Addressing An Age Old Question

I just got an email from Jo. She's great - always asking deep theological questions. Jo and Phil should come down for a visit - I'll put them to work with some kids - and I'll let them have a little holiday too, I suppose...

So, today, Jo was asking about the 'age of accountability' thing. I had a response that was more directed at modern church than poor Jo, so after I finished my dissertation to her, I now share with you some of my scattered thoughts on the issue...

The Bible doesn't talk about 'age of accountability' (as far as I can find - and I have looked) - it's a doctrinal thing that someone invented back in the day. I figure, if you can't find it in the scripture, it probably isn't really an issue. I often wonder why we (mere humans) just have to figure out all these things; make it into a scientific/mathematical formula and know all the answers - when really, it's about relationship with our Creator, isn't it? Yes, this is a criticism of the modern church that has decided we need to 'know everything' (like defining such a thing as 'age of accountability') when all the Bible really talks about us needing to know is the truth about God's love for us (John 15 says it all - it's like the chiastic climax of the whole scripture - well, not really, but it's close)...

So, the whole issue of the 'age of accountability' has to do with the idea of whether or not a baby/child can 'get to heaven' based on age and personal decision, etc. BUT I SAY to people trying to figure that out:

1) Is this whole Christianity thing about 'getting to heaven'? Or is it about restored relationship with our Creator, God the Father through Jesus Christ, His Son, nurtured by the power of the Holy Spirit, fueled by scripture and encouraged by the worldwide body of Christ...? (it's a rhetorical question...) If it's about 'fire insurance' and there is no relationship involved (just building merit by doing good religious things) then I have to promote the whole scripture which consistently points to restored relationship and say that empty religious acts and building merit never got any Buddhist or Baptist into heaven. Religious acts performed out of love for God and gratefulness for the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ are a different thing entirely (and will amazingly restore both Buddist and Baptist in the same way). The acts may look the same from a religious perspective (tithing, giving to the poor, being a peacemaker, fighting for justice, etc.), but you see, it's an issue of the heart (Genesis 4) and really only God can know our true heart...

2) When did it become our job to determine whether or not a person has entered the presence of God upon death? Isn't it ultimately for God to decide? We can't just leave it alone. It's a trust issue, when you think about it... "Do I really trust that God knows what he's doing with my seven year old? After all, how can I? He allowed my son to get lukemia and then he passed away and I know my boy knew about God, but do I trust that God will be fair with him? Well, maybe if I figure out that my son hadn't reached the 'age of accountability' then I can put God in a box. That way God is powerless to have any say in the decision of whether or not my son can 'be in heaven' - he MUST be in heaven because if, say, twelve is the age of accountability, then God can't do anything about it...' (etc.) and in so doing we tie God's hands - or so we think. In determining such things, we demonstrate a serious lack of trust in God. Do you see where this type of logic leads?

So, what is our understanding of God? Is he a loving, kind God that has created us for relationship with him? Or is he viewed as a tyrant just playing with us as worthless pawns? Whoa. I can't even write that as a rhetorical question.... He is absolutely not a tyrant. We are not pawns. He is a loving, caring, merciful Father. I ask you, what GOOD earthly father do you know who would completely disown his small helpless child? And we humans are only sinners saved by grace; God has created and loves each one of us as a perfect Father (Matthew 7.7-11).

The REAL question underlying the whole 'age of accountability' issue has to do with our understanding of God and his love. Once we start to get that he loves us deeply (John 3.16-17), little by little, these types of questions will come to have no place in our relationship with a perfect and fair and righteous and compassionate Father God because our ultimate trust is in Him. He knows what's best and He will always be fair...

In all this consideration, the Bible IS very clear about what we are supposed to do: love God with all our heart, mind, soul, strength, bringing him glory as we aim to live a pure life, AND love each other as we make disciples; training, teaching and being an example to others about God's love... that's our only 'task' if you can call it that (Deuteronomy 6.4-5; Mark 12.29-31; I Corinthians 13; I John 4.16; II John 1.5 - and more). Every person's decision is left up to them and God - not us - and all we can do is encourage one another to live in the knowledge of God's love (Eph. 3.14-21) by loving one another...

And remember this: "Some children were brought to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. The disciples told them not to bother him. But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.' And he put his hands on their heads and blessed them..." Matthew 19.13-15

Much love in Christ,

Shannon