is the quality of being “determined by chance, whim, or impulse, and not by necessity, reason, or principle”. It is also used to refer to a choice made without any specific criterion or restraint. This is why I think creating overly emotional atmospheres at religious meetings can be unwise if not irrational for trying to persuade others ‘to accept the Lord’ or ‘Come up here and get saved or healed’ or ‘Come up and repent in front of everyone” at the so-called ‘altar’ or ‘altar call’ in a church building, hall, arena, stadium or tent. This is a manmade tradition.

These moments can be quite arbitrary and these times perhaps should be a quiet, rational, private and managed time with someone who will explain and understand another person’s needs and desires. It just does not seem like something that should be a public display. Perhaps the gathered meeting should provide opportunity for the individual to meet privately after a meeting with spiritual leaders to determine needs.

But then there’s Matthew 10:32, “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. And, Luke 12:8, “I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels.” I am just not convinced ‘public acknowledgement’ is at a ‘church service’ but rather to go forward daily as a committed disciple in everyday life and practice.

“If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.” Jesus