The Prayer Book provides a catechism - a summary teaching - for use by clergy and laity alike. It is based upon the major points of faith identified in the Apostles’ creed. It is meant to provide a framework and an entry point into deeper discussion and reflection. It is not meant to cover all topics and every aspect of faith and Christian living.
Employing a brief question and answer format, the Prayer Book catechism can be a helpful tool for those new to the Episcopal church and for those who want to once again ponder the foundations of our faith after years of spiritual formation. Summertime is vacation time and there is vacation reading to do. Maybe add the catechism to your summer reading list.
Our catechism begins with a question of what we are. It asks, “What are we by nature?” and answers, “We are part of God’s creation, made in the image of God.” As I think about that question and the answer provided I am looking out a window of my home. I consider for a moment God’s creation and I see various shades of green, sunlight dancing off the water in the creek, a faded purple umbrella, and a pale blue sky with disorganized but gathering clouds. What I perceive is that God is an artist and God’s creation is a work of art. It reveals God as a God who appreciates beauty, goodness, and life.
As part of God’s creation we are made from that same material as the trees, the sky, and the water. and with that same imprint showing the character of God. That is to say, each of us is a work of art, a thing of beauty, a being of original goodness because that is what the Good Artist does. As a clergy mentor once said “God does not make junk.” Our human standards are not God’s standards and while we might divide things and people into more or less beautiful or good, God does not.
I remember a movie from some years ago with a scene where an African man was coming upon a shapely blond western woman who was using some bushes as cover while changing her clothes. His thoughts were not “how lovely” but “Yuck, she has no color and looks dead. And look how tall she is. She probably eats a lot.” Cultural standards vary. Those of God the artist do not.
In a culture like ours that promotes a narrow image of attractiveness and where that causes so much anxiety, it may be helpful to remember that all of us are a handmade work of art, beautiful to the God who made us, and beautiful to those who see with Godblessed eyes.
Next, our catechism asks, “What does it mean to be made in the image of God?” The answer centers on the gift of freedom given to us by God. To be created in the image of God is to be free to make choices: to love, to create, to reason, and to live in harmony with creation and with God. Freedom is a cherished value in our nation and many others. Coming up very soon on July 4 we will celebrate once again the freedom sought by our founders in the war for independence. On other occasions we remember and give thanks for those who sacrificed to maintain our freedom and to gain freedom for the unfree. We were created to be free to make choices and it is Christ-like for us to work to set others free to make choices.
I will leave this with you to reflect on the gift of choice. Freedom to choose comes with much responsibility, with blessing and with pitfalls. The freedom to choose is also the freedom to choose poorly. God bless your summer and your summer reading.
Again, consider the catechism.
Fr. Bill+