No Yellow-Brick Road

Is it me, or are there a lot of scarecrows standing in pulpits of formerly mainline churches, that are now sideline churches at best, pointing their congregations in all kinds of directions, with the assurance that all ways lead to the Emerald City?

I don't know about you, but I don't live in Oz, my goal is not the Emerald City, and my path is no Yellow- Brick Road. And I find it deeply disturbing that so many folks are getting direction in life from scarecrows. No offense, but a head full of straw hardly seems qualification for proclaiming the Word of God. But then, scarecrows very rarely, if ever, actually proclaim God's Truth.

Last week I had a Certified (Or is it certifiable) Presbyterian Lay Preacher proudly describe the "pulpit" he built at a Boy Scout camp complete with a cross, a Star of David, and "Allah" written in Arabic. Only someone with straw for brains could conclude that Allah and Yahweh are one and the same. And, with a head stuffed with fluff, why stop with the so-called "Abrahamic" faiths? Did that scarecrow mean to insult Buddhists, Hindus, and Zoroastrians, or was it an oversight?

I realize I come across as extremely arrogant and exclusive when I answer the question, "After all, don't we all worship the same god?" with "NO!" I have no use for inter-religious activities which in reality amount to irreligious activities. There is nothing reverent about reverence directed to that which is not to be revered. And, sorry, you fans of three "Abrahamic" faiths, Yahweh has made it quite clear that there are no other gods beside him.

People may find the idea of a Yellow-Brick Road of their choosing that goes wherever they want to go appealing. But for any who want to make God the Father their destination, there is but one way, Jesus Christ the Son (See John 14.6).

Jim
Marion, NC
PS 37.4