Christianity - insurance for the afterlife?
Christianity often focuses on the afterlife; “become a Christian so you can get to heaven” is the general understanding a lot of us have.
But what about this life?
Is it just to help others get into heaven? Surely it's more? There is a phrase “partnering with God in the act of new creation”. It resonates with me.
The concept is that God created us and the garden of Eden to be perfect but we became separated from God. We came to live in imperfections and a world dominated by the effects of that separation from the divine.
In general most Christians believe that the bad stuff in this world is not what God wants.
The logical follow on is that God does not rule this world. He gave that job to us. In the bible when God created Adam he told him to subdue the earth, this is the first indication that God has given world to us.
The world is ruled by us, through our decisions we can bring God and his plans into our lives and areas of influence. Or decide not to.
Partnering with God in new creation or recreation of the earth has appeal.
It is hinted at in the “Lords Prayer” where Jesus taught us to pray “..your kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven” This does seem to tell us that:
1. Gods kingdom is not yet here on earth and
2. That we should be praying and partnering with God in bringing his kingdom to earth.
If the theory is correct, then if every human being was a perfect follower of Christ and gave God rule over every part of their lives, then the world would become perfect.
In some areas this is easy to believe. If all the people involved in wars suddenly became perfect followers of Christ, showing love to one another, wars would stop.
We would sort pollution too, because it would be honouring God to look after the world he gave to us and make ethical decisions to how we manage it.
What about natural distastors?
Some people say that natural disasters are increasing in the world as a result of global warming or pollution. In that case over time these would reduce if there was no pollution and we were living gently on the earth.
If natural disasters occurred then as people in perfect relationship with God, sharing his thoughts we would get forewarning about the disaster and could evacuate. We would also rebuild from disasters easily if all resources on earth were shared and we really loved each other. Natural disasters might still exist but with minimal impact with regards to lives lost.
What about cancer and disease?
Maybe if we were all in harmony with Gods plans etc, cancer research would have the funding it deserved and a cure could be found.
Maybe some cancers came into existence because of things we have done to the earth and as we stopped doing them the cancer rates would also decrease. Maybe?
On a personal level
If this theory is true, then we can start re-building the world on a micro-scale now.
In my life I doubt I can cure cancer. I can look at how I live my life. I can start recycling and growing veges. I can buy ethically produced items. I can give to disaster relief and I can start expressing love to others.
I really like the concept of Christianity being us “partnering with God in the act of new creation” So when we help the poor, are kind, generous, loving, patient etc we are bringing a little bit of God's kingdom here on earth. We are helping to recreate this world that we live in.
What do you think?
KG
The Lords Prayer
"This, then is how you should pray;
Our father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one."
Matthew chapter 6, verses 9 to 13
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