Lent 12

I've been sifting through The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church (2008 edition) this evening. Could there really be any more thrilling reading for a nice night at home, curled up on the couch, looking out at the snow? Really?

I was looking for an answer to a theological question but somehow got sucked in. First, I'd like to say that of all the things the UMC feels the need to comment on, I am particularly proud that within the Social Principles we have a statement about outer space. "Paragraph 160. E) Space - The universe, known and unknown, is the creation of God and is due the respect we are called to give the earth. We therefore reject any nation's efforts to weaponize space and urge that all nations pursue the peaceful and collaborative development of space technologies and of outer space itself." I make light of this particular section, but I have to say, the UMC Social Principles is a fantastic document of which I am proud. Our Social Creed, which I include here, is a statement and prayer I can get behind.

We believe in God, Creator of the world; and in Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of creation. We believe in the Holy Spirit, through whom we acknowledge God's gifts, and we repent of our sin in misusing these gifts to idolatrous ends.

We affirm the antural world as God's handiwork and dedicate ourselves to its preservation, enhancement, and faithful use by humankind.

We joyfully receive for ourselves and others the blessing of community, sexuality, marriage, and the family.

We commit ourselves to the rights of men, women, children, youth, young adults, the aging, and people with disabilities; to improvement of the quality of life; and to the rights and dignity of all persons.

We believe in the right and duty of persons to work for the glory of God and the good of themselves and others and in the protection of their welfare in so doing; in the rights to property as a trust from God, collective bargaining, and responsible consumption; and in the elimination of economic and social distress.

We dedicate ourselves to peace throughout the world, to the rule of justice and law among nations, and to individual freedom for all people in the world.

We believe in the present and final triumph of God's Word in human affairs and gladly accept our commission to manifest the life of the gospel of the world. Amen.