Season Finale

As you may have heard this morning, today was the season finale of the "Ask the Pastor" radio show. Since our premier in September, we've dealt with many topics and questions of discussion. Which was your favorite?

Atheism

On the May 21 radio show, we tackled the topic of atheism, and more specifically, the writings of Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins. As I said on the show, I think these guys are right with most of their criticisms of religion. However, where I part ways with them comes when they characterize "moderates" simply as watered-down versions of "extremists." As I see it, liberal/modern/mainline Christian thought comes from a completely different place in understanding Jesus' teachings and scriptural interpretation than Pat Robertson or (the late) Jerry Falwell. When engaging with Christian scholars such as Marcus Borg or John Dominic Crossan or John Shelby Spong, I don't see how someone can claim that these thinkers are nothing more than less offensive versions of the fundamentalists. There is a clear-cut difference between these modes of thought, from beginning to end.

That being said, Harris and Dawkins provide important food for thought in arguing that religion is harmful. As much as we might want to jump up and down and yell that Robertson or Falwell doesn't speak for us, they are the names that are known in the media, and (like it or not) their voices are heard as the "Christian representatives." So, yes, I have much sympathy with atheism's rejection of religion--if Pat Robertson were an accurate representation of Christianity, I would be an atheist too.

-Pastor Chris

Cults

On the May 13 radio show, we discussed cults, attempting to address the question: what is a cult? As we mentioned, the word "cult" often brings to mind groups such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Moonies, Mormons, and others. However, I suggested that "cult" is an almost meaningless term, due to its frequent use in rhetoric as a label slapped onto any religious group we don't understand or don't like. On the other hand, there are also groups that I believe are harmful, more specifically destructive, doomsday groups like Heaven's Gate and the Solar Temple. (For a more detailed, well-researched discussion on cults, see http://www.religioustolerance.org/cultmenu.htm.)

In the end, I claimed that any group that expects you to suspend individual thought or suppress questions should be regarded with suspicion.

What do you think of this definition and warning?

Have you ever had any experience with so-called "cults"?

Do you think the word is useful in describing different religious groups?

How would you define "cult"?




Until next time, this is Pastor Chris signing off.