Volume 6, Issue 6, February 1997

PARABLE OF THE INSIDER

- Read St. Luke 15:11-32.

When the older brother of the Prodigal Son heard the joyful music and dancing in the house, he refused to go in, even after his father had invited him to share in the celebration of his younger brother's return. Angry, he sulkily commented that it was his loyalty and faithfulness which should be acclaimed.

This well-known story by Jesus might have ended with the joyful return of the younger son but, the story is dampened by the older brother's rejection. The story describes the wonderful love which welcomes the outsider home, but is aware of those who do not care whether the outsider comes home or not. In fact such a person prefers that the outsider stay away, out of sight and mind, and take the consequences of his actions.

The insider sets himself apart from the rest of humanity by his virtue rather than vice, his works rather than empathy. So he repudiates the family relationship and is angry and intolerant. He looked upon love and justice as something to be earned. What justice is there in treating the unsuccessful person more generously than the profitable person he wrongly argues? He exudes his feelings of moral superiority.

We are reminded of a phrase of Sir Thomas Browne in the 17th century, "He who discommendeth others obliquely commendeth himself." To feel moral superiority is never a sign of love. Yet, it is love which is the cohesive element of society.

Proud intolerance is a terrible sin. It leads to perceiving others as lazy, worthless, less than competent, living a lifestyle to be jealous of but one you are afraid to try.

The insider can afford to be ill-tempered, superior, unforgiving, elitist. They express a repulsive coldness toward the poor, the homeless, the unemployed, the prisoner.

In Jesus' story the outsider successfully came inside for the celebration and reception. The insider was too unfeeling to share in the celebration of life and remains outside, alone, and in the dark.

Most church members today are insiders by their very religiousity. In an essay on "Holy Worldliness", Dr. Alec Vidler wrote: "Certainly there will be great risks in a Christianity of genuine worldliness, for it means living in the open air, it means living with people and serving them in all areas where Christ is never named though they belong to him, or where he is named only to be misunderstood or reviled."

To be a secular Christian today means you will feel, you will care, you will hurt, you will have your heart broken. You will understand and appreciate the outsider and join with them in celebration of life together.

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"Religion NOW" is published in limited edition by the Rev. Ross E. Readhead, B.A., B.D., Certificate of Corrections, McMaster University, in the interest of furthering knowledge and participation in religion. Dialogue is invited and welcomed.