As you know, we have the privilege of joining in the Xenos Summer Institute later in July. Noel and I (Jesse) will be joining with Dennis McCallum in a breakout session to discuss the differences between emergent and traditional church views. Dennis has already emailed three topics that will be discussed, and an idea was suggested amongst the cohort that we discuss these topics on the blog before the session.
The goal for Noel and I is not necessarily to share our personal opinion (although I'm sure that will naturally come out), but also to represent the cohort as a whole. Therefore, in the next few weeks, I'll post each of the topics (verbatim from Dennis) and invite everyone to share your thoughts in the comments. Some of these are "repeats" from previous conversations, so feel free to either re-post some of your thoughts, or generate new ideas.
Topic #1: View of truth: What are the areas of agreement and areas of difference between typical emergent thinkers and evangelical thinkers on the nature and role of truth?
Christian Identity and the Hegemony of Mammon
2 years ago
Posts
2 comments:
Hey everyone. Because of the nature of blogs - that if something is three posts old nobody looks at it, and the importance of this topic I have added a sidebar item that will link straight to these posts. Whenever there is a new one I will add it to the link list so the posts won't get lost. Enjoy.
What an incredible opportunity to challenge ourselves with these questions. I will certainly pray for wisdom and guidance as Jesse and Noel prepare for the Summer Institute.
While we consider the questions raised and the best words to answer, this question reminded me of something one of the Pharisees would have asked Jesus. The problem with these discussions is the same one Jesus faced with the Pharisees. They believed their truth was better.
From Mark 3,
And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? To save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
Jesus often answered their questions with another question or parable.
Perhaps our questions would be these:
When was the last time you experienced radical transformation because of knowing Jesus Christ?
When was the last time you acknowledged your need for repentance?
When was the last time you lost a night’s sleep because you were trying to find a way to help alleviate someone’s suffering?
I don’t want to in any way give the impression that these discussions are not meaningful, important and necessary, but at some point I hope we can unite together to live out the Kingdom of God to experience Jesus’ love and truths as we best understand them and then give God’s presence and love to all in every way possible?
In the meantime, we can take every opportunity to answer these questions with wisdom and heart.
Post a Comment