Shane Hipps (www.shanehipps.blogspot.com), if you are reading this, I promise I am not trying to steal your thunder if something like this becomes, say, a future book by you... But our discussion a few weeks back has my wheels turning...
As I've indicated in past posts, I often feel like I don't truly "fit" in the various labels we have created in the Christian world. It seems like (especially in America) if you call yourself a Christian, you are very "either-or"... Something like this (warning, generalizations follow, but please read it all before you decide I'm some freak...which may still happen ha!):
Option A: Very black-and-white on moral issues (at least when it comes to arguing about them. Living them? Sometimes another issue altogether...), loyal to a certain political party almost "blindly", seem to try and figure out which individuals are "in" and "out" (aka exclusivistic), very opinionated about biblical insipration and authority, Jesus-as-the-ONLY-way, strong in evangelism, taking stands for Truth, etc.
Option B: More "anything goes" as far as core beliefs, salvation, etc., not big on taking stands on theological issues, yet seem to live "sermon on the mount"-principles better, loving and respecting God's creation and children, etc.
I just wish there was more room for Option C, which might be something like this:
Option C: Affirming scriptural Truth, inspiration, and authority, affirming that Jesus is truly "way, truth, and life" (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=50&chapter=14&verse=6&version=31&context=verse), striving to reach others for the sake of the Kingdom, not wishy-washy about core beliefs, etc., BUT still striving to be "sermon on the mount"-people, not worried about political parties, seeking peace (not revenge), not elitist, serving those in need (with NO STINGS ATTACHED), etc.
Does Option C exist? Some would say that the "emerging church" is trying, but I have even seen examples where that line of thought (in certain churches) is straying far into Option B-land (I may comment on my emerging church thoughts later, but a good blog by a friend on the issue can be found here: http://churchremix.com/?p=22). Can Option C co-exist with either of the other options? Possibly in certain locales...but it certainly would be groundbreaking (and met with some resistance due to a breaking of certain paradigms, comfort zones, traditions...). I know that option A-ers would argue that any "letting up" of stances would produce a slippery slope into bad theology, behavior, and attitudes (I think C would retain theology, etc., but just look for more relevant and "real" ways to practice it in today's society), while option B-ers would likely say C is still too "excluding" (since it would still be claiming Christ's deity, our sin nature, and total reliance on the Cross for salvation and eternal presence with God).
Not sure really where else to go with this post today, but the wheels are turning. I'd love to hear any of your thoughts and comments on this issue. Are you happy with the options? Are you feeling, like myself and others, that something about A and B options just aren't really "doing it"? Am I completely messed up in the head?
Bring it...
haphazard= i could write about anything // angus= me!
About Me
- ben angus davis
- Weatherford, TX, United States
- things that are a part of me include...follower of Jesus...husband to Missy...father to Jackson...TCU Horned Frogs nut...music freak...wannabe drummer...soccer fan...heck, fan of sports in general...reader...minister... imaginator...
1 comment:
Agreed. Living in Austin and going to UT it was easy to fall into to Option B. I even attended a Big Baptist church that I think a lot of them members were option B. The EMergent Church is definitely B. We need more Cs. I think Cs existed in New testament times, Read Acts or any of Paul's letters. They pretty much all describe C churches. Too often churches as whole (not necessarily the individuals) get caught up in "the church" and forget to do life together. How can we have better programs to attract (oops I mean "reach") more people? Our church models tend to resemble a big corporation rather than any biblical church model in Acts. Senior Pastor? I don't see that in the bible anywhere.
It really boils down to what you put first. Sure your Church Vision is going to say something about being Christ Centered or fulfilling the great comission, but where do your funds go, your efforts and energy? That is indicative of what you put first. Are you busy rennovating your sanctuary to "look real nice", or are you raising up leaders and teaching folks the passions of Christ. Do you seek God's wisdom first in all decisions or is there some commitee that makes the final call?
Christianity is not some club that needs to "one up" the next club with a snazzier building or better media. It is a way of life (and death). Does your church resemble your senior pastor or does resemble Christ?
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