by Edward Chinn, D.Min.

” ‘I just say I’m an Episcopalian.” That denomination is so watered-
down, he says, it is perceived by the unchurched as harmless'”
(column by David Boldt, The Philadelphia Inquirer, January 15,
1999).

Boldt quoted those words from David Larson, a researcher, who spoke
at the Brookings Institution in mid-January. People gathered there
to consider “The Faith Factor in Social Policy.” Larson told the
audience that religion is good for people’s health. “I know people
would be less skeptical of my findings if I were not [a believing
Christian].” In defense, Larson passes himself off as an
Episcopalian. He characterizes the Episcopal Church as watered-down
and harmless.

When I consider the alternatives, I’ve decided that Larson’s words
are a compliment. He calls my denomination “harmless”. Would he
prefer a religious group that was harmful? He calls my denomination
“watered-down,” which I take to mean weak and vulnerable. Would he
prefer a religious organization that is rigid, arrogant, and
inflexible?” Unfortunately, we have seen religious groups that are
cocksure they are right and have done great harm to individuals.
Jesus of Nazareth told his followers, “Be ye therefore wise as
serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

How can the average person size up a religion and its effect on its
followers? For one thing, positive religion is elevating. Bad
religion can be a gloomy and depressing affair. Such religion is a
mockery of Jesus’s way. Jesus said, “I have told you these things
so that you can have the same joy I have. I want your joy to be the
fullest joy” (John 15:11, NCV).

Furthermore, positive religion is enlarging. Bad religion can give
a tremendous importance to trivial matters. Jesus said to the
religion scholars of his day: “You give to God one-tenth of
everything you earn” – even the small plants that grow in your
gardens – “But you don’t obey the really important teachings of the
law – being fair, showing mercy, and being loyal” (Matthew 23:23)

For another thing, positive religion is empowering. Bad religion
makes people weak, dependent, and unsure of themselves. On the
contrary, Jesus promised his followers inner strength. As he was
about to leave them, Jesus said they would be “equipped with power
from on high” (Luke 24:49).

Another trait of positive religion is that it is ego-freeing. Bad
religion can be appallingly self-centered. In such an egotistic
outlook, God is turned into a “yes man” who confirms and validates
our own ideas and feelings. This is far from Jesus who prayed to
God, “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Matthew 26:39).

Religion in Daily Life By the Rev. Edward Chinn, D.Min.
Pastor, All Saints’ Church
9601 Frankford Ave. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19114