I've heard it said, and I've said it myself..."If you could be happier doing something else, then do something else." I believe in this saying with all my heart, and I believe it has been the sovereign tool of the Lord to guide me to where I am today. However, I also understand that the application of this truth is also something to consider.
In short, I am a mil chaplain because God wants me to be one at this point in time. Yes, I think the job is cool and meaningful, but it does not consume me with a sense of 'eternality.' It is what I must do now; but, I know I won't do it forever (and how could I since the mil eventually kicks everyone out at some point).
When I left NYC, I believed God was calling me to mil chaplaincy, but I also knew that my heart was full of other vocational passions...including ones that were not full-time ministry oriented. I pursued the possibility of some while also pursuing the chaplaincy, but, in the end, I knew that the chaplaincy was our 'next step.' There was a passion, a clear equipping in my personality, giftings and relationships, and I knew I would not be truly happy doing anything else at that moment. But, again, it was not the only passion in my heart. I still loved church planting; specifically, the simply community of faith. No, I didn't love the admin, the movement's expectations of what a church should be, do or say, or the bandwagon that church planting had become (which is not always a good thing, BTW), but I truly loved the intimate relationships that only come when you plant a church from scratch. I loved it then and I love it still to this day...
I think I'm in exile just like the Israelites in Babylon. Hopefully, I am not here because of my sin but, rather, like Jeremiah and Daniel (and perhaps Ezra & Nehemiah depending on when they were born), I am where I am now because the American church needs to go through a sifting of sorts and I need to be outside the church reaching, learning and planting in a present and expectant sort of way.
First, in light of recent events, I simply couldn't be a pastor of a local church. I would be lynched, alone, or have my ordination stripped. Not because I would be in sin, but simply because I cannot simply adapt, placate or ignore the craziness that is taking place in modern Christianity or Western society. Everyone has lost their mind because everything has radically changed. FINALLY, the Christian church is realizing that it truly is the minority in present age. The majority do not share their common beliefs or convictions, including the notion of a singular God. This has caused some churches to double-down and become so 'fundamental' that they have lost even more common ground with society, or back-off their traditional practices and beliefs and become so much like the world in thinking and practice that one wonders if they are still even a 'church' in the Christian sense.
But, it is not just the church that is going crazy with recent cultural changes. For a very long time, society has been drifting towards a more liberal, progressive, re-interpretative existence. There are times when this drift speeds up, slows down, and sometime even appears to be in retreat, but it has never really gone away...and I fear it won't ever. But, in the last 10-15 years, the brakes have come off the movement and it has enjoyed rapid progression, acceptance and implementation. Perhaps this change has happened too fast, because there now seems to be a complete loss of reason and appreciation for past and present. It is now "change for the sake of change" and no one can truly live in this kind of environment, devoid of significant meaning and reason (currently, I assess all reason being only 1-level deep (superficial, emotional)). For all the things social media sucks at, it is a great way to gauge the rationale of the current society, and right now it is telling us that we are lost and without an identity. For some, this might be a great time to plant a church, but I certainly do not thing it a great time for the majority to plant.
You may now be thinking or crying out: HOW CAN I POSSIBLY SUGGEST THIS HERESY? Well, as I look over the 5k year history of God's involvement in the Biblical characters lives, I see times where He is planting, nurturing, trimming, uprooting, and even 'absent' from explicit evangelism and church ministry. It is not what He ever withdrawals His Spirit or leaves the earth without a witness or presence, please do not misunderstand. But, it is clear that there are seasons (dispensations, for some of you) where He "pulls back" and let's the world shift and reframe. There are great gaps in the timeline of Genesis, the hundreds of years between the OT and NT, and even within the Church Age (ever heard of the Dark Ages...there was more than academic illiteracy taking place during this time). And isn't because of these periods of silence/absence/passivity that we, therefore, recognize and proclaim revivals, awakenings and illumination? Of course, so please do not think of me as a complete heretic.
I believe, for these and other reasons, that we are in a period where church growth and planting is not ideal. It is NOT that God is not still desiring for all to be saved, or that He cannot overcome the particulars of the present age. It is simply that the ark has not yet settled on Mount Ararat; the church has not yet learned its new identity and language in Babylon; and/or that those who are/will be saved are not yet sure what they are/will be saved from (sin is a great term and principle, but it needs a context).
