Comments on: Christ-centered decision-making

By: Jeff

Jeff — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 04:34:19 +0000

I had almost forgotten how great Elders and Leaders is. I highly recommend it. Jeff's last blog post..2008 Resolutions

By: Jeff

Jeff — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 20:51:34 +0000

Marcus, as usual, good comments... 1. I would also add that most people discount "theology" as unnecessary. With a naive and ignorant attitude like "who needs theology when you're in love with Jesus?" Unfortunately, some of the Galatians had this attitude, and Paul asked them, "Who has bewitched you?" In other words, the Jesus they professed to believe in and proclaim was not the authentic Messiah/Creator, but a jesus of their own making. (Perhaps one that didn't confront, convict, or make life difficult). 2. I think splits also occur (and perhaps mainly occur) as a result of a power-struggle. At their root is a refusal to submit to one another and biblical authority. Power players in the church seek to control and confine the issues to be ones of their own choosing and definition. 3. An EXCELLENT resource on the practical and theological implications of truly loving God and others is Scott McKnight's . I'm about 1/3 of the way through it right now and would welcome a fellow co-reader. We could discuss and convene on it regularly until we figure out life, the universe, and everything?

By: Mark W.

Mark W. — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 01:53:54 +0000

Okay, I’m still emerging from my “jaded” mood, but if we’re really talking turkey here, let’s be honest about your “Food for Thought” questions:

1. Churches don’t convene to discuss theology because: a) most people don’t know any, b) those who do often don’t want to expose their true beliefs, and c) very few are able to disagree agreeably and without getting upset and ruining their relationships. Sad, but true.

2. Churches would rather “split” than resolve things because: a) Christians are often not any better at saying they’re sorry than are non-Christians, b) Many Christians have been brainwashed into avoiding “compromises” as these are seen as a dangerous watering-down of their faith, and c) often what is touted as a “theologically-based” split turns out to be a smokescreen to mask personal differences between individuals in the church who really want each other to leave.

3. I integrate the teachings of Christ into my decision-making by remembering, in all things, Mark 12:30-31. However, based upon comments over at my recent Levinas blog post, there might be theological quandries to sort out concerning the meaning of these verses too. Perhaps this necessitates some “convening?”

What think ye?