A rose by any other name?

Chapter 6 of "Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus" deals with something we Americans think little about -- names. Well, actually, it deals more specifically with God's name, but it's perfectly applicable to our own names as well.
I had often wondered about why blasphemy was such a big deal -- taking the name of God in vain. I, like most Americans, associated this with swearing or cursing. So I slip up and out of my mouth glides something liike "Oh, Jesus Christ. Now what?" And then I quake. What have I done? But truly, why is this worse than, say, murdering someone, or torturing, or any of a number of things I could do that would seem far worse that a slip of the tongue?
Well, as you might have guessed by now, it's because a slip of the tongue is not what taking God's name in vain is all about. And speaking his name respectfully is not, likewise, what hallowing his name is all about.
I remember about 18 or so years ago, my adult daughter was attending church with me, and her 18 month old twins were with us. One was getting antsy, and eventually an older woman who was sitting in front of us turned around and said sharply, "There's a cry room just around that corner. Use it, that's what it's there for." But she didn't stop there. She added (no doubt without much thought), "And don't punish him or abuse him over this. It's not his fault."
My daughter was devastated, not only because the woman was not welcoming to her, but because there seemed to be an implication that the (still) unidentified woman thought she might abuse her child. She did not return to my church for many, many years. And I suspect that it played a role in her decision to eventually join a completely different church.
Did that woman mean to drive my daughter and her young twins away? Surely not. But then, did she stop and think what an effect her harsh words might have on a young mother who was struggling to quiet her rambunctious toddlers? Obviously not.
She probably thought she was teaching my daughter to behave respectfully while in church. She probably thought she was doing my daughter -- and God -- a favor by pointing out that the child's restlessness was distracting to her and others.
I maintain that she was not hallowing God's name at all, but rather was taking God's name in vain. How so? She caused my daughter to feel unwelcome in God's house, to sense that her children were not worthy to be there, that the woman was representing my church and therefore that maybe God didn't want her to be there.
In this installment of "Dust," we learn that God's name, as referenced in 1st century Jewish writing (and before) was really referring to  God's reputation. This was very important in that culture, and it still is today, although we approach it differently, and as a society, we certainly have a different set of values.
That's not to say that the actual name of Jesus isn't important. It is. It's original form, Yeshua, means "God's salvation." The first time I heard that version of Jesus' name was at a wedding, a ceremony at a messianic Jewish community. They referred to Jesus as Yeshua. At the time, I simply thought it was beautiful because of the sound of it, the ease with which it rolls of the tongue.
In ancient times, before Israel's day, even, if something lacked a name, it didn't exist. Which makes me wonder somewhat about the ancient Hebrew tradition of not speaking God's name. I guess it's because they acknowledge that he has a name, but they don't speak it out of respect.
At the Easter Vigil in a couple of weeks, we will hear many readings from the Old Testament, including Genesis. We will hear about how God made each component of our world, and then he named it, and then declared it to be good. Once God gave each component of his creation a name -- sky, earth, day, night, heaven and man himself -- it was complete and had existence.
We speak of God's name every Sunday, or every day if you attend daily Mass. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. What that really means is Blessed is he who comes forward as a representative of God, whose behavior and demeanor reflect the good reputation of God.
OK, so why would God care about his reputation among men? He's perfect, the creator, the alpha and the omega. Why would he lose sleep worrying about what we think of him?
He cares because he has a plan, and that plan involves our salvation so we can spend eternity with him. Yes, he wants us to spend eternity with him; it's not just us hoping for a glimpse of his glory. And therefore, when we cause others to see God in a positive light, we glorify him and we expand his reputation on Earth, so that others will also come to know and love him.
Whenever we do something because it's the right thing to do, we sanctify his name (and him). But wait, there's more.
We also must publicly acknowledge him and his role in our lives and behaviors and values and morals.
We have to do both things -- behave in a way that glorifies his name and acknowledge that fact. The goal always being to grow his good reputation and help others understand.
To get back to the woman in church, she wasn't glorifying God when she caused my daughter to feel like a horrible person. She wasn't acting in the name of the Lord when she made her to feel unwelcome.
There are bigger examples, of course, too numerous to count. When a self-described Christian stands up and expounds on how much he hates someone else, or talks disparagingly about her neighbor, or gossips, or speaks in self-righteous terms, that's blasphemy, particularly when those negative words, thoughts and actions are declared to be done in the name of the Lord, or in keeping with his word and teachings.
When, on the other hand, someone reaches out to the  marginalized in our society, visits prisoners, feeds the hungry, gives drink to the thirsty, companionship to the lonely, clothing and shelter to those in need, those are all ways to embody "Hallowed by thy name." Especially when it's made clear that this is God's will, that the actions are done in his name, or because of his teachings. "They will know you are Christians by your love for one another."
The author of "Dust" mentions such recent examples as Terry Jones, the Florida preacher who threatened, then carried out his threat, to burn the Qur'an in 2010. Why was that blasphemy? Wasn't he sticking up for the truth of the Gospel? No, because he didn't win over any souls wtih that hateful behavior. He alienated Muslims, which is no different than what the woman in the church pew 20 years ago did to my daughter, except that it was more public and affected a lot more people.
We hear it all the time, how certain vocal Christians give Christianity and the church -- and by extension, God himself -- a bad name. Blasphemy can range from simple rudeness to a visitor at church to burning someone else's sacred texts or even committing murder in God's name, as the Fort Hood shooter did when he opened fire and killed 13 people.
I guess the moral of this chapter is that we need to always be vigilant and be careful what we say, how we say it and how our words, actions and demeanor might cause someone else to feel about God.
Are you a good ambassador for Jesus, or do your good intentions lead somewhere that you would really rather not go?

