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Thursday, July 30, 2009
Friday, October 31, 2008
Western Christianity vs. Openness and Honesty
It has been a long, long time since I have posted. I have been overwhelmed with my academic endeavors much of the past year, and have embraced the breaks I have gotten. However, this post is a product of passion. I am frustrated with many in the Church I interact with, and incredibly disappointed with some of my encounters over the last year. And thus, I must speak out in some way. (I warn this is an act of passion because I will rant and possible over-react. But so be it).
I will speak of a few encounters (of course without mentioning names) of which I have been disappointed by the impression either the Church or common American Christian culture has made on some people I care about deeply.
In the first, I sat in on a class of a professor at Liberty I really enjoyed and admired. His Biblical knowledge seemed to be quite impressive and his godly teaching as well. However, as I sat in on the lecture, all I heard was prideful bashing of the "liberals." The liberals seemed to end up being defined as those who don't agree with Independent Baptist ideals and Biblical interpretation. The second involved a conversation with a friend who used to live on my dorm, which involved him accusing my professor at seminary being "unfit for ministry" because of a Christian liberty he participated in. The last was a conversation in which I was accused of being a "pinhead liberal" who was not worth associating with because I claimed that as much evil has been done in the world in the name of Christianity as in Islam. You have got to love friends.
It is not these encounters that upset me. It is the larger picture I see, and the overwhelming experience I have had especially at Liberty. It seems that many Christians are on the defensive. They are scared, of anything and everything that is not what they believe. This is not just in issues of orthodoxy, such as the nature of Christ, but in political views and incredibly difficult issues. But there is not room for a dialogue. No room for discussion. The door is locked. The problem with always having the door locked is that you never know who you are keeping out, maybe even the truth, or Christ himself. And you do not know who is inside, perhaps the Devil himself.
But we are arrogant as American Christians. The little theology we know is all there is. What has been refreshing at Gordon Conwell is an openness to listen, to be wrong, to perceive the remote possibility that we could possibly be wrong in something. But anyone who is a Democrat, or believes in evolution, is automatically thrown out of the discussion. Not just their view on that subject either, but the entirety of their ideas with them.
The problems with this defensive approach to our beliefs are many. For one, it proves we have little faith in our beliefs. The more you protect something, the less you believe it can stand on its own. Also, it alienates others from the Church. It causes division upon division. It paints the picture that the world sees of narrow-minded Christianity. In a pluralistic world, the voice of Christianity is almost always rejected not because of its claims, but because of the attitudes of its proponents.
Certainly, there is a lot a stake here. For to be open to another's beliefs is difficult. Where do you draw the line? Where is there a break between orthodoxy and heresy, between something that is permissible and something that is destructive and cancerous. I can't say exactly. My appeal is not for a change in my friends views. In the last year, mine have hardly if at all changed. What I am asking for is for someone to listen. For people in the Church to be willing to hear what another person has to say without rehearsing their prepared response in their head, without their pre-scheduled polemics and counter-arguments. The Reformers fought violently (sometimes sinfully so) for their beliefs, but they heard the other man's words. If the Church is to avoid the corruption of its past, it members cannot blindly listen to only their pastors and teachers as authorities and avoid all others. That is how the Church supported the corrupt practices of the papacy without outcry for centuries.
I find it ironic that those in Evangelical Christianity who are so quick to call Mormans and Jehovah's Witnesses ignorant and brainwashed are the same people who would never read a commentary or theologian they knew they would disagree with, who do not question the stances of their Church or denomination. What is to keep them from ending up down a path of deception as well? As for most of us, only the grace of God has kept us on the right path; but we have not done our part whatsoever.
Surely, the Gospel is at stake. But it seems to be at stake either way, for it seems often our minds are close to Jesus but our hearts are far from Him.
I will speak of a few encounters (of course without mentioning names) of which I have been disappointed by the impression either the Church or common American Christian culture has made on some people I care about deeply.
In the first, I sat in on a class of a professor at Liberty I really enjoyed and admired. His Biblical knowledge seemed to be quite impressive and his godly teaching as well. However, as I sat in on the lecture, all I heard was prideful bashing of the "liberals." The liberals seemed to end up being defined as those who don't agree with Independent Baptist ideals and Biblical interpretation. The second involved a conversation with a friend who used to live on my dorm, which involved him accusing my professor at seminary being "unfit for ministry" because of a Christian liberty he participated in. The last was a conversation in which I was accused of being a "pinhead liberal" who was not worth associating with because I claimed that as much evil has been done in the world in the name of Christianity as in Islam. You have got to love friends.
