Bible Study: Romans 14.1-12

First, we had to clear something up about the reference to vegetarians (Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables.) This verse refers to the dietary practices that were in place in for those returning Jews to Rome. Considered "weak" because they still relied on the food laws for their faith/salvation, Gentiles mocked them as not having enough faith in Christ. Such meat-eaters were "strong" in faith because they fully trusted in Christ and didn't hedge their bets with adherence to food restrictions.

But all of that doesn't matter because we are all worthy and valued in God's eyes. It is not for us to judge what others eat or abstain from, what opinions they hold or traditions they follow. Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. = Mind your own business!

Contrary to our rat race world of self-promotion and individual success, Paul reminds us that there is a necessary connection between people (not just economic, but spiritual) when he tells us: We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. Indeed, we are all part of something universal and transcendent.

We observed that most atheists actually aren't. When push comes to shove, most people believe in something. Such seekers are agnostic rather than atheist. Whether or not it fits into a recognized definition of God or not, few actually can say there is nothing 'out there'.

We naturally entered discussions about Hurricane Katrina, the American response, media representation, and about Dudley George, Ipperwash, and law suits. We eventually realized that we were judging. Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? So often, we need reminders that we never know the full story about someone else's journey, why they make the choices they do, or what motivates them.

As ever, we hope to look to ourselves be accountable for our actions, mindful that whatever we say and do is a statement of our faith. Is the statement that we make worth repeating?