The Simple Truth
By Gene Helsel
"Don't say it."
"Don't say what?"
"I know what you are getting ready to say Jim. It's
okay to think it, just don't say it."
"Since when did you take up mind-reading Don?"
"I don't have to read your mind when it's written all
over your face." Dr. Don Winslow, professor of astronomy turned away from
his friend and pastor in mock disgust. They had been discussing the
sovereignty of God and suddenly things had got complicated again.
Although the instructor had studied his way to three doctoral degrees in
astronomy and astral physics, he was generally unwilling to turn three
pages of scripture to obtain a well-rounded understanding of any Biblical
truth. The professor silently reviewed his personal Bible-study motto:
"Detailed study obscures simple truth" and prepared to hide behind it once
more.
"So go ahead Doc, read my face."
Dr. Winslow sighed, simultaneously liking and loathing
his persistent friend. "Okay, okay. You were about to tell me that I
should study God's sovereignty if I truly desire to understand
it."
"Ooh now there's a thought! Study a truth to understand
it. How bold. How insightful! Write a paper. Call Peter Jennings...."
"My pastor: the super nova of sarcasm."
"Well?"
"Genuine truth is bold and simple. It's never complex."
"Really."
"Yes really. Why do you theologians have to make truth
so obscure? It's Pelagian this and predestination that. You quibble over
the relationship between faith and good deeds and debate the role of God's
foreknowledge in salvation. For me, religion is simple: 'Do unto others as
you would have them do unto you.'"
The room was silent for a moment, and then the pastor
said with just a hint of a smile: "I understand your frustration. You
astronomers often confuse me with your talk of expanding universe this and
exploding novae that. You are always talking about astronomical
perturbations and galactic anomalies. But you know what? For me astronomy
is very simple, it's: Twinkle, twinkle little star."
"But that's different" spluttered the professor.
"Uh-hmm, sure it is."
Around the turn of the century the church began to
despise the foundation upon which she stood. Contrary to the commands of
Scripture to pursue and love sound doctrine, churchmen began to teach that
"doctrine divides, Christ unites". But the slogan raised more questions
than it answered. Who is Christ? Is he the spirit-brother of Lucifer as
the Mormons say? Is he the good teacher (but not God) as the B’hais
contend? Did Christ, through his death and resurrection actually save
people from the death-penalty of sin, or did he merely make them
save-able? May God grant all who seek true religion, clear minds in study,
and gracious hearts in debate.
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