Musings on science, the Bible, and fantastic literature (and sometimes basketball and other stuff).
God speaks to us through the Bible and the findings of science, and we should listen to both types of revelation.
The title is from Psalm 84:11.
The Wikipedia is usually a pretty good reference. I mostly use the World English Bible (WEB), because is public domain. I am grateful.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
What is a church, and what should members do?
A must readpost (not by me) on the nature of the church, and the role of the Christian. For more on these matters, see here.
This is classic Emergent. I feel a great deal of caution needs to be used when discussing these issues. While I personally empathize with these people's frustrations regarding the modern church, I'm not sure they're heading in the right direction.
A lot of their reactions stem from a personal dissatisfaction, a sense of the church not meeting "my" needs. Unfortunately, the focus is on the self.
I don't know much about Emergent thinking. You are right about the prayer, for sure. A lot of it seemed to be about doing Christ's bidding, not "my" needs. Perhaps I misread.
The whole Emerging/Emergent issue is quite confusing. The crux of the movement, from what I can glean from my limited reading, seems to be a deep dissatisfaction with modern churches, including the megas and the mainline denominations. But instead of working within the church to effect change, many are electing to leave and form "home churches" or other combinations of like-minded individuals.
There is a distinct psychotherapeutic, new-age feel to much of the movement which raises red flags in my mind. I don't feel that Christianity needs another Reformation at this time.
But, as in all things, I bow to our God's will.
If you do any further reading in this area, I would value reading your thoughts.
Sometimes when I read all these postings about the church, I think of Tony Campolo's book about people who disagree with his positions--"Partly Right," I think it was called. Some more than others. I also think the blogger had good points to make.
This is classic Emergent. I feel a great deal of caution needs to be used when discussing these issues. While I personally empathize with these people's frustrations regarding the modern church, I'm not sure they're heading in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteA lot of their reactions stem from a personal dissatisfaction, a sense of the church not meeting "my" needs. Unfortunately, the focus is on the self.
Much prayer is needed here.
I don't know much about Emergent thinking. You are right about the prayer, for sure. A lot of it seemed to be about doing Christ's bidding, not "my" needs. Perhaps I misread.
ReplyDeleteThe whole Emerging/Emergent issue is quite confusing. The crux of the movement, from what I can glean from my limited reading, seems to be a deep dissatisfaction with modern churches, including the megas and the mainline denominations. But instead of working within the church to effect change, many are electing to leave and form "home churches" or other combinations of like-minded individuals.
ReplyDeleteThere is a distinct psychotherapeutic, new-age feel to much of the movement which raises red flags in my mind. I don't feel that Christianity needs another Reformation at this time.
But, as in all things, I bow to our God's will.
If you do any further reading in this area, I would value reading your thoughts.
God Bless.
Sometimes when I read all these postings about the church, I think of Tony Campolo's book about people who disagree with his positions--"Partly Right," I think it was called. Some more than others.
ReplyDeleteI also think the blogger had good points to make.
Thanks, Julana. I'm part of the church, or I hope I am, and I need to make her as Christ-like, or Christ's bride-like, as possible.
ReplyDelete