Fellow travelers on this road,

Over the past two weeks there has been a bit of a controversy over the decision by the estate of Dr. Seuss to cease publication of six of his books.  They announced their decision on Dr. Seuss’s birthday saying, “These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong.”  They also said their decision “is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ catalog represents and supports all communities and families.”

Cable News Headlines followed the estate’s decision as well as complaints from prominent conservatives that Dr. Seuss was “being canceled.”  I observed some of my Facebook friends, including fellow followers of Jesus, echoing those complaints.  I also had other Facebook friends offer thoughtful commentary on the decision.  One friend’s comments reminded me that as Jesus’ followers, Jesus is not only our Savior, but our LORD, meaning our allegiance is to Jesus, not to any culture.  As his followers were called to take captive every thought that does not honor him. He wrote, “we should be the ones leading the charge not to “cancel culture” but to hold it to a higher standard.  No one is taking anything away from us…maybe if that’s our reaction, we need to examine ourselves for what allegiances we are holding onto.”

I do not think the estate’s decision was about “canceling” Dr. Seuss.  I think it was a brand decision motivated by several different reasons, not the least of which is one that seeks to protect the estate’s bottom line.  However, the decision raises a few questions as highlighted in this article.  The misguided outrage also raises a number of questions, perhaps none more important than whether those who were “offended” are open to hearing different ideas and beliefs.  Are they open to hearing how something that may be very dear to them may be causing someone else harm?

I highlight this issue of “openness” because just like in the controversy about Dr. Seuss, something similar can happen in our spiritual lives.  Many people can be open to all sorts of ideas but bring up God and they object.  Ask them the question Jesus asked his disciples last week, “Who do you say that I am?” and they want to ignore the question or change the subject.  Perhaps this is due to doubt or prejudice.  Or one’s objection might be rooted to a particular idea of God that was imposed on them during childhood.  Still others might object because they think they are going to be asked to believe in your idea of God.  And still others are biased and unreasonable, unwilling to consider another point of view.  Such individuals are not open.

In this week’s scripture from Mark 9:14-29 we will encounter a man who was open to God, even as he was still struggling with unbelief.  He cried out to Jesus, “I believe; help my unbelief!”  My prayer for all of us is that we will enter our zoom worship service in a spirit of openness.

See you on Sunday,

Pastor David