It is not these encounters that upset me. It is the larger picture I see, and the overwhelming experience I have had especially at Liberty. It seems that many Christians are on the defensive. They are scared, of anything and everything that is not what they believe. This is not just in issues of orthodoxy, such as the nature of Christ, but in political views and incredibly difficult issues. But there is not room for a dialogue. No room for discussion. The door is locked. The problem with always having the door locked is that you never know who you are keeping out, maybe even the truth, or Christ himself. And you do not know who is inside, perhaps the Devil himself.
But we are arrogant as American Christians. The little theology we know is all there is. What has been refreshing at Gordon Conwell is an openness to listen, to be wrong, to perceive the remote possibility that we could possibly be wrong in something. But anyone who is a Democrat, or believes in evolution, is automatically thrown out of the discussion. Not just their view on that subject either, but the entirety of their ideas with them.
The problems with this defensive approach to our beliefs are many. For one, it proves we have little faith in our beliefs. The more you protect something, the less you believe it can stand on its own. Also, it alienates others from the Church. It causes division upon division. It paints the picture that the world sees of narrow-minded Christianity. In a pluralistic world, the voice of Christianity is almost always rejected not because of its claims, but because of the attitudes of its proponents.
Certainly, there is a lot a stake here. For to be open to another's beliefs is difficult. Where do you draw the line? Where is there a break between orthodoxy and heresy, between something that is permissible and something that is destructive and cancerous. I can't say exactly. My appeal is not for a change in my friends views. In the last year, mine have hardly if at all changed. What I am asking for is for someone to listen. For people in the Church to be willing to hear what another person has to say without rehearsing their prepared response in their head, without their pre-scheduled polemics and counter-arguments. The Reformers fought violently (sometimes sinfully so) for their beliefs, but they heard the other man's words. If the Church is to avoid the corruption of its past, it members cannot blindly listen to only their pastors and teachers as authorities and avoid all others. That is how the Church supported the corrupt practices of the papacy without outcry for centuries.
I find it ironic that those in Evangelical Christianity who are so quick to call Mormans and Jehovah's Witnesses ignorant and brainwashed are the same people who would never read a commentary or theologian they knew they would disagree with, who do not question the stances of their Church or denomination. What is to keep them from ending up down a path of deception as well? As for most of us, only the grace of God has kept us on the right path; but we have not done our part whatsoever.
Surely, the Gospel is at stake. But it seems to be at stake either way, for it seems often our minds are close to Jesus but our hearts are far from Him.
Friday, March 21, 2008
I'm Alive (I think)
Anyone who reads this, which is no one, will have to forgive me for my lack of posting. Life has been slightly insane to say the least as of late. I had an online course on Ethics that ended last Monday that I did a million hours of work for, and also I have been working a lot more hours than I am supposed to be (stupid boss), but nevertheless protecting people from caffeine deprivation.
I still intend on posting on success (thanks Victoria for responding and Caleb for making me look like a morn - don't be so smart when you respond to me! just kidding). I also wanna try and post this summer some book reviews of some books I have really enjoyed this school year. The list probably will be "Back to Virtue" by Peter Kreeft (evangelical Catholic), Malcolm X by Alex Haley, possibly Innerancy by Sproul (I know I am such a fundamentalist), and some others. Should be fun.
I just finished a whole lot of work, and have some time off so maybe I will post soon. Sucks because I haven't had internet in my apartment for about a month now. Makes this much more difficult to say the least.
I am leading worship at an Easter service on Sunday. That should be interesting. There will be live baptisms going on and being broadcast on the screens while I lead. It will for sure b e different, but I am excited. Hope you all enjoy your Easter weekend, and hopefully not as much but nevertheless, March Madness! Go Hoyas!
I still intend on posting on success (thanks Victoria for responding and Caleb for making me look like a morn - don't be so smart when you respond to me! just kidding). I also wanna try and post this summer some book reviews of some books I have really enjoyed this school year. The list probably will be "Back to Virtue" by Peter Kreeft (evangelical Catholic), Malcolm X by Alex Haley, possibly Innerancy by Sproul (I know I am such a fundamentalist), and some others. Should be fun.
