A Humurous Tale; A Somber Reminder

I received the following email from a friend. I--and likely many of you--have seen a version of this story. I was reminded again of how Christians are all-too willing to shed blood over nuanced differences in church polity.

I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. I ran over to him and said, "Stop! Don't do it!"

"Why shouldn't I?" he said. I said, "Well, there's so much to live for!" He said, "Like what?" I said, "Well. . .are you religious or atheist?" He said, "Religious."

"Me, too!" I said. "Are you Christian or Buddhist?"
He said, "Christian." I said, "Me too! Are you Catholic or protestant" He said, "Protestant."

I said, "Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?" He said, "Baptist."

I said, "Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist church of God or Baptist church of the Lord?" He said, "Baptist church of God."

I said, "Me, too. Are you original Baptist church of God, or are you reformed Baptist church of God?" He said,"Reformed Baptist church of God."

I said, "Me too! Are you reformed Baptist church of God, reformation of 1879, or reformed Baptist church of God, reformation of 1915?" He said, "Reformed Baptist church of God, reformation of 1915!"

I said, "Die, heretic scum," and pushed him off.

This is not intended to identify only one denominational expression of Christianity as suffering from highly nuanced forms of "doing church." It's a reminder that all Christians tend to move in such directions. My own heritage has historically excelled in the area of such a sectarian spirit. May we be one, Father, as you and your Son, Jesus, are one. And, may we love one another as you have loved us...so the world might know that we are your disciples.