The Messenger, 2004 (1-3. szám)
2004-05-01 / 3. szám
Cfjaplatn'ô Corner by Rev. Levente Molnár FROM A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW Today, we live in a secular society that displays a materialistic point of view about life and the world; that is, a society in which religious beliefs no longer have meaning or impact. The materialistic point of view is essentially based on, and also limited by human experience and knowledge; it is centered around our physical world and life. Scientific evidence and proof are the key words. Everything we learn at home, in school, in college, all the experience we acquire helps us assure our physical existence and warrants our success in life. Hence, we work hard to try to satisfy the needs and unlimited wants and desires of our body and intellect, and call this struggle; life. And after all there is nothing wrong with this picture if we look at life from the materialistic point of view. I am just wondering if this view, this perspective on life is really the best. Certainly, today’s “American Dream” fits this pattern; it is no longer about “all men created equal”, but about the number of cars in the driveway and the barbecue in the backyard. We know what the worldly view of our society is on life, society, culture and world, but how do we know if it’s right or wrong. I believe, in order to arrive at a correct conclusion, we would need at least another point of view for comparison. Many centuries ago the Romans stated that in order to bring the right judgement it is necessary to listen to both, the pro and the con arguments. They gave equal room to the expression of “the other” point of view. I strongly believe that in order to have a meaningful life today it is absolutely necessary to know the other point of view; the view the apostle Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 5, 16: “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view”. There is a worldly and an unworldly view about life and everything around it. We learn and study the first one for many long years in school, in college, and we experience it in our daily fight for existence. It promises us a good and happy life, but in spite of the unprecedented economical and scientific development, poverty is growing and more and more people are unhappy. It promises us satisfaction and fulfillment and, instead, we get despair, disappointment and death. The unworldly or heavenly view of life, on the other hand, tells us about a different way which gives us a decent life, peace, joy and above all, the eternity. We receive heavenly assurance that if we follow the teachings of God we won’t ever be disappointed. The only problem here is that we are utterly reluctant and unwilling to go to the Bible and acquaint ourselves with God’s teachings. At the dawn of the 21st century most people are Biblically illiterate, not giving the same amount of time, energy and attention to the alternative way of being, the Christian lifestyle, as they do to the secular one. It is time to open the dusty Bibles and it is time to return to church and learn about who we are, the reason why we are, who is God and what He did for us in Jesus Christ. If we begin examining ourselves and our world from this different viewpoint, we will undoubtedly find the way for a life blessed with joy, peace and happiness, not ephemeral but everlasting. Rev. Levente Molnár OFFICE CHANGES There have been some office changes at The Bethlen Home. Cathy Cams (Social Service) is located on the first floor across from the elevator. Chari Horrell (Case Manager) is on the second floor near the nurses’ station. Marilyn Toner (Medical Records) and Pat Armel (Development and Marketing) are in the front office by the entrance to the nursing home. If you have any questions, please stop in the front office.
