Mary Mason was a member of Langtoft Church for many years until her death in 2001. She was a deeply committed Christian lady who had an enquiring mind. During my time as Rector of the Langtoft Benefice I had the privilege of knowing her. She had many questions to ask regarding the faith of the Church and was moved to write down some of her questions early one morning after a sleepless night. At the breakfast table she wrote her questions on the back of her cornflakes packet which she presented to me on my next visit. We therefore coined the term 'Cornflakes Theology' as a title to her thoughts.

CORNFLAKES THEOLOGY

I believe there is only one God. God the Creator of all creation. In 1995 the scientists, archaeologists, cosmologists, naturalists, scholars, etc. etc., can tell us about our universe, the galaxies, perhaps other universes, big bang, black holes. We are told about strata millions of years old. We are told of 'Life on Earth' going back millions of years. Homo Sapiens - how far does that go? Darwin's theory; I can remember my father's queries of this when a small child. Who would doubt it now? Many?
If God is Creator of all, he is the Creator of all mankind - the primitive races, not many now, perhaps a small number in South America for example. God is Creator of all races - all colours, all beliefs.
I am a Christian - or am I? I was born of Christian parents, brought up in a Christian Church and am a firm believer in what Jesus taught. I believe Christianity is the hope of the World. I believe Jesus was God in Man. I can believe in the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, but I find it hard to believe in the Virgin Birth and also find it hard to believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus. Does this bring Jesus down to being another prophet in my mind? That is only in my mind because in my heart and soul, I believe in the Holy Spirit. One experiences it and God judges, not man.
I believe different religions Jews, Muslims, Buddhism, Sikh etc., are worshipping the one God.
I believe God is at the top of the mountain and that we are each taking different paths up the mountain, figuratively speaking. I believe there are two forces in the world, the force of Good and the force of Evil. God will overcome evil. Good is the stronger force.
We still do not know the source of LIFE. What is a theosophist? I once met one. I have also met someone who had esoteric beliefs. She thought she was meant to be a missionary to me! I also met someone who lent me books on the occult - the same thing, I suppose, as esoteric . This is all years ago. I am Mary and Martha and my working life has been very much down to earth, nursing and farming; but now, at 75 years of age, I have at long last got time to think. The media makes one aware of so much, much of which is beyond my comprehension. I need help to sought out my thoughts.
I cannot believe in the narrowness, intolerance and ignorance of so many 'Christians'. There is so much 'goodness' outside the 'organised church' which I believe is of God, as God is Goodness, Jesus said "I am the Way, the Truth and Light". "He who comes to the Father comes by me"
I cannot believe that only those within or adhering to the organised Church are 'saved'.
What is the Church? The Church if the fellowship of believers.
Mankind, as far as we know, always worshipped. Originally, would it be the 'sun'? Primitive man has always worshipped creation and they did have a moral code, be it barbaric in our eyes, but what of today's moral code? That needs questioning. I am thinking in terms of World Wide poverty, starvation, deprivation etc., not just the permissive society.
I am all mixed up. Should I forget it and just get on with 'Jesus bids us shine, like a pure, clear light, like a little candle burning in the night, in this world of darkness, so we must shine, you in your small corner and I in mine'.
It is all so interesting, though. Sometimes I am in a cynical mood. I could leave the Church and all its human failures and hypocrisies, but God will not let me go - and who am I, I cannot be an authority unto myself. Authority taken to the point of the infallibility of the Pope is questionable.
It is interesting to think of where this globe is going, as you brought up the question at the Lent Study. One can hardly commune with nature in an inner city slum, Where is all this technology and communication taking us? The task of the Church is greater than ever as the need of the people is greater than ever. There is something innate in man (should I say 'humans'!) that cries out to be in tune with the infinite.
These extreme 'sects' worry me as well. I wouldn't like my grandchildren to be 'taken in'.
As always, there are chores to do now, so I must switch off pro-temps. Do you tolerate 'doubting Thomas' in your Church? I wish to know.

MARY MASON.
Cottam House Farm.
Cottam.

At a recent forum, it was unanimously decided that the RCCM (Rural Community and Christian Movement) had served its purpose and it was officially closed after some considerable time ministering to the rural areas of the East Riding.
Prayers for guidance had been offered that a way forward would present itself, and it did, in the form of 'Cornflakes Theology'. The Rev. Raymond Eveleigh has for sometime been considering developing short courses for 'enquirers'. He recounted at the forum, meetings he had had in the mid '90's with Mary Mason, a farmer's wife living in Cottam. She presented him with very challenging questions about being a Christian and what we actually believe. Mary had written her thoughts on an empty cornflakes packet; hence the name 'Cornflakes Theology'. Rev. Ray is now developing these questions and ideas into a series for short courses under the heading of

The Cornflakes Theology Movement

The gospel overflows in theology. Theology is perhaps first and foremost a celebration; a celebration that helps us find a way, or a truth that leads us into a life. (Archbishop Rowan Williams)
To be a theologian is to be exposed to the vision of heaven and the tragedy of mankind. (Archbishop Michael Ramsey)
The strategy of the Cornflakes Theology Movement involves the formation of cells or small groups of people, meeting in house groups or church halls or pubs. Short courses will be held for four to eight weeks which will focus on the questions raised by Mary Mason.
Everyone and anyone is welcome to join in this exciting new venture examining the heart of Christian belief.
If you would like to participate in 'The Cornflakes Theology Movement' or if you have any questions on theology , please contact me by clicking here. Cornflakes
'Cornflakes Theology' is affiliated to the 'Progressive Christian Network'. For more information visit PCN