Born: June 9, 1972
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August 06, 2004 at 07:31 am
Grounding emergence...
Never thought I’d be theologically challenged by David Weinberger:
One of the things I like about Judaism (speaking as a non-observant Jew) is the way an original text grounds it, interpretation frees it to respond to modern and cultural differences, and a tradition of discourse guides how interpretation addresses the original text.Dave’s comment came after reading a recent post by AKMA about the Emergent Church.
Dave brings up a really interesting thought that I don’t really know if I can get my mind around this early in the morning — definitely something I’ll have to think about more today. I know it’s a common thought among emerging church types like me that the modern church has lost touch with the “original text” and “tradition.” I mean, most churches would still say that they observe the bible and teach about tradition, but I don’t know if most of them, if they were to be brutally honest, would admit to adhering to the text or actually keeping the traditions. This is a shame.
A bigger shame is that, even though there are some of us who are beginning to think about the “grounding” that is provided in God’s word and in the practices of the first-century church, a couple of questions still remain…
- At this point in time, is there any way that we can recover our past?
- Even if we were to recover some of our past, are we too conditioned by modernity to utilize it in the way God intended?
- In the natural, human-bound course of our world’s history, does God even desire that we recover anything at all?
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What is Biblical / Church tradition? You need to figure that out first. As far as i’m concerned its the practices of the physical church in and outside of the church building. The liturgy. The body. Even church government. I of course will only express my view of whats traditional but these are the main things that come to mind when forming our own. How do you figure out whats “occaisional” and whats “applicable”? well, its called hermeneutics. take a class cause im not getting into it here. besides, i still need to take the class!
And as far as God’s desires, He always desires that we remain consistent and faithful to Him. Tradition is just our practice. either it is or is not accurate and representative to His church. This much i would bet on: Its whats called the regulative principal. If scripture isn’t specific about it… chances are its better not to do it. always better err on the side of caution. but we cant handle that. we can’t allow God to do His part. We want to provide B – rate entertainment (which ive always been embarassed by and would never bring friends to church back in my “non denominational” days), emotional manipulation and assure others that Christianity is the prescription to comfort and easy living… just say this prayer and walk down the altar. POOF! you’re reborn!
I once had a conversation with a girl here at work about her church and their liturgy.. she was part of the “Dream Team”. It was a small assembly of congregats who would organize some presentation to accompany the service… lighting, music, sound effects, etc. When i asked why can’t you simply preach and allow the Word to do its part. she responded “Cause God’s bigger than that”. Well, gosh I’m sure glad he has you as his PR to really help him overcome that cold reputation.. How laughable is this? She claimed God was so big that He needed the “Dream Team”‘s assistance in convincing others of the same? No wonder I rarely make new Christian friends anymore… they’re all friggin nuts.
sadly we preach 12 step theology, provide high school dramas and feel jokes are ingredient to a good sermon. for F**k’s sake. we want pizza and coke for communion and the commune maybe once every six months (a major pet peave of mine… we do it every week. and contrary to popular preaching it doesnt get lose its “importance” due to over practice… those morons). look at me… now im pissed.. i think i’m gonna go buy some Left Behind series for the fireplace and then heckle during The Passion. I’m out.