February 4, 2025

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Read: Colossians 2:17-23

Although these have a reputation for wisdom by promoting self-made religion, false humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence. Colossians 2:23 (CSB)

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I was disciplined by the church once in my life; a six-week suspension from serving in youth ministry. I had hosted a guys’ night at my house and when Pastor Dan opened up a cupboard and a bottle of Vodka stared him right in the face. It wasn’t the fact that I had alcohol in the house, it was that I didn’t have the sense to put it in a more discreet place while underage kids were in the house. 

Actually, it wasn’t even that, it’s that I made some stupid comment about it. I probably said that it was ridiculous that I should have to hide something that God is fine with. And probably a litany of other minor offences that had accumulated. The sum of it was that I was summoned into Dan’s office one evening and he called me to account. Smugly I told him he was in the wrong and that even the Apostle Paul agreed with me… (Where was it that he wrote “All things are permissible again?”)

Dan, in his wisdom, said, “Yes Thom, Paul said that. But never forget that Christianity is entirely about laying down our rights, not defending them.” I’m sure I protested, but it stuck with me. In fact, I quoted him more than a few times when I became a pastor. 

Here’s the thing, alcohol is fine. Playing cards are fine. Tattoos are fine (I designed all of Malachi’s tattoos and a few of Caitlin’s.) Having your head uncovered is fine. But.. if you were raised in a tradition in which you wore a head covering and that feels right to you, then that’s ok too. I will never say otherwise. So is choosing not to drink, not to indelibly paint your skin, and not play some games.  

The danger with any rule that becomes attached to religion is that it gets abused so quickly. Attach the breaking of the rule to retribution, or public shame and humiliation, and now you have a one-two punch for spiritual abuse. It’s disgusting because the rule becomes more important than a relationship with Jesus. Or said another way, the relationship is contingent on rule-keeping.  

I’ll readily admit there is an art to respecting traditions that are held with religious fervour while gently challenging them so that people can experience freedom from legalism, but there are some things that I just hate. I hate it when people are trapped by rules that don’t lead to freedom. I hate spiritual abuse. I hate how addicted religious leaders are to fear and manipulation over love and freedom. 

There is a point when the rule becomes an idol that is held in higher esteem than God. 

Dan needed to discuss the alcohol in my cupboard and my attitude towards my responsibilities as a leader. Navigating verses and traditions is not straightforward, and this complexity needs careful thought. A faith with grey areas can be challenging and uncomfortable, but it’s also interesting, dynamic, and inclusive. Unlike black-and-white scenarios which are necessarily exclusive, with those on the inside and those outside, wrestling with complex, real-life challenges requires thoughtful engagement. But that’s the call of love; and the Gospel.