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Loin Girders

A passionate orthodox Christian man's occasional blog to support those who stand firm. Gird your loins, noble warriors for Christ.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Reformation Redux

I called Gino Gerace today as I drove down the Boulder Turnpike home from work. I wanted to ask him about the Reformation in the 16th Century, the Great Schism in the 11th Century and the present clash among the Anglicans which seems to be leading to another split. The lack of a point of accountability has caused a lot of separation in church history. The Holy Catholic church is dismembered. Pieces lie everywhere. Gino, pressed for time, was short with me. He interrupted with several guesses about why I had called. I really just wanted to think out loud about my readings in the new Catechism of the Catholic Church and the cloudiness in Anglicanism. I don't know where I should be to help heal the rifts, or even if they should be healed. I want the leading of the spirit, but the spirit seems silent just now. Where should I be?

I "teamed" on a two-day Kairos weekend at Sterling Correctional Institution, the men's prison in northeastern Colorado. The format was short talks followed by small group discussion and prayer over two days. The talks were on the beatitudes. I was assigned "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God." I thought about it and prayed about it all day Saturday and Sunday morning. It came out a summary session with a call to action to accept the sonship offered to you and "make your Daddy proud." I think the 26 inmates in the room with our 8 team members liked the gist of it. Most probably know their fathers little if at all. I knew mine little if at all, so I know how they feel. When Dad is distant and angry and drunk, you don't get a good model for our heavenly father. The word father is puzzling to you.

The men of Sterling are certain that Jesus is returning soon. Several believe that prison was the best thing that has happened to them in their lives. Kairos avoids denominational differences. Team members are encouraged to follow the outlines given and listen,listen, love, love. The intent is to show these inmates the love of Christ, not give them a theology primer.

Christ seems to be continually reforming His church. How can I help? Where should I be?