Seven, Eight, Nine

Here are the next. A few notes on the Friends' testimonies concerning baptism and communion. The only baptism recognized by Friends as needed is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Communion is not viewed as a ritual, but as a life style exemplified by concern and care for one another.

7. How do you relate to the historic Friends testimonies on baptism and communion?
I relate very well to them. I agree that outward ritual may not be indicative of an inward reality, and that the inward reality is of paramount importance. In my own personal experience, outward ritual can too often mean absolutely nothing to the people participating in it.

8. What is your doctrine of the church?
The Church is the manifestation of the Kingdom of God in this world. We must all work together, using the gifts we have been given to build God’s kingdom. We are called together by God for His purposes, and are his agents of reconciliation to the world. It is our duty as the Church to bring healing and wholeness to all of those around us. We are called to love each other as Christ loved us. We are imperfect, and the way we approach being the church is also imperfect because of that. In spite of our imperfections God still uses us, and through the Holy Spirit’s leadings draws us closer to God’s way of doing things. As ambassadors to the world, it is our job to live in the world and be living invitations to the world into the changed way of life that is the Kingdom of God.

9. How do you understand “the kingdom of God,” present and future? How do you
understand heaven? The final judgment? Hell?
I understand “the Kingdom of God” as a historical force, a present reality and a future fulfillment. The Kingdom is our first allegiance as Christians. We need to remember that we have a king and that his orders are not “suggestions”. The present working out of the kingdom occurs in every interaction we have with those around us. As we “aliens” travel through this world, our actions need to point to our true home, to point to a different model of interaction. Even though the kingdom is not fully here, it is our duty to treat our fellows as if it were.

Heaven is the unseen portion of reality where God dwells. How that intersects with here I don’t know, and what it will look like later I am not really that interested in, because I’ll find out eventually, and I wouldn’t want to deprive God of the joy of the surprise I will feel when I get there.

The final judgment is described by Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46
The best description of Hell that I can come up with is the complete absence of the presence of God. The torments that are undergone have their source in that basic lack.