Thursday, December 15, 2011

I Admit It - I'm Confused

Today in the Tennessean, I read a story about Lifeway recalling pink Bibles. The Bible in question is called the "Here's Hope Breast Cancer Bible" and LifeWay donated a dollar for each copy to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, an organization whose sole purpose is to fight breast cancer.

Apparently LifeWay decided to recall the Bibles after some people complained that Komen donates some of the breast cancer funds to Planned Parenthood. Although Komen assured LifeWay that the donated funds are used only for breast cancer screening and awareness, LifeWay's president said that "it is not in keeping with LifeWay's core values to have to have even an indirect relationship with Planned Parenthood."

So here's where I get confused. I thought LifeWay was all about spreading the good news about Jesus Christ and God's love. Instead, here's what I know:

1. Recalling the Bibles means that some people won't get to read the Bible. Is that Lifeway's goal?

2. According to Komen, Lifeway had pledged $25,000 to the organization. According to LifeWay, about three dozen complaints had been filed. So, 36 people helped decide the fate of potential Bible readers and mammogram receivers. Could we say that those 36 people have a God complex, if they are so powerful as to make those choices.

3. LifeWay does not want to indirectly associate with Planned Parenthood. I've read the Bible. Jesus, the ultimate LifeWay CEO, directly associated with Mary Magdalene, a prostitute and who was possessed by demons. Yet Jesus loved her and accepted her and her life was changed. Is Jesus' example not the one to follow, instead of judging two organizations whose goals are to help women?

4. I am a Christian and believe that Christianity is about love. Period. Otherwise, with my many mistakes, sins, and bad actions, I would be completely banned from the presence of God. I believe that my purpose in this life is to spread that unconditional love to others - regardless of what tags or labels humans may choose to place. Maybe a Bible verse will help: 1 John 4:7-8 "Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love."

So LifeWay - what is it? Do you love, or do you judge?
*************************************************************************************
Today's blessings: good medical news from friends with serious illnesses; curtain shopping with Maribeth; seeing Nan at Target

3 comments:

Sam Davidson said...

Judge.

Karen said...

Well said, Lu. I have to breathe deep when I hear about stuff like this . . .it riles me.

Nicky said...

Love it! Very beautiful words.