Again, I am not saying that God is absent, that those who are planting and serving in a church context are without hope or legitimacy, or that we are should hold out for the 'ideal time' to evangelize and minister. Nothing could be further from the truth! I am only saying that the current age is dark, shifting, undefined, difficult and without an existential meaning, which makes it more difficult than in recent ages. And, please also remember that I began this post with reasons why I believe that God has not yet released me to that singular and powerful passion that I still carry to pastor. But, more on this more personal note later...
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Static Spirituality and the Cross
What are we to make of the Cross?
As has already been noted, the cross is only mentioned 13 times in the Epistles (Pauline or otherwise); yet, you would think it is main idea of every paragraph in the Christian text according to church tradition, worship songs, sermon pleas, imagery, etc. Ask anyone (Christian or otherwise) for a symbol or teaching on Christianity, and I'm pretty sure they are going to cite/reference the cross. But is this right, good, and/or proper? What's going on here? The simple answer is that Christian theology has been hijacked by bad theology going all the way back to the Patristics (early church Fathers) and no one has really attempted to right the course (IMO).
In the early days of the Church (from the NT to the time of Constantine (300s)), its followers needed a means of identification. They couldn't cite Jewish imagery since the majority of Jews were very hostile to the Christian teachings and followers. They couldn't cite any of their former religious ways or teachings, because they had no common ground or relevance. They needed a distinguishing mark from their new faith story, and they found a perfect symbol in the image of the cross. Why? Because, for many, this was the sole understanding of their faith. Look at the Gospel of Mark, long believed to be the first NT book written. Mark's story doesn't mention Christmas, it just jumps right in to Jesus being baptized and appointing disciples. The story then moves quickly to a central event: the crucifixion, and then just about ends. Why? Because the point being conveyed is that Jesus came to die and pronounce the Kingdom via His cross. Boom. But, there is further evidence for why the church choose to make much of the cross.
Acts and the Epistles: Jesus is always referenced via His cross. Yes, there are a few passages that speak to His incarnation...and occasionally, His teachings...but, Jesus is always tied (proverbially) to His cross. Why? Again, because it was through His cross that man receives forgiveness and acceptance into the Kingdom of God. No cross, no salvation. No cross, no acceptance from God or His blessings. Seems to me that choosing the cross as the image of the faith makes a lot of good sense (and, additionally, the cross was a grotesque symbol in those days and the Church didn't have to worry about anyone else hijacking their chosen branding). But, such an understanding did not remain the understanding of the church for very long... Here is where the bad theology comes into play.
As the church gets older and goes farther out into the world, away from it's Jewish roots, less and less people begin identifying with its teachings. They think their versions of faith and worship of god(s) is OK by them, and they are not looking for a replacement since they any need of a replacement. Additionally, those who were Christians, now 2nd-, 3rd-, or even 4th-generation Believers, are established in their faith and practice and some have even begun to loose some of their zeal. (Can you imagine??) In short, the Church found itself in a bit of a plateau and struggling for relevancy. What to do about such things? Compromise and adopt synergistic (blended) approach to the faith? Heck no! Christianity just became a nationally accepted religion under Constantine and now the Church is freely unifying within the Empire. The Church went bold and attempted to guilt-trip everyone into the faith. Rather than see participation in the Christian faith as a means of participating in the Kingdom of God, and, thus, elevating the privilege of man, Church leaders decided to de-emphasize man by highlighting his sinful, unworthiness. In this instance, the cross becomes not only man's hope, but purpose. Instead of seeing the cross as a means of salvation, the cross becomes salvation. But, "What's wrong with that?," you may ask. Everything.
Bad Theology
Man is a wretched mess because of sin. Apart from God, man sins freely and damns himself to the consequences of death, pain, isolation, and the like. Yes, man sucks because of sin. However, if you take sin out of the equation, man is quite the elevated being (Psalms 8 and Hebrews 2). Bad theology crept in when the Church began making too much of man's sin, and not enough about God's desire to place His glory in and through mankind.
I know that some think that by emphasizing the crappiness of man and his sin, they promote in contrast the glory of God and His forgiveness. I understand this, and agree to a certain extent. However, if we spend all our time talking about man, then the emphasis is still on man...and merely saving man! This leads to people running to the cross to be forgiven, but not much else. Believe it or not, the message of the Bible is NOT the salvation of man, but the GLORY of GOD.