I just finished a whole lot of work, and have some time off so maybe I will post soon. Sucks because I haven't had internet in my apartment for about a month now. Makes this much more difficult to say the least.
I am leading worship at an Easter service on Sunday. That should be interesting. There will be live baptisms going on and being broadcast on the screens while I lead. It will for sure b e different, but I am excited. Hope you all enjoy your Easter weekend, and hopefully not as much but nevertheless, March Madness! Go Hoyas!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Don't Call it a Comeback
Ok, so its been awhile. And by awhile, I mean a long while. I am sorry for such a hiatus.
Life has been interesting. I was home for an extended amount of time...almost 2 months...for break. It was nice being home, but probably not the best time for me spiritual. Had some relationship ups and downs. Highlight of break was spending so much time with Robert and strengthening our friendship.
Now I am back up in Mass for the semester. The new semester is filled with new stresses, namely an unbelievably large work load. I am in four courses, but really five because one ends in a month - which is the main cause of my stress. My reading list is like Mike Tysons wrap sheet. My courses are as follows
Christian Ethics (finishing that one up)
Systematic Theology II
Life and Theology of Karl Barth
Christianity and the Postmodern World
Greek I (something like that I don't know the real title)
Anyways, in terms of the spiritual, things are on a steady upswing from a deep pit. I am getting involved in worship, increasing accountability, etc. It is cool. Getting to know some cool guys up here from the school. Should be a great semester with some discipline.
Went on a road trip down to NC for Greg's wedding...which was a weekend that involved something like almost 30 hours of driving and was draining but good to see everyone for the most part.
That is a brief update. Its two months so give me a break, this isn't a journal Anyways, on to the important thing.
PLEASE IF YOU READ THIS RESPOND
I really would like to know how people define success. If you read this blog, I would appreciate an honest response to this question and hopefully a subsequent post will follow on the subject. I am not trying to make this a trick question. How do you honestly define success, or more specifically, what must happen or occur in your life to make you define it as a success at this current moment. Your response can be more immediate or more long-term. Just let me know.
Until later, peace out.
Life has been interesting. I was home for an extended amount of time...almost 2 months...for break. It was nice being home, but probably not the best time for me spiritual. Had some relationship ups and downs. Highlight of break was spending so much time with Robert and strengthening our friendship.
Now I am back up in Mass for the semester. The new semester is filled with new stresses, namely an unbelievably large work load. I am in four courses, but really five because one ends in a month - which is the main cause of my stress. My reading list is like Mike Tysons wrap sheet. My courses are as follows
Christian Ethics (finishing that one up)
Systematic Theology II
Life and Theology of Karl Barth
Christianity and the Postmodern World
Greek I (something like that I don't know the real title)
Anyways, in terms of the spiritual, things are on a steady upswing from a deep pit. I am getting involved in worship, increasing accountability, etc. It is cool. Getting to know some cool guys up here from the school. Should be a great semester with some discipline.
Went on a road trip down to NC for Greg's wedding...which was a weekend that involved something like almost 30 hours of driving and was draining but good to see everyone for the most part.
That is a brief update. Its two months so give me a break, this isn't a journal Anyways, on to the important thing.
PLEASE IF YOU READ THIS RESPOND
I really would like to know how people define success. If you read this blog, I would appreciate an honest response to this question and hopefully a subsequent post will follow on the subject. I am not trying to make this a trick question. How do you honestly define success, or more specifically, what must happen or occur in your life to make you define it as a success at this current moment. Your response can be more immediate or more long-term. Just let me know.
Until later, peace out.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
I think, therefore I am crazy (Who is winning the game to kill people in Uganda)
I haven't posted in quite some time. In this post, I am just going to jot down some of my recent thoughts in bullet form.
- First, on a serious note, I would like the mourn the death of Sean Taylor. I don't mention the Redskins in this blog much for some reason (though I am obsessed), but the tragic shooting and passing of Sean Taylor came as quite a suprise to everyone. I know, I know, there are tragedies everywhere everyday. Taylor was just freakish though in his physical abilities. The perfect blend of speed and strength, he seemed indestructible. More tragic is that he was just turning around his life over the past year or two, which was before marked by constant trouble (arrests, etc.). He left behind an 18 month year old girl. Maybe one day he could have been in the Hall of Fame. Such a sad thing.
