Worlds collide

       I think one of the plots of a Star Trek movie involves a ribbon ( or ripple ) of time that was going through the universe. It was a both a time warp ( I guess ) as well as totally different  existences overlapping at given points. It was interesting and surely the stuff of science fiction. Or is it?  One of the themes of so called science fiction is how it represents a modern twist on subjects we are already familiar with. The notion of worlds interacting is a constant theme in our reality, even literature. Think Shakespeare or West side story.

          One of the major problems today in the United States is the battle between keeping church and state separate. The US is not a theocracy and yet is founded in large part on the premise of religious freedom. Worlds collide, political and religious intersecting.  Currently the political is heavily influenced by one faction of the religious, a pseudo-Christian cult trying to take over the government. Real life drama? Heck when I go to the theatre I want comedy I can escape into, not drama or fright,  the real world is has far to much of those. Give me escapism in entertainment.

        Ok, so here we have Paul who we get reacquainted with in this Scripture passage from Acts. Paul is a devout Jew, now a 'sect' leader of The Way and tah dah!  also a Roman born citizen.  The rift is there, the ripple, the two worlds colliding.   I don't know who said it but there is the admonition in Christianity to be part of the world but not of the world.  Live in it but do not succumb to the world temptations and way of living. 

        I think Jesus was quite a practical man, good head on his shoulders. When relaying the story of the 3 slaves who entrusted with the owners money he was heavily critical of the one who simply buried the money for safety. Jesus said as much that had the chap simply put the money in a bank he would have gotten some interest.  I try to piece together snippets like this. Be part of the world, be practical, use common sense. I think Paul was smart in this way too. Paul is in deep ( religious ) trouble and yet he has the presence of mind and intelligence to whip out his citizenship card. Hello, I am a Roman citizen!

        When worlds collide, especially religious, I would advise at the very least to lead with love and stay true to the tenets of one's faith. Rules and rubrics will only exacerbate and escalate problems and disharmony. I also think God gave us brains so perhaps we can use  some practical knowledge as well.  We cannot claim Roman citizenship and we are not talking about putting money in the bank. There are practical aspects, worldly aspects, to every situation and it seems God is not adverse to using them as tools to forward our cause of love. The caveat is not to use such tools to advance our own agenda or what we want to be God's agenda. Always keep our eyes on the prize - God if you will, His will - not our own.