Reluctant Amusement

I am amused somewhat as I read more about the ongoing split in the Anglican church. Not about the split itself, mind, but by some of the comments people make. One person who decided to stay with the mainline church rather than split off made a comment to the affect that she just wanted inclusiveness. I hear a lot of that word anymore, and I've come to despise its use. However, I also find it amusing, and this is because by the very nature of Christianity, the use of the word is absolutely ridiculous. The word inclusive has become just another word for, do-whatever-you-want-and-we-can't-say-it's-wrong, sort of deal. By very nature, this is antithetical to the nature of being a Christian. God loves everyone, but you can't come to him and do whatever you want and expect that to work. Coming to God, being a Christian, is a life of putting to death the sinful parts of one's self.

The irony here is that the one truly "inclusive" place is hell. Hell does not discriminate. Hell does not have standards, nor say that you can't get in. Hell is truly the one place that will take everybody, and no one has to change a single thing to get there. To hear church-goers speak of wanting inclusiveness is truly amusing, in a truly sad and foolish sort of way.