"and he said to them, “You yourselves know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit a Gentile; but God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean. "(Acts 10:28)
One of the more recent phenomenons in our country is what are called the "cultural wars." These wars while not usually involving artillery, do take on a very nasty bent. They show a very clear divide around issues of sexuality, gender and way in the background race and class too.
It is a war of words about worthiness, who God loves, purity and plays out in the most sanctimonious ways. When Christians step into the fray we often bring the Bible in as our weapon of choice. Verses that show things being an abomination are always at our beckon call. Sadly we rarely remember this passage from Acts.
In it Peter has his aha moment by first seeing a vision of unclean animals, things which aren't Kosher and is invited to eat, he at first refuses even though he's hungry, but is told he can't call something unclean.
He later realizes that the vision isn't really about enjoying a ham and cheese sandwich, but is addressing his prejudices towards other people, even when scripturally justified.
And from this passage we as Christians are invited to also let go of the need to call anyone profane or unclean. To let go of our low simmering hatred for those that differ from us. Hard to do, but oh how freeing.
Blessings,
Ed
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