The power of the word – o logos.
In 2008 I watched on TV an interview with Pastor Crefflo (sp.) Dollar, a Televangelist with a mega church (over 10,000 members) who preaches on how God will bless you financially and how it will always work out that way for everyone who believes. He and Benny Hinn were among a number of pastors under investigation by the U.S. congress. In the interview Crefflo said "my church members gave me my Rolls Royce (automobile) as a gift (it's a blessing from God). I'm not giving it back because of the investigation by congress." Pastor Joel Osteen (televangelist) also preaches a message of financial blessing upon God's people who believe - no matter who they are or what their circumstances. Richard Roberts, son of Oral Roberts (televangelist and OR University founder) stepped down from leading the ORU ministry amidst allegations of mishandling over $50 million of ministry funds. The Religious News Service and The Christian Century reported on these words in 2007:"I'm not necessarily saying it's going to be nuclear. The Lord didn't say nuclear. But I do believe it will be something like that."- TV evangelist Pat Robertson's prediction (based upon what God had told him) that terrorists would attack the U.S. in late 2007. I mention these purveyors of words because they claim to preach the "Word." Most of what they transmit is either contrary to the Word or the spirit of the Word. People of faith recognize how important are the words we use. Words express our faith, confess our sins and forgiveness, give grace and love to one another, words give shape to our prayers for friends, family, neighbors and perceived enemies. Words are powerful and the means by which we verbally communicate who we are as disciples. There is one thing a bishop should say to another bishop: that I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Saviour" - Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, chiding conservative bishop's for their criticism of the Episcopal Church's acceptance of gay clergy and same-sex unions. The ELCA has approved same gender blessings while most states prohibit same gender marriage. In Canada same gender marriage is the law of the land while the ELCIC wrestles with same gender blessings. Both the ELCA & ELCIC have spoken out against human trafficking and the sex trade of women and children but relatively few congregations have spoken out to effect change. Words, especially the Word, are powerful active instruments in communication, in relationships to one another and the divine, and active means by which to bring about change in the world. Let us use our words wisely. Hebrews 4:12a, New Testament, NRSV): "Indeed, the Word of God is living and active."