Seven Pages a Day: Good News! Paul Chills

If you're new to this blog, for Lent I've decided to read the entire New Testament in 40 days. That means I have to read seven pages a day, which is not as easy a task as it seems. It's a little like eating a 2 lb box of Godiva chocolates every half hour. Not an idea to which I'm wholly opposed, but you can imagine the gastric challenges that might follow.

Well, it's the same with reading big chunks of the Bible quickly.  It's a lot to digest.  It could give you spiritual cramps.

Since last I wrote, I've read seven more letters by Paul. Here are seven brief “book reports” based on them. I bet Jesus gave himself an ulcer worrying about some of the things Paul wrote in his earlier letters. But I have to say, in the end God manages to pull a rabbit out of his hat. Paul finally chills.

Paul had his blind spots, especially regarding homosexuality and the role of women. Unfortunately, his ideas have been taken out of context and used to hurt a great many people. Someday this will change. Until then, we can still appreciate Paul for being an example of the Good News. We are transformed by the people with whom we associate. Paul was transformed by his long, close relationship with God in Christ.

Second Corinthians: “Who’s Your Daddy?” If First Corinthians was about breaking up, this letter is about making up. The Corinthians kicked him to the curb for some glitzy, high-priced evangelists, and now they’re sorry. Paul’s got a thing or two to say about the Joel Osteens of his day. Most of all, he wants to be remembered for who he really is—their father in the faith. You may not like Paul, but if you ever thought he was a wuss, read 2Cor.11: 16-33. Wow! This letter leaves you longing for a sequel.

Galatians: “One Life to Live.” Okay, don’t tell on me, but I used to believe in reincarnation. Well, not really believed in it, but toyed with the possibility. I have a remarkably vivid imagination, so it’s not hard to do. I finally abandoned it, and when I read Galatians, I’m reminded why. When it comes down to it, Paul says, you have to choose. Are you going to cultivate your deification by your own efforts (over one or many lifetimes) or receive it through grace?

Ephesians: “What Happened to Paul?” This letter is filled with advice regarding relationships. Don’t be angry with each other. Care for each other. Serve each other. Obey your parents. Be tender towards your children. It’s a welcome change in tone from the earlier letters to the Romans and Corinthians. You get the sense something rigid in Paul has finally softened. We don’t know what caused the change, but a clue seems to be hidden in the gorgeous words of Ephesians 3:14-20.

Philippians: “The Radiant Letter.” This letter practically glows with all that is “true, noble, right, pure, lovely and honorable”(Phil 4: 8). Although he claims he hasn’t reached the finish line, it’s clear to see Christ has made his home in Paul, and he’s not the same man who started out full of fanatic zeal years before. This letter is by far my favorite. Just reading it will fill your heart with joy and peace.

Colossians: “It's Always Something.” This time it’s a teaching that you have to worship certain spiritual rulers and authorities to get into heaven. So Paul is back to defending the purity of faith from contamination by stuff that makes you go, “Huh?” It may seem picky, picky, picky. But if you read between the lines, it has a lot to say about the difference between faith and superstition, and the dangers of seeking spiritual highs.

First & Second Thessalonians: “He’s Coming Back” & “No, Really. He’s Coming Back.” Apart from some brief comments on Christian conduct and the like, Paul is mainly concerned with correcting the readers’notions regarding the Second Coming of Christ. He reassures them it’s going to happen, and not to worry—they haven’t missed it. Seriously, do you really think you could miss the Second Coming? I mean, aren't the fireworks supposed to be, like, awesome?  Well, apparently the Thessalonians thought they had. These letters are a tad boring, and they'll tempt you to waste all kinds of time trying to figure out the identity of the Wicked One.

As for the Wicked One, your choices are numerous.  After all, it’s the election season.