Religion column by Bill Barksdale: Three Simple Thoughts

The United Methodist Church traces its roots back to John Wesley.

Though Wesley was not a systematic theologian, our theology and praxis reflect Wesley's preaching and teaching. One of the scholars who helps express Wesley's theology is Reuben P. Job.

Job was a distinguished UMC Bishop who drew inspiration from Wesley's teaching to present his timeless teaching in an accessible format.

In Job's book "Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living," (Abingdon, 2007) he offers a modern interpretation of Wesley's general rules, distilling them into three simple principles for living a faithful and purposeful life: "Do no harm," "Do good," and "Stay in love with God."

In the spirit of John Wesley, I offer three simple thoughts:

Do no harm.

Instead of insisting that we have the last word or correct another's social media post, consider refraining. Often such actions only cause harm.

I continue to learn this lesson the hard way, often wishing I had pushed a "Do Not Send/Post" button instead of feeling five seconds of gratifying and fleeting triumph after posting or sending. This almost always happens when I am in a defensive posture. Instead of letting things go or extending grace, I find it necessary to "correct the record."

My new morning routine for keeping current on presidential politics includes a new media platform on YouTube.

It is called "2Way: The Morning Meeting," led by veteran journalist Mark Halperin. Halperin hosts this 'Zoom' call every morning and sometimes in the afternoons. Each morning, he repeats the rules of the platform: "Our ethos is about peace, love and understanding and the presumption of grace. If you disagree with what someone says, consider it an opportunity to learn instead of refuting."

Halperin functions as the journalist and host. He sets the initial topics presents the daily schedule of what each of the presidential candidates are doing that day. Sean Spicer represents the Trump viewpoint and Tim Hogan represents the Harris perspective. Not every day is edifying, but most are very informative.

Part podcast, part Zoom call, 2Way features two-way discussion. Anyone who logs on that day to the platform can be called on live to ask questions or express an opinion. Often, Halperin invites special guests who are experts at polling or campaign consulting. Halperin is quick to cut off or interrupt anyone who goes down a meanspirited road, reminding folk to keep their comments "at least PG, preferably G rated."

I find that I now have a deeper appreciation and more understanding of the wide range of political viewpoints. Search for it on YouTube.

Do Good.

In August, the churches I serve offered Vacation Bible School for children. We chose to use the Group Publishing curriculum "SCUBA" which focuses on "diving into a friendship with God" and the setting was in the underwater ocean. This was our first return to VBS since the pandemic and most of our leaders were new to the Vacation Bible School format.

At least three other churches in the city (perhaps more) also used this curriculum for their VBS. Hannaford Street Bible Church held their VBS earlier in the summer and were kind enough to let us use all their decorations!

Their talented team shared incredible props, wall coverings, and colorful stage sets with us.

Similarly, Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church also offered "SCUBA" and graciously incorporated our children's director to observe. They also shared their decorations for us to use.

Needless to say, Covenant UMC had incredible sets and the environment truly felt like an underwater world. Finally, First Baptist Church came and picked up the same decorations after we finished, to use when they offer SCUBA in October. These are examples churches doing good for children in the community and ecumenically for one another.

Stay in Love with God.

The theme of simplicity comes to mind as Wesley challenges us with this third rule. The simple step of participating in a regular worship service, small group, or service opportunity is critical to staying in love with God.

This requires a bit of discipline. It requires making an intentional choice. There are always other things to do on Sunday mornings and always an excuse to stay home. But September in Montana generally calls us back into a routine of regular worship attendance.

Attend and participate in your faith tradition's weekly service. Not out of guilt, but because attending goes a long way in staying in love with God. There are dozens of places of worship in Helena.

All would be delighted to welcome you this Sunday.

This week, may we do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God.

Rev. Bill Barksdale is pastor of Covenant UMC and St. Paul's UMC.