Goats and Such

Goats are just one of seven species that constitute the genus Capra, probably of greater interest to those of us born under its sign than the other 11/12ths of the population. I’ve written before in praise of goats and will no doubt again, especially on the contrast between goats and sheep.

It is tempting to think about writing a “missing” book of the New Testament — Saint Paul’s long lost “Epistle to the Galoshes”, only recently translated from papyrus scrolls found in some errant corner of the Qumran caves — but I have far larger fish to fry these days and will have to content myself with the sermon to be delivered next week from her pulpit of Asbury United Methodist church by its pastor Rev Candice Clark Varenhorst. Her subject will be: “St Paul’s Epistle to the Galoshes”, an admonition regarding the very real tendency of sheep to be lead (led) rather than lead (leed); to find ourselves in the passive role of acquiescence rather than the active stance asked of us, nay, required of us, in the gospels as they’ve been understood until recently. Acquaint yourselves with the Social Gospel Movement of the second half of the 19th century and find a Christianity unknown to the likes of Pat Robertson or Franklin Graham or any of the poseurs preaching the so-called “Prosperity Gospel” intended principally to fatten their own coffers and bleed yours.

Perhaps Pastor Varenhorst will give us a glimpse of her sermon, even now in its rough first draft. I’ll ask and get back to you.

“Anyone who thinks sitting in church can make you a Christian must also think that sitting in a garage can make you a car.” ― Garrison Keillor