But then another resolution was passed condemning faithful love between men and between women, in effect denying the full humanity and baptismal inclusion of men and women called to serve God within the context of such love, and falsely claiming Biblical authority to stand in the judgment seat of Christ against them. Very well, then. Let the Bible judge between us. Let us turn the spotlight of this morning's readings on this decision, and see what the Bible has to say. Our first reading is from the writings of the prophet Jeremiah.
Royal religion is religion that is caught up in ceremonial splendor and pomp.
Royal religion fears nothing so much as to lose its power and influence and social cachet. Royal religion hates change and challenge. Royal religion gladly sacrifices its weakest and most vulnerable to the will and comfort of the majority. That is royal religion. But God declares through the priest and prophet Jeremiah that royal religion will be consumed as with fire, and broken in pieces as with a hammer.