Question: This is not the America we grew up in! The two major political parties are at each other’s throats and vote along party lines that kill a bill even when legislation would be helpful for most of our citizens. We were raised Christian and raised our three children Christian, as well. They’re now adults and are also raising their children Christians. Even though many profess to be Christian, with all of the lawlessness happening we wonder how many really are?

Everyday we pray for peace in our beloved United States and the world. Our question is do you have any idea what it will take to have a more peaceful country and a more peaceful world? Is there anything else we could be doing? ~Peace Loving Patriots

Dear Peace Loving Patriots,

The original Pledge of Allegiance in the United States of America was written in 1891 by Francis Bellamy soon after the Civil War. It read, “I pledge allegiance to my flag and the Republic for which it stands – one nation indivisible – with liberty and justice for all.” Interestingly, the “under God” part wasn’t added until 1954, [written] by a Scottish minister who felt it should include a “God save the Queen” type phrase. That was not an American value, especially considering the fact that we escaped from a monarchy in order to gain personal freedom! We were warned by our Founding Fathers about mixing church and state. Thomas Jefferson himself referred to the First Amendment of our Constitution as a necessary “Wall of Separation” between church and state. Peace in our country, and peace in our world, has nothing to do with what religion we choose to practice. It has to do with remembering that we are one.

I am confused by your email, which starts out as a wish for unity in our government and ends up with a declaration of your family’s choice of religion. I’m hoping you aren’t suggesting that America should be a strictly Christian country in order to achieve your goal of peace … or that we should return to a time of institutionalized white supremacy, segregation, no rights for women or LGBTQ people? Was that really a better America that you grew up in?

For straight white Christian males, it was. In my studies of Christianity, Jesus taught us to treat others the way we want others to treat us. He also taught that “we are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” I heartily agree with you that not many self-proclaimed Christians actually live by Jesus’ teachings, and I also need to remind you that many millions of people (including our own Native Americans) have been tortured and murdered in the name of Christianity. “Lawlessness,” as you say, was happening before Jesus’ time and is an ever-present dark side of human nature.

I am glad to hear that you are praying for peace because the power of prayer changes lives and changes our world. You ask what else you can do. You can be an example of Christ’s love, showing love to everyone you encounter – no matter what religion they practice. Look for ways to feed children, empower the impoverished and always remember that we are one. Philippians 4:9 states, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” If enough of us do these things we will know peace.

Rev. Karen Mitchell
revkarenmitchell@gmail.com

Dear Peace Loving Patriots,

I share your heart. The present divisiveness in our nation is unprecedented in living memory and very distressing. And yet I am encouraged that you are on the right track on two things you mention: lawlessness and prayer. Let’s think about prayer first.

Paul’s words to Timothy help us focus. “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Tim 2:1-2) The point is that civil peace and order are helpful for Christian life, so we need to pray. Let the disconcerting things going on around you motivate you to pray even more. But do so in faith that God hears you. (James 1:6) Never underestimate the importance of your prayers!

Second, you mentioned lawlessness. Paul spoke of this as a spirit at work in the world that God restrains. “For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way.” (2 Thess. 2:7) The BLM and Capitol riots are clear evidence of this spirit at work. Such things have happened throughout world history. We all need to pray for peace, especially remembering that those we disagree with most are fellow image bearers of God.

Finally, I don’t know what specific things God is calling you to do to be a peacemaker but St. Francis’ prayer is a helpful guide for all of us: Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

Grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console;

To be understood, as to understand;

To be loved, as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.

If we Christians can all start here, following this prayer as a guide in our daily actions, we will embody peace, align ourselves with God’s spirit and become peace bringers instead of division makers.

Peace,

Fr. Rob Holman
rob@stlukesanglican.org

Question: I had to put my 12-year-old poodle, Janie, down a week ago. I had her since she was 6 weeks old. She was a toy and went everywhere with me. I can’t stop crying.

I have a friend who told me to get over it and that I’m being ridiculous. This friend has never owned animals. She really hurt my feelings as I continue to grieve for Janie, but I can get over that because she really doesn’t understand.