Good Theology
God does not save us so that we can merely be 'forgiven.' Genesis to Revelation informs us that man is created to DO the will of God. In other words: our purpose is to bring forth His glory, which in the collective form is His Kingdom. The cross makes this possible, but it is the means, not the end. We are saved to DO the good works He prepared in advance (of our Fall and His cross) to do (Ephesians 2:8-10)!
It is time that we stop singing and preaching about the Cross as the sole purpose of our faith. Rather, may we return to the Biblical message and declare with WORDs and DEEDs that our purpose is enjoying the Kingdom of God here and now because of the cross. We who believe are now free from death, isolation and damnation. We have been restored and adopted as heirs with Christ. We have been raised to His life and given His Spirit so that we may live as He lived (Romans 6 and 8), enjoying and proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
When we adopt bad theology and see the means of God (cross or otherwise) as the end, we are left with a very static spirituality. There is nothing left for us to do but idolize rote traditions and acts. BUT, if we see the living, expressive, and communal God as our aim, and pursue Him through His appoints means, then we are free to worship Him in new, dynamic and creative ways that are never dull, 1-dimensional, or static. Like a friend to a friend; a bride to her groom; or, a son to his father, when living persons walk in relationship and seek the personhood, not the acts of another, there is love and there is power. This is our calling. This is our message. And, this must be our identity, regardless of what image we use to declare it.
As has already been noted, the cross is only mentioned 13 times in the Epistles (Pauline or otherwise); yet, you would think it is main idea of every paragraph in the Christian text according to church tradition, worship songs, sermon pleas, imagery, etc. Ask anyone (Christian or otherwise) for a symbol or teaching on Christianity, and I'm pretty sure they are going to cite/reference the cross. But is this right, good, and/or proper? What's going on here? The simple answer is that Christian theology has been hijacked by bad theology going all the way back to the Patristics (early church Fathers) and no one has really attempted to right the course (IMO).
In the early days of the Church (from the NT to the time of Constantine (300s)), its followers needed a means of identification. They couldn't cite Jewish imagery since the majority of Jews were very hostile to the Christian teachings and followers. They couldn't cite any of their former religious ways or teachings, because they had no common ground or relevance. They needed a distinguishing mark from their new faith story, and they found a perfect symbol in the image of the cross. Why? Because, for many, this was the sole understanding of their faith. Look at the Gospel of Mark, long believed to be the first NT book written. Mark's story doesn't mention Christmas, it just jumps right in to Jesus being baptized and appointing disciples. The story then moves quickly to a central event: the crucifixion, and then just about ends. Why? Because the point being conveyed is that Jesus came to die and pronounce the Kingdom via His cross. Boom. But, there is further evidence for why the church choose to make much of the cross.
Acts and the Epistles: Jesus is always referenced via His cross. Yes, there are a few passages that speak to His incarnation...and occasionally, His teachings...but, Jesus is always tied (proverbially) to His cross. Why? Again, because it was through His cross that man receives forgiveness and acceptance into the Kingdom of God. No cross, no salvation. No cross, no acceptance from God or His blessings. Seems to me that choosing the cross as the image of the faith makes a lot of good sense (and, additionally, the cross was a grotesque symbol in those days and the Church didn't have to worry about anyone else hijacking their chosen branding). But, such an understanding did not remain the understanding of the church for very long... Here is where the bad theology comes into play.
As the church gets older and goes farther out into the world, away from it's Jewish roots, less and less people begin identifying with its teachings. They think their versions of faith and worship of god(s) is OK by them, and they are not looking for a replacement since they any need of a replacement. Additionally, those who were Christians, now 2nd-, 3rd-, or even 4th-generation Believers, are established in their faith and practice and some have even begun to loose some of their zeal. (Can you imagine??) In short, the Church found itself in a bit of a plateau and struggling for relevancy. What to do about such things? Compromise and adopt synergistic (blended) approach to the faith? Heck no! Christianity just became a nationally accepted religion under Constantine and now the Church is freely unifying within the Empire. The Church went bold and attempted to guilt-trip everyone into the faith. Rather than see participation in the Christian faith as a means of participating in the Kingdom of God, and, thus, elevating the privilege of man, Church leaders decided to de-emphasize man by highlighting his sinful, unworthiness. In this instance, the cross becomes not only man's hope, but purpose. Instead of seeing the cross as a means of salvation, the cross becomes salvation. But, "What's wrong with that?," you may ask. Everything.
