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Are we evolving too fast for God?

Painting depicting creation of Adam
Image: Wikipedia

I think many would agree that Christianity as a religion has evolved over the years. As we have evolved as people and as societies, so has the way in which we practice religion. One could argue that the core tenets and message of Christianity have remained largely the same since biblical times but the other, somewhat complementary aspects of religion have been influenced by time and culture. The distinction between religion, the faith and religion, the practices, may not always be a clear cut one.

There are a number of issues today that challenge our understanding of scripture and what is acceptable within Christianity. Some are as old as the issue of salvation for non-Christians while some are as contemporary as the ethics of stem cell research and recombinant DNA technology. Is there any wiggle room in interpretation for these matters? Or is God’s word cast in stone? - [pun intended]  

Let us consider the fact that the Israelites in earlier parts of the scripture were regarded as God’s chosen people. Going through the bible from the Old Testament, one got this feeling that the Israelites believed - and many still believe - that they are exclusively God’s own people. I do not possess the theological acumen to be able to illustrate this point succinctly, but what I’m trying to bring out is that later on in the new testament, it was apparent that God calls all people of all races, without favouring one over the other.

Now, against this backdrop - never mind how shaky it may seem - is there a possibility that hot bed issues like stem cell research and same sex relationships can be included in the canon of morally acceptable within Christianity as a religion? Many would reply with an emphatic no, quickly pointing to scripture where such things have been expressly forbidden by God. Is it however a stance worth re- considering?

Christianity has been known to back track or soft-pedal - albeit not exclusively - on some traditional stances based on more cogent interpretations or realizations. Issues such as women wearing trousers, not eating certain type of food and one even as contentious as tithes, that hitherto had biblical backing, have all to varying degrees, been reconsidered in a new light without a compromise of faith. Some may argue that some of these issues are more black and white than others, as they are explicitly proscribed in the bible. It is worthy to note that there are two main commandments from teachings in the New Testament centered on love of God and love of neighbour; can a case really be brought against acts that infringe neither? 

Sometimes, I struggle to reconcile what my faith and teachings thereof, unambiguously forbid on the one hand and on the other, viewing truly decent people who also happen to be queer, as moral anomalies. I consider how stem cell science application can change the lives of so many people but fear where and if we can draw the line. Perhaps there are no straight forward answers, but it is my humble submission that humanity benefits when we put in the effort to try to understand each other better. 

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