in

Thought For The Week

22-10-04

Christians have a special relationship with God, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. All we know about this earthly ministry is contained in the eighty nine chapters of the Gospels.  Far more of the New Testament is taken up by stories about and letters from early followers of Jesus, particularly St Paul.  Paul’s mission of oppression was halted by a life-changing revelation of the risen Lord. In a series of epic journeys, he travelled as far as Rome, preaching and encouraging the formation of churches. His letters are a mixture of practical advice and complex argument. He tries to explain a completely new spiritual life to Jews, believing in one stern God, and Gentiles, with traditions of multiple, specialised Gods.  In Paul’s letters, there is much to encourage us. We should all rid ourselves of ‘anger, rage, malicious behaviour, slander and dirty language’ (Colossians 13) and not be greedy for material things. However, some of his views, for instance his acceptance of slavery sit very uneasily in the 21^st century. Why is this? Perhaps, although specially blessed, Paul was as much a prisoner of his circumstances as we are.  We need to look beyond him to ask, ‘What would Jesus do?’ faced with our world  We may not all reach the same answer, for Christianity is not a club with a detailed rule book. So, we must be prepared and, as Paul says in

Colossians 4, ‘Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone’.

By Paul Goulden, member of the Westborough Methodist Church. 

On behalf of the Churches Together in Dewsbury.