Bad Theology
Man is a wretched mess because of sin. Apart from God, man sins freely and damns himself to the consequences of death, pain, isolation, and the like. Yes, man sucks because of sin. However, if you take sin out of the equation, man is quite the elevated being (Psalms 8 and Hebrews 2). Bad theology crept in when the Church began making too much of man's sin, and not enough about God's desire to place His glory in and through mankind.
I know that some think that by emphasizing the crappiness of man and his sin, they promote in contrast the glory of God and His forgiveness. I understand this, and agree to a certain extent. However, if we spend all our time talking about man, then the emphasis is still on man...and merely saving man! This leads to people running to the cross to be forgiven, but not much else. Believe it or not, the message of the Bible is NOT the salvation of man, but the GLORY of GOD.
Good Theology
God does not save us so that we can merely be 'forgiven.' Genesis to Revelation informs us that man is created to DO the will of God. In other words: our purpose is to bring forth His glory, which in the collective form is His Kingdom. The cross makes this possible, but it is the means, not the end. We are saved to DO the good works He prepared in advance (of our Fall and His cross) to do (Ephesians 2:8-10)!
It is time that we stop singing and preaching about the Cross as the sole purpose of our faith. Rather, may we return to the Biblical message and declare with WORDs and DEEDs that our purpose is enjoying the Kingdom of God here and now because of the cross. We who believe are now free from death, isolation and damnation. We have been restored and adopted as heirs with Christ. We have been raised to His life and given His Spirit so that we may live as He lived (Romans 6 and 8), enjoying and proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
When we adopt bad theology and see the means of God (cross or otherwise) as the end, we are left with a very static spirituality. There is nothing left for us to do but idolize rote traditions and acts. BUT, if we see the living, expressive, and communal God as our aim, and pursue Him through His appoints means, then we are free to worship Him in new, dynamic and creative ways that are never dull, 1-dimensional, or static. Like a friend to a friend; a bride to her groom; or, a son to his father, when living persons walk in relationship and seek the personhood, not the acts of another, there is love and there is power. This is our calling. This is our message. And, this must be our identity, regardless of what image we use to declare it.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Devotional Books...and Static Spirituality
I was recently invited a Men's Devotional, but I didn't know it was a devotional. I thought I was going to hang out with a bunch of guys and do a particular activity. But, after everyone arrived, and before anything began, the leader of the group called out for the reading of a devotional. Immediately, several in the group started shouting, "Our Daily Bread," "My Utmost for His Highest," and several other well known daily devotionals, and then they began loading the day's content on their phones. A minute later, one guy just started reading off his phone...and then the next guy...and then the next guy. Big huge words and ideas were thrown around and the Apostle Paul was reference more than any other biblical character. No matter what the starting/prompting text was in any of these devotionals, the concluding idea was the same: awe of the Cross. When the readings finally concluded, the leader of the group said a prayer and we went about with the scheduled and expected activity. I was left confused and wondering, "What the heck was that?"
I have a really hard time watching well meaning people, with a great deal of awe, respect and love for the Christian faith and Scriptures, settle for such rote practices and worship. It was literally as if they were all about checking the proverbial box. Again, I am not supposing that each person there did not consider the words and message being conveyed to them, but where was the engagement? Where was the tie in to daily details of these men's lives? Did anyone have a question? Did anyone feel challenged, or want to challenge the ideas being presented? I know I did. And what about "the Cross (a word that appears only 13 times in the Epistles)?" How are we understanding the salvation of God, today?
Here is what I don't understand: Reverence without Engagement. How is this even possible; and, why is it so widely practiced...particularly among the Evangelicals who so often accuse all other expressions of being 'empty?'
I think that there are a lot of reasons for this, and for why the "cross" has turned into what it is today, but for now, I just want to focus on Static Spirituality. Why have we become so 1-dimensional? And, again, I'm not just talking about the 'religious' crowd. You know, the ones who have a 'traditional' faith and do not use electric guitars and light shows for worship. Sadly, the light show crowd may be the most 1-dimensional of us all.
