Jonestown
Yesterday was the 30th anniversary of the massacre at Jonestown.
It's hard to believe it's been that long. 909 people died when Rev. Jim Jones convinced them to drink poison.
Over the years, I've had discussions with people about whether something on that magnitude could happen today. Obviously we are all aware of these tragedies on smaller scales, over the years, but I do believe it could happen on a large scale again.
Why? Because people can be so sincere with their faith that they are willing to buy into anything. People can be so desperate to believe, that they will ignore inconsistencies in their leaders, simply because of how dynamic the person might be. Some are willing to put aside clear teachings of Scripture simply because the end result seems to be working.
It's a danger we must all guard against. I often tell the people I pastor that they have a responsibility to study, grow, and learn on their own. They shouldn't just accept a teaching because I tell them it's true. Rather, they should take what I teach and then spend time discovering on their own. I'd rather teach someone how to study the Bible and equip them to discover doctrine in the process, than simply tell someone what they should believe.
Bikers' Church is a unique church. Some have wondered if we are a cult. Some of our regulars will laugh about how family members have asked that type of question when they first started attending. We'll even joke sometimes about bringing out the Kool-Aide (perhaps not that funny a joke when it accompanies the picture above). But, one thing we have always strive to do is make sure that we provide an environment where we celebrate the individuals ability to discern for themselves. We truly welcome it. It's why we celebrate the "Together we'll work out what we believe" part of our DNA. Rather than church being a place where one person speaks "the word of the Lord" and the rest simply obey, we'd rather be a place where God speaks to all of us together. As we celebrate community, we discover what it means to be a follower of Christ.
That's not to dismiss the value of having a pastor who shares what he believes God's direction is for the church. I am very comfortable in doing that. However, I always ask the people to not accept what I say simply because it's me talking. Instead, take the time to examine Scripture on your own, and if you come up with a different view than I do, then let's take the time to dialogue about it. So that we can both learn more.
Unfortunately, far too many Christians aren't interested in doing the work. They'd rather just hear a sermon, be told what to believe, and follow the crowd.
Just like 909 people did thirty years ago yesterday.