- It is December 1st, which I have decided is like my New Years. Any changes I want to make, I would like to start now, getting some momentum going into next year. I really had a lot of goals for this year, all of which failed miserably. It was not a great year spiritually, or in any other discipline, and I hope to turn that around next year. Here goes!
- The "i" key was broken on my keyboard and I just got it fixed. Lots of words have "i" in it. Having no "i"key is annoying.
- There aren't a lot of Einsteins. In my field, there are not a lot of Barths, or Calvins, or Boenhoffers. My question is, is this because these people were so special, or because almost everyone gives up trying to be something great. I feel like between ages 18-22 I hear a lot ambition on what people want to be. I feel like between 23-80 I see a lot of compromise and giving up. Am I not going to be Karl Barth because I will eventually give up wanting to be something great, or people I actually am not great. People need to learn to take risks. Life is not a cost-benefit analysis, it is a symphony, and nothing is beautiful about being mundane or scared.
- I am realizing (this is not an attack on anyone in particular) the kind of people I want to be around, and the kind of people I don't. I want to be around people who burn (see my facebook for the quote one this). I want to be around passionate people, who enjoy life. Not just the exciting things, but the things we have relegated as mundane and trite. Conversely, I do not want to be around those who are lazy, apathetic, bored or uninterested. I am tired of these people. I am tired of being around people who are dramatic, who cannot see outside themselves. I wanna be around people who have concerns for the world.
- I was going to make a post called "Who is Winning the Game to kill Uganda." I made it a subtitle because I think it attracts interest. I was watching the Republican debates the other day. I hate politics, and generally don't find them interesting (although now I find them becoming progressively more interesting). The format was people asking questions through youtube, some of which proved the stupidity of Americans (one guy dogmatically asked 4 times if he believed every word of the Bible, holing the Bible up to the screen (as if that is essential for office); another asked what they thought about the confederate flag)). First of all, why do we ask stupid questions like that. We are choosing someone to run our country, and impact billions around the world. Infuriatingly ignorant. Anyways, what was interesting and why I am writing about this is that all talk about the debate and analysis sounding similar to the sport talk I hear everyday. It was about who won, who came out looking good, who's argument beat the others. However, I heard no analysis on the actual issues. No one asked if the candidates arguments seemed morally right. There is no analysis on the actual impact these issues have. Instead, Huckabee looked good because he was the most humorous, and others looked bad because of their personal attacks on each other. Also, why do we only care about their views. What about their ability to reason, their intelligence, their bravery. Do you this a possibly terrorist attack on the World Trade center was an area of debate when Bush was running? No. We need to care more about the President's ability to tackle new issues that they will undoubtedly encounter. Instead, we use even the choosing of our President as another form (as if we need more) of entertainment. I can't wait to see who wins the game. In the meantime, as we have our fun, we are making a decision that effects the poor in our country and the poor in Uganda and the persecuted in Iraq. But its all a game, right?
- Sorry, that was kind of a post. I bought a new grinder and a new french press today. Woot. And a journal, which I hope to use so I can voice things I couldn't voice here.
- I am not sleeping tonight or Sunday night in preparation for a final.
- Going home has now not become something I long for. I like it here. I am not at all the same socially here as there, but that can be nice. Much more reflection and personal time.
- Lastly, I am tired of people questioning me moving to Boston. I keep hearing about how I should have stayed at Liberty. It makes sense. I was going to grad school for free, I had tons of friends I could hang out with, it was easier, and I would have been done possibly two years earlier. You know why it doesn't make sense? My post earlier. That involves no risk, no challenging myself, no growth. It is the easy path. I have never once here really asked if I am supposed to be here. I am not saying its wrong for other people to go to LTS or anything, but for me it isn't, and social, financial, and academic comforts were not going to tempt me from what I needed for God's path for me. The comforts of Egypt were a lot more tempting than the desert. I'm just saying.
I was hoping there would be more comments last time. COMMENT!
