RRNBE • Week 14

That's What She Said

Religious Loopholes: The Danger in Claiming Spiritual Exemptions. n this cluster of scripture from Mark, Jesus is letting the community know that those with religious/cultural power have been nullifying scripture, twisting commandments to benefit themselves and those who serve their purposes, and in 2024, this is a relevant message. Loopholes have always existed to protect the interests of certain groups, special groups that often need protecting, but we all know there are corrupt loopholes. Loopholes that have been integrated into most systems to protect and provide for those who created them; sadly, the church is no different. But, in Matthew 15, where this moment is also recorded, Jesus, in reference to these corrupt spiritual leaders, says, “Leave them alone. Let the blind lead the blind.” This passage is not about using our time and energy to talk about other churches or church leaders (unless it is a call to action). Jesus is speaking to us. It is not wise to take “religious loopholes” or “claim spiritual exemptions.” We want to be all in for the sake of our own interior lives.

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