Scripture: Colossians 2:22 – “All these regulations refer to things that perish with use; they are simply human commands and teachings.” (NRSV)
There is a marvelous contradiction in people. We want to explore the world around us, to grow and change and experience new and wonderful things. But we also want to be safe and secure, to be free from worry and fear. Trying to balance these two impulses is part of life.
This got me thinking about the concept of “taboo.” Many of the Pacific islands were discovered, as least as far as Europeans were concern, by the famous English explorer, James Cook. One group of islands he “discovered” was Tonga, or the “Friendly Islands” as he called them because of the warm reception he received there. While he was visiting the Tongans, he noticed there were certain places they never sat or things they never ate. When he asked why, Cook was told they were “taboo”, or forbidden. The word spread into the English language from there.
There are many things or subjects which are considered taboo, which violate the moral and social standards of a community. Some taboos keep us safe by doing dangerous things, but others keep us contained, preventing us from asking questions and exploring new possibilities.
As I was revisiting the Letter to the Colossians this week, I thought about the new forms of religious expression that were exploding around the time of Jesus. One of these was obviously Christianity, but other ideas stressed a physical and spiritual purity. In other words, taboos. Doing certain things would prevent you from reaching enlightenment. But the Letter seems to reject this way of thinking. It speaks of all the rules these teachings seem to place on people which come from a human way of thinking. “Why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations, ‘Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch’? All these regulations refer to things that perish with use; they are simply human commands and teachings. These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-imposed piety, humility, and severe treatment of the body, but they are of no value in checking self-indulgence.” The Letter argues that all these rules do not prevent people from sinning, that is separating themselves from a connection to God. All they do is make people think that they are not sinning, which in many ways can be worse.
The Letter argues that through Christ, we have the freedom to explore new ways of relating to each other, even if this breaks the taboos of the day. Jesus invites us to explore what it means to be human through seeking joy and compassion. But Jesus also grants us the peace to know that no matter where we go, we will never be alone, and always safe in the arms of God. Through Jesus we find the balance we need for excitement and security. It is funny how Jesus tends to solve these kinds of problems!
So, as you take the time to try new things this summer, think about whether they are bringing you closer to God or pulling you away. If the latter, perhaps you should not do them anymore. But if it the former, you should listen to what God is telling you, and not the taboos of the day. For sometimes is through breaking taboos, as Jesus did, that the true love of God is made known to the world.
Prayer: Jesus, help me think and act in new ways, keeping my love of you and of my neighbors ever before me on my journey. Amen.
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