Many times I am ask the question, "Chronicles of Diversity is really a strange title for a Christian publication." And I have to admit there have been times when I have considered changing the name, but when I contemplate other titles, I always come back to the thought, that diversity in the body of Christ and the world are good things, for how else would we not assume to be just God's children, but gods ourselves.
First of all, the Chronicles came from the "Chronicles of Narnia" by C. S. Lewis. At the time I started this letter I had just seen the three video segments produced by the BBC. While the symbolism in the books is outstanding, to actually see Aslan come back to life, by the "deep magic from before time began," should bring tears to your eyes.
Now I have known a couple of people that have commented that the Protestant Reformation was a religious example of the tower of Babel in Genesis Chapter 11. Most of the time this is presented in the context that the divisions in the church are a bad thing, "We need to come together in unity for God's purposes." But all too often we forget that the tower of Babel really was destroyed for that very reason. Man's highest aim is not to build monuments to our religious structure, but to minister to humanity the grace found not on the cross, but at the foot of the cross. In that light we too often want to elevate our sacrifice to that of Jesus Christ, something we cannot do and there are severe consequences for that attempt.
So in that regard for the rest of this article try to look at all the divisions, denominations, sects, doctrines and the world of other problems prevalent in the church, as really opportunities, real gifts, that God has given us to reflect His glory and His mercy.
As for diversity, the way the world uses the term, is really very non-biblical." This is really the point, biblical and natural diversity are so far removed from the definition we usually associate with the term that it is about time that the proper definition be used. So welcome to "Chronicles of Diversity."
For example, in the recently published "Microsoft Encarta Dictionary" the following three definitions for diversity are used. 1. VARIETY a variety of something such as an opinion, color, or style. 2. SOCIAL INCLUSIVENESS ethnic variety, as well as socioeconomic and gender variety, in a group, society, or institution. 3. DISCREPANCY, or difference from the normal or expected.
Now the reason for my choice of the term diversity has only a parting acquaintance to these definitions. Basically both diversity terms are spelled the same way. Biological and biblical diversity relates to the interrelationship between divergent populations, communities and individuals. In short, there is a purpose and a design for everything. From this one can determine the place for everything, and in turn, understand when something is out of order.
In creation, populations start out with a very small diversity and much of the resources are not completely utilized. Over time the ecology becomes more and more complex as different critters and plants fill into these areas, or niches, of under utilization.
In the series we did on Enterprise Symbiosis (May - September 2000) we developed this concept much more fully, utilizing a number of Life style graphs to help you visualize the principles involved in this natural diversity. But even better than trying to comprehend this phenomenon, it is much better to let it apprehend you.
The best way to do that is just to find a natural area that generally is not subject to the interferences of man's husbandry (weeding, mowing, cultivating etc.). Then just visit on a regular basis and as the seasons progress watch the wonder of creation unfold before your eyes.
Now adults are really way to sophisticated for such endeavors, they continually need to be asserting there dominance over creation, but it is a wonderful experience for students of any age. The problem with this approach however, is that these kids quickly develop an understanding of how things go together better than adults, they then must be reeducated to be able to adapt to this artificial world we have created.
I once heard of a high school biology teacher who at the beginning of the school year had his students pick just a ten foot by ten foot area and then extensively study the site over the term. Collect the plants, dig in the dirt, and report periodically on what they discovered. At the end of the year, those students that actually did the work, were astounded at what they had learned.
Now the study of ecology is just this same concept made more sophisticated for college students and adults. That same Encarta dictionary defines ecology as "the study of relationships and interactions between living organisms and their natural or developed environment."
This study is really the study of diversity we have been discussing. Just has diversity is misused, ecology has really little to do with "saving the earth" by recycling cans and paper, while not looking at our life style as the source of all pollution. In this sense I use pollution in its broadest sense.
Grasslands, forests, deserts, rivers, oceans, lakes, are all visual representations of the glory of God. Now let us separate the world into two intellectual camps. In a world where there is no God, everything evolved an overall complexity through a religious paradigm of evolution. That paradigm is so logically absurd as to defy all rules of thought and logic. But this is what many call science.
On the other hand, if there is a God who created and sustains all things then everything is there for a reason. That dead old tree rotting in the forest, was designed by God to live and die and over time enrich the earth, but the whole life cycle concept was part of "the deep magic that took place before time began." In that respect, does a tree falling in the forest make a sound? Of course, because sound is a principle of creation and is not subject to the bias of man centered metaphysical discourse.
Now the implications of this created ecological diversity are mind boggling if you think about it. In that application worry should cease to have meaning. Even so called chance occurrences are known by God, and hence have been made to work for constructive instruction to those who are called to be His children.
Last week was perhaps one of the most amazing in memory, not only were we able to pay many of the outstanding bills, but the whole extremely complex week was visibly organized well beyond my ability to control. This week continues along those same ways, but the need for more financial security would help us continue to handle some still outstanding liabilities. Thank you for your prayers.
Last week we introduced this section of Ministry husbandry, designed to help the flow of information and communication within the diverse body of Christ. This week I would just like to have some of you send some words of encouragement to Stas Markevich - stasman@calvary.kirov.ru.
Stas is a Russian from St. Petersburg who went to help the McCoys with a church plant a number of years ago. I met him here in Seattle on a brief visit he made to this country at that time. Shortly after that, the McCoys had very severe visa problems and had to return to the states, Stas then became pastor of the church in Kirov. So whoever you might be, just send him a few encouraging words, his English is better than mine, so there will not be a language problem. God bless you bro.
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