I’d like to claim these words myself but the podcast can be found here. Its by a guy called Tom Lyberg from wiredJesus.com. In the past I have mentioned a bit of my frustration with the limiting nature of Christendom to allow the deeper journey of question, rather it is an ‘answer community’ reinforced by a book culture that designed to package truths with no ‘space’ for questions. Jesus is the answer….end of story. The podcast is an excellent articulation of the modern condition in this respect, see what you think…it around 10 mins (I think) in length.
And for those who don’t want to listen here's a brief run down…
1. The modern idea of certainty is that I must be certain of everything. If I’m certain I’m in control. If I’m certain of my faith, my faith will be strong, then I can do great things and bring others to that same certainty of faith in Jesus.
2. The underpinnings of a certain faith are believing the bible as the innerant word of God. If I ask questions, I have given in to doubt and which weakens my faith and offcourse weak faith means wondering from JC and the church which will lead to Hell.
3. Examples such as the churches dramatic response to issues like the Da Vinci Code shows a perceived need to potect from heresy, which will cause doubt in JC etc etc.
4. Pastors keep your flock certain of there faith, keep your doctrine pure and they will make it into heaven.
5. Strong leaders have all the answers, have control over all the questions and that will keep people focussed in their certain belief in JC.
6. Mainline churches cannot connect with postmoderns as they cannot tolerate question or doubt.
7. Moderns are wired for answers, while postmoderns are wired for questions.
8. Slowly postmoderns are discovering the JC who screamed a question at God from the cross and identifying with disciples that ran from the first sign of trouble.
Which gets me back to my simple journey of question. Its refreshing being able to ask and journey, separate church and God, and seek revelation and not only teaching. It makes sense then that the church service has at its core a sermon and teaching. And it makes sense when Christians ask what church I go to and find I don't and then enquire as to what I do for teaching. Its a default question. We can be so conditioned so as not to step back for a moment and just ...think.
Any thoughts?
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
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5 comments:
There are fewer ways to get me annoyed than to talk to me about "getting fed, solid bilblical teaching, preaching the gospel" or other inane, immmature comments I hear from Christians.
There is an addiction to teaching in the church, yet the same addiction does not attach itself to learning or growing. So many Christians are plugged into the breast milk of "biblical teaching" yet aren't doing anything to grow themselves.
I find it really selfish and immature and I wish there was some way we could stop the epidemic.
Thanks for providing a space for me to rant. I know I need to learn some more patience but I fid it so frustrating.
Good comments Garth, keep questioning.
Thanks Gareth...its good to have you back. The addiction to teaching seems to be an end in itself rather than a means to growth. I used to watch the coveyer belt of programs trundle past. It was just accepted that you went from one to the next because that's what Christians do.
I was also addicted to this learning. It made me feel important and 'mature'. I would love teaching a small group.It was stimulating.
And I realised that I had 'lost the plot' when I was reading up just so that I could give to others....and behold one finds an identity for ones self and the possiblitiy for any transformation is lost.
if you play tag games, you're it
see my blog for the questions
I just voted on your poll about music in church. I have to confess that I have only a 'contemporary service' but I'm looking at ways to emerge...
This thing is: when I speak to people who are 'outsiders' to Church, they have some expectations of what Church will be like. If they turn up and Church isn't like church (their impression) anymore (Dorothy says: "we're not in Church anymore Toto"). It freaks them out and they run away. Music has a place in the expectations of people who do not attend church regularly.
But I think, making our meeting together seem/feel/look like church, while still providing opportunities to question - is important. At least to some.
Although perhaps I am justifying aspects of my service that suit me - rather than emerging to a new way of being 'church'.
But we definitely encourage questioning - even during sermons! But that's maybe a Liberal thang too...
Thanks for that Peter. You are right about expectations and indeed 'identifications'. And so there is a mighty place for 'more of the same'ie; typical structured church services. Emergence is simply addressing the needs of a diverse and pluralist society, so i don't advocate that the emergent way is the only or 'better' way. I love singing worship songs and hope they form a part of whatever meetings I am to be involved in!
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