- First, on a serious note, I would like the mourn the death of Sean Taylor. I don't mention the Redskins in this blog much for some reason (though I am obsessed), but the tragic shooting and passing of Sean Taylor came as quite a suprise to everyone. I know, I know, there are tragedies everywhere everyday. Taylor was just freakish though in his physical abilities. The perfect blend of speed and strength, he seemed indestructible. More tragic is that he was just turning around his life over the past year or two, which was before marked by constant trouble (arrests, etc.). He left behind an 18 month year old girl. Maybe one day he could have been in the Hall of Fame. Such a sad thing.
- It is December 1st, which I have decided is like my New Years. Any changes I want to make, I would like to start now, getting some momentum going into next year. I really had a lot of goals for this year, all of which failed miserably. It was not a great year spiritually, or in any other discipline, and I hope to turn that around next year. Here goes!
- The "i" key was broken on my keyboard and I just got it fixed. Lots of words have "i" in it. Having no "i"key is annoying.
- There aren't a lot of Einsteins. In my field, there are not a lot of Barths, or Calvins, or Boenhoffers. My question is, is this because these people were so special, or because almost everyone gives up trying to be something great. I feel like between ages 18-22 I hear a lot ambition on what people want to be. I feel like between 23-80 I see a lot of compromise and giving up. Am I not going to be Karl Barth because I will eventually give up wanting to be something great, or people I actually am not great. People need to learn to take risks. Life is not a cost-benefit analysis, it is a symphony, and nothing is beautiful about being mundane or scared.
- I am realizing (this is not an attack on anyone in particular) the kind of people I want to be around, and the kind of people I don't. I want to be around people who burn (see my facebook for the quote one this). I want to be around passionate people, who enjoy life. Not just the exciting things, but the things we have relegated as mundane and trite. Conversely, I do not want to be around those who are lazy, apathetic, bored or uninterested. I am tired of these people. I am tired of being around people who are dramatic, who cannot see outside themselves. I wanna be around people who have concerns for the world.
- I was going to make a post called "Who is Winning the Game to kill Uganda." I made it a subtitle because I think it attracts interest. I was watching the Republican debates the other day. I hate politics, and generally don't find them interesting (although now I find them becoming progressively more interesting). The format was people asking questions through youtube, some of which proved the stupidity of Americans (one guy dogmatically asked 4 times if he believed every word of the Bible, holing the Bible up to the screen (as if that is essential for office); another asked what they thought about the confederate flag)). First of all, why do we ask stupid questions like that. We are choosing someone to run our country, and impact billions around the world. Infuriatingly ignorant. Anyways, what was interesting and why I am writing about this is that all talk about the debate and analysis sounding similar to the sport talk I hear everyday. It was about who won, who came out looking good, who's argument beat the others. However, I heard no analysis on the actual issues. No one asked if the candidates arguments seemed morally right. There is no analysis on the actual impact these issues have. Instead, Huckabee looked good because he was the most humorous, and others looked bad because of their personal attacks on each other. Also, why do we only care about their views. What about their ability to reason, their intelligence, their bravery. Do you this a possibly terrorist attack on the World Trade center was an area of debate when Bush was running? No. We need to care more about the President's ability to tackle new issues that they will undoubtedly encounter. Instead, we use even the choosing of our President as another form (as if we need more) of entertainment. I can't wait to see who wins the game. In the meantime, as we have our fun, we are making a decision that effects the poor in our country and the poor in Uganda and the persecuted in Iraq. But its all a game, right?
- Sorry, that was kind of a post. I bought a new grinder and a new french press today. Woot. And a journal, which I hope to use so I can voice things I couldn't voice here.
- I am not sleeping tonight or Sunday night in preparation for a final.
- Going home has now not become something I long for. I like it here. I am not at all the same socially here as there, but that can be nice. Much more reflection and personal time.
- Lastly, I am tired of people questioning me moving to Boston. I keep hearing about how I should have stayed at Liberty. It makes sense. I was going to grad school for free, I had tons of friends I could hang out with, it was easier, and I would have been done possibly two years earlier. You know why it doesn't make sense? My post earlier. That involves no risk, no challenging myself, no growth. It is the easy path. I have never once here really asked if I am supposed to be here. I am not saying its wrong for other people to go to LTS or anything, but for me it isn't, and social, financial, and academic comforts were not going to tempt me from what I needed for God's path for me. The comforts of Egypt were a lot more tempting than the desert. I'm just saying.
I was hoping there would be more comments last time. COMMENT!
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