Searching for an Answer
I consider myself to be a reasonably intelligent person. I've been to the State Fair and in comparison with most of the people I saw there, I'm at least above average. Why is it then that my 4 year old daughter (she's the one in the middle) whose highest goal in life is to become a cheerleader for crying out loud, is capable of leaving me floundering around for answers to her questions?Last night at bedtime, after enjoying a taco salad dinner at Peace Lutheran Church where Rainey goes to pre-school, she asked me this simple question: "Daddy, why can't all the people just go to the same church?"
Well, we are all part of the same church, we just meet in different buildings because...because... over the years...men have come to different conclusions about...ummm...you know how sometimes people just want their own way?... well...that's a great question honey...
Help?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Anyone?
Unless you become like one of these...
posted by Stephen Bailey @ 7:02 PM
8 comments
8 Comments:
What a sweetheart! Out of the mouths of babes come all the right questions.
Here's a crack at it...
Rainey: "Daddy, why can't all the people just go to the same church?"
Stephen: "Honey, do you remember in Goldilocks and the Three Bears how some potage was too hot and some was too cold and some was just right for Goldilocks? Well there are some churches that are right for some people and other churches that are right for some other people. It is kinda like colors. Your favorite color is purple (hypothetically speaking of course) and mine is Ralph Lauren Cranberry Spritzer (again, hypothetically speaking) well both are colors, but they are different colors. There are all kinds of colors for all kinds of people. And Rainey, it takes all kind of churches to reach all kinds of people."
Second attempt:
Rainey: "Daddy, why can't all the people just go to the same church?"
Stephen: Because people are idiots honey and they try and play God and pick who is in and who is out and that is called judging and God says that those fools will someday burn eternally in the lake of fire and scream out, 'Sound Doctrine Save Me!' only to have Satan spit on them. But it won't be a cold spit baby, it will be like boiling water and hurt like...well not like heaven that is for sure!"
Third Try:
Rainey: "Daddy, why can't all the people just go to the same church?"
Stephen: "Because we can't go to church ... because we ARE the church!" (to be said with a nasly, whinny voice and then followed with a catchy little barbershop/acapella jingle that was really en vogue about 150 years ago)
Bailey- Ouch. I am so tired of division in the church. I can't wait for heaven. Come SOON Lord Jesus!!!
I think I've kept my answers to "We can't all fit in the same building." Although a friend of mine swears by answering her kids tough questions with "Well, why do YOU think.....?" and see what they come up with!
JQ - too funny!
You could just preach a sermon from 1 Corinthians 3. It proof-texts well even if it is misapplied.
It may not really answer her question, but at least you know she'll get some sleep.
The most important thing is that if you preach everytime an impossible question comes up, she'll stop asking and you won't have to be stuck for an answer.
Thanks for all the help. Especially Joel and Eric. Preaching, proof-texting, and sound doctrine. That's worked real well for me so far.
First of all...as a member of the crowd you've seen wandering around at the State Fair, your comment wounded me. Ouch!
In response to the cheerleader's question (can we get the kid an ACU cheerleading outfit!), I would say: "Sweetheart, there are all these really good preachers like Mr Quile and Mr Cope and Mr Lovell who people need to hear. And if we all went to one church, then Mr Quiley and Mr Lovell would have to work at Sonic."
How's that?
Hi Stephen, I sure don't know the answer to that one. I suspect it has something to do with the marvelous diversity of people seeking God. Why we have to fight about, that's another question.
What I do know is that I loved the story about your daughter and look forward to more.
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