My question is do dogs go to heaven? I’m hoping to see her again when I pass away. ~ Missing Janie

Dear Missing Janie,

Why couldn’t you have asked an easier question? You know, opinions have been all over the place on this topic over the last 2000 years. Maybe that’s why preachers and teachers usually just quote others who have gone before when answering this question. With that in mind, one of my favorite writers, Randy Alcorn, has said this on this controversial subject:

“Elijah was taken up to heaven in a chariot pulled by horses. (2 Kings 2:11) We’re told there are horses in heaven (Revelation 6 (https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Rev%206.2-8), (https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2%20Kings%202.11)), (https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Revelation%2019.11)). In fact, there are lots of horses, enough for the vast armies of heaven to ride.

Other animals aren’t mentioned in the Revelation passages … but isn’t it likely that since there are innumerable horses in heaven there are all kinds of other animals too? Why wouldn’t there be? Why would we expect horses to be the only animals?

Scripture tells us elsewhere, however, that man has an eternal soul. It tells us he goes to one of two places at death. Animals are not said to have eternal souls. They are not said to relocate when they die. The presumption would be that at death they cease to exist.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that beloved animals won’t be in heaven. I once read Billy Graham’s response to a little girl’s question, “Will my dog who died this week be in heaven?” Graham replied, “If it would make you any happier, then yes, he will be. Animals aren’t nearly as valuable as people, but God is their maker and has touched many people’s lives through them. It would be simple for Him to recreate a pet in heaven. I see no reason to believe He wouldn’t if it would bring his children pleasure.”

Like the little girl, you’ve gone a step further than animals. You’ve mentioned pets. I don’t pretend to have the definitive answer on this ongoing controversy about our pets but, as I ponder this subject, thinking of you, something related comes to mind. I wonder if you’ll indulge me for a moment.

Jesus talked about the hereafter – heaven and hell – more than anybody. He never mentioned our pets in heaven but he did mention both ourselves and our relatives. He tells a rather gripping short story of a rich man who, sadly, did not go to heaven and a poor man named Lazarus, who did and was at Abraham’s side. The point of the story in Luke 16 is the dialogue back and forth, from hell to heaven and back again. It cuts through our niceties and instead gives us eternity’s nuts and bolts. What surprises me every time I read this story by Jesus is the unclouded and passionate view of the afterlife by the rich man who is in torment. He only cares about two things: He wants water and he does not want his five brothers to join him. I confess that when I think about heaven this is what I think about: I have three younger brothers. I believe I’m going to heaven. Am I sure about that? How do I know? Am I sure my brothers will join me? If the rich man from Luke 16 could come back and talk to his brothers, what would he say? What should I say now to mine? And what about extended family, other relatives? And why did the loving Lord Jesus tell this alarming story and what does he want me to get from it? (You might expect this kind of mindset from a minister!)

Back to pets. I’ve had a long parade of wonderful pets in my life … mostly dogs. I have enjoyed them fully but I confess that when it comes to the afterlife, I’m preoccupied with people.

Dear Missing Janie,

As a present and previous dog owner, I can assure you, you are not being ridiculous. Janie offered you unconditional love and a deep bonding. The loss of her physical presence in your daily life is devastating. Dogs are very psychic and intuitive; her spirit will always be with you; you can talk to her anytime you wish. Although she is on a different plane of existence that makes it hard for you to see her sometimes she may even appear to you and you may be able to see her out of the corner of your eye. She is happy and pain free and wants you to be happy as well.

I believe one creates their own heaven and hell on earth so not sure there is a definite place one goes when they pass. However, you both will be on the same plane of existence so it is very possible for her to come running to you when you pass.

I met a man with his children and their German shepherd at the dog park today. They told me it was their shepherd’s last time at the dog park and said she was crossing the Rainbow Bridge today. They were going to have to put her down. She lost her battle with cancer and was in too much pain to continue. They had planned a little celebration for her afterword, combined with memories from each family member. You might want to put a photo of Janie out, visualize and tell her what she meant to you – my guess is that she will hear you and may even respond in some way. Visualizing the times you had together makes it easier for Janie, since dogs psychically understand picture thoughts more than words.

Although you will never be able to replace Janie, her spirit may be able to come back to you through another dog. At some point you may want to consider giving another dog a loving home. In the meantime, see Janie there beside you as you visualize and picture all the many good times and years you had together and treasure those memories.

Katie O’Brien
runningstream48@yahoo.com