Struggling for balance in building the healthy "body of Christ"

If the “church” is the body of Christ, then what is the "school"? The New York Times reports on the battle for a stronger voice in US school policy and curriculum by fundamentalist Christian churches. Their premises include that the founders of the USA were dedicated Christians and intended a Christian country. Their tactics include controlling the Texas State School Board of Education which by virtue of its size “governs (the curriculum process of) 46 or 47 states”. Their track record is subtly successful.

I take issue with the fundamentalists on a number of issues – such as six day creation in recent cosmic history. I am all for the separation of church and state – the “wall of separation” according to Thomas Jefferson third president of the USA and principal author of the Declaration Independence. Religious fundamentalist movements are fulminating global havoc - the intolerance they preach is unacceptable.

The article objectively suggests that separation of church and state may or may not have been the intention of the founding fathers. It is not for example stated explicitly in the constitution. On the other hand neither are certain constitutional tested principles such as “judicial review and separation of powers”.

What interests me is the depth of organization and intensity of passion of the fundamentalists. Do we the United Church of Canada or the “moderates” or whatever label we adopt have such a passion for our faith? Should we have such a well developed religious agenda?

Being the body of Christ – working together – requires acknowledgement that we are a whole that needs structure and common voice to be healthy. We need to use what we know about group dynamics and organizational development to build a healthy body. At the same time we must be cognizant of the dogmatic and power grabbing tendency that is inherent in any organization. It is a constant struggle for balance.