I had two interesting encounters this morning. First was with a gentleman who served in the peacekeeping mission in Rwanda. He described the horrifying scenes of war and genocide in gory details. He talked about how it left a scar in his soul forever. The images of war left such a deep hurt in his mind that he still cannot live his life to the fullest.
Since Rwanda, he has served in Iraq and has flown several helicopter missions, often getting shot at close quarters. Fortunately, he suffered no injuries and was left to ponder about an offer to work for an American security firm for $180,000 per year, 2 generous vacations and tax-free salary included. It was too good to be neglected and he decided to pursue it. Until his mother stepped in. Upon hearing his plans to go back to a volatile place and serve in securing an oil field, she started sobbing inconsolably. "Why do you have to stretch your luck? Could you please stay out of harms way for once?". He obeyed. And, stayed back.
The second person was an elderly gentleman who is serving on his church committee. He keeps himself active in that role. He had some interesting perspectives. "The church membership is dwindling. Every year we lose 20 members from our pledges, dying. We can't figure out how to make up for this loss. I go to the tie and suit formal services. But, nowadays there is a new kind of service in the church during after-hours. It is quite well attended. Mostly young folks with little children. They don't have a dress code. They wear whatever to church. They don't have a choir. Clap their hands and sing songs. And, they have short service. It looks like their numbers are growing."
I asked him, "do you agree or disagree with church having such a contemporary service?".
"Of course, I agree. That's the way to go."
Yes, I agree. When churches world wide are losing membership from the traditional services, the church should be open to more contemporary worship style, while maintaining the traditional way for those who cherish it. But there should not be any resistance to different forms of worship. My 85 year old patient said it right. "I worship in a suit. My son wears shorts. Let it be."
When will the traditional churches in Kerala see the light? Will the resistance from elderly dissipate? Will the youngsters ever learn to respect the different, archaic style of liturgy? After all, it comes down to one issue - lack of mutual respect and spiritual-pride.
If I can take you back to Rwanda, what happened during the genocide? An unnatural tribe-pride in one's tribe and ethnicity, resulting in gruesome genocide of his neighbours. One way or the other - pride hurts everyone.
Since Rwanda, he has served in Iraq and has flown several helicopter missions, often getting shot at close quarters. Fortunately, he suffered no injuries and was left to ponder about an offer to work for an American security firm for $180,000 per year, 2 generous vacations and tax-free salary included. It was too good to be neglected and he decided to pursue it. Until his mother stepped in. Upon hearing his plans to go back to a volatile place and serve in securing an oil field, she started sobbing inconsolably. "Why do you have to stretch your luck? Could you please stay out of harms way for once?". He obeyed. And, stayed back.
The second person was an elderly gentleman who is serving on his church committee. He keeps himself active in that role. He had some interesting perspectives. "The church membership is dwindling. Every year we lose 20 members from our pledges, dying. We can't figure out how to make up for this loss. I go to the tie and suit formal services. But, nowadays there is a new kind of service in the church during after-hours. It is quite well attended. Mostly young folks with little children. They don't have a dress code. They wear whatever to church. They don't have a choir. Clap their hands and sing songs. And, they have short service. It looks like their numbers are growing."
I asked him, "do you agree or disagree with church having such a contemporary service?".
"Of course, I agree. That's the way to go."
If I can take you back to Rwanda, what happened during the genocide? An unnatural tribe-pride in one's tribe and ethnicity, resulting in gruesome genocide of his neighbours. One way or the other - pride hurts everyone.
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