Melanie’s back! This photo immediately brought to mind the phrase ‘through a glass darkly’. I’ve used that before for a prompt, so I took a different part of the same verse for Melanie to muse on this week. If you enjoy her thoughts, you can find others here.
Aunt Selina’s Church
Before Mummy got sick, she wore a pretty dress and spoke at Aunt Selina and Puncle Eter’s wedding. They go to a weird church. Their priest smiles a lot and when they sing, they clap their hands and dance around.
Mummy said 1 Corinthians 13, but she changed it. She said “When I became a woman, I put childish things behind me.” Father Andrew wouldn’t like that, but their priest nodded and smiled.
And then, at the end, when he said “I now pronounce you husband and wife,” everybody cheered. Loudly.
I liked their church; I wonder what God thinks.
elmowrites 
The power of music and clapping is strong. But it can be manipulated. Still, this priest seems to be on the right side.
I think compared to Father Andrew, this priest would be my preference for sure.
A lot to unpack in those innocent observations and questions. Does God approve of them all, or are a lot of the religions getting it completely wrong?
I’m quite sure both priests would have answers to your question, Iain.
That sounds like a lovely church.
Infinitely preferable to the one Melanie usually attends, I agree.
I like that idea of clapping and singing and being uplifted. The Church here has a autocratic approach and talks a lot about sin.
Your preacher might get on better with Father Andrew. I like the idea of uplifting religion too.
If more churches were like that, there would be better participation! Love this, Jen.
Thanks Dale. It’s hard for some to let go of the traditions of ceremony and solemnity, but a wedding is a good place to start!
That is for sure! Clap your hands!
You’ve shown us both the spirit of ‘Mummy’ and of Aunt Selina’s church and they are both very likable.
Thank you! I’m glad you liked them both, some things in Melanie’s life take a bit more chewing!
Well, God does tell us to make a joyful noise in our worship! I think we tend to put too many of our own preferences on Him without considering that He never said anything about most of the things we fuss over 🙂
I suspect humans have liked to use religion for power ever since it the beginning. A little interpretation here and there and you have a strong motivator on your side.
Organized religion is a human construct. The Bible says that true religion is to visit the fatherless and the widows, and to remain unspotted from the world. I agree that religion has often been used as a power play. Many wars have been waged in the name of some god or the other.
Dear Jen,
I love Melanie’s voice in this. Innocent and intelligent. In my congregation we’re dancers. 😉 I think G-d likes it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
If S/He doesn’t, more fool them. I’m glad you’re a dancer, and thank you for your compliments on Melanie too.
the priest might not agree, but i commend him for not censuring her.
I agree. I imagine if there was a heavenly intention behind the Bible, it was for believers to understand it as it applied to themselves.
Hmmmm
I think she’s a bit happier. So innocent. I wonder if she’ll feel the same when she’s older? Nice piece.
Thanks Laurie. I love Melanie’s innocence, it’s fascinating to write.
A happy place is what it is until it isn’t. Everything changes. Well done, Jen.
That’s very sinister, Bill. But you’re right of course, nothing stays the same.
🙂
Any church that encourages joy is my kind of church. I’m glad she had a positive memory to cherish from it.
I bet God’s too busy putting out fires to feel offended by a bunch of harmless words.