Here is the deal: no matter how hard we try, we really are lazy creatures. We do just enough to plateau, "arrive," whatever, and then we rest on our laurels. We see people do it in sports, in their careers, and even in their spirituality. They are so passionate, dedicated, sacrificing, etc. when they first begin, but then they arrive at a place where they 'know' they are secure and it's cruise-control from here on out. Knowing these men that I was with on this most recent occasion, and from what I have observed in my own life and pastorate, I know this all to be true. Well intentioned and sincere, but the 'engagement' (again, not the passion) has receded, because it is no longer necessary. They know they are 'saved,' they know the Bible narrative, and they know their faith's baseline. Ugh!
This is why communal engagement is so vitally important! Community challenges us because it forces interaction with others: their behaviors, thoughts, opinions, and experiences. Community not only provides us an opportunity to be affirmed, but to simultaneously have our forms and beliefs considered against another's. But you say, "Aren't these men engaging in community? Are not the Sunday worship services 'communal?'" They are, but only in the sense that their is a community present. There is no ENGAGEMENT. Come in, sit down, show up, listen and leave. The only interaction I ever see is personal worship and listening without questioning or response. That is NOT community, that's a 'drive thru.'
One of the best parts of being a pastor is having people talk to you after the service. Sure, it sucks when a person only wants to tell you that all your points were crap or that they didn't like the songs, but in almost every occasion there was an opportunity for me to learn, grow and affirm my faith and duties as a Christian. (Let's not forget that to be a Christian means to be a contributing member of the Church.) I love engaging with others, especially when the subject is my faith and relationship with the "Lover of my soul." And, man, if you can't handle that...then how 'saved' are you?
Again, I am quite sure there are many reasons for a static (1-dimensional) spirituality, but from my vantage point, the #1 reason is certainly individualism. Do not hide your life, beliefs and practices under a bushel. Do not hide them under the guise of church, small groups, or 'dynamic' worship. If you are not engaging with others, and if your faith is not permeating every aspect of your being then you are truly 1-dimensional, and at odds with the very Text you claim to adore:
Hebrews 10:23-25..
I have a really hard time watching well meaning people, with a great deal of awe, respect and love for the Christian faith and Scriptures, settle for such rote practices and worship. It was literally as if they were all about checking the proverbial box. Again, I am not supposing that each person there did not consider the words and message being conveyed to them, but where was the engagement? Where was the tie in to daily details of these men's lives? Did anyone have a question? Did anyone feel challenged, or want to challenge the ideas being presented? I know I did. And what about "the Cross (a word that appears only 13 times in the Epistles)?" How are we understanding the salvation of God, today?
Here is what I don't understand: Reverence without Engagement. How is this even possible; and, why is it so widely practiced...particularly among the Evangelicals who so often accuse all other expressions of being 'empty?'
I think that there are a lot of reasons for this, and for why the "cross" has turned into what it is today, but for now, I just want to focus on Static Spirituality. Why have we become so 1-dimensional? And, again, I'm not just talking about the 'religious' crowd. You know, the ones who have a 'traditional' faith and do not use electric guitars and light shows for worship. Sadly, the light show crowd may be the most 1-dimensional of us all.
Here is the deal: no matter how hard we try, we really are lazy creatures. We do just enough to plateau, "arrive," whatever, and then we rest on our laurels. We see people do it in sports, in their careers, and even in their spirituality. They are so passionate, dedicated, sacrificing, etc. when they first begin, but then they arrive at a place where they 'know' they are secure and it's cruise-control from here on out. Knowing these men that I was with on this most recent occasion, and from what I have observed in my own life and pastorate, I know this all to be true. Well intentioned and sincere, but the 'engagement' (again, not the passion) has receded, because it is no longer necessary. They know they are 'saved,' they know the Bible narrative, and they know their faith's baseline. Ugh!
This is why communal engagement is so vitally important! Community challenges us because it forces interaction with others: their behaviors, thoughts, opinions, and experiences. Community not only provides us an opportunity to be affirmed, but to simultaneously have our forms and beliefs considered against another's. But you say, "Aren't these men engaging in community? Are not the Sunday worship services 'communal?'" They are, but only in the sense that their is a community present. There is no ENGAGEMENT. Come in, sit down, show up, listen and leave. The only interaction I ever see is personal worship and listening without questioning or response. That is NOT community, that's a 'drive thru.'
One of the best parts of being a pastor is having people talk to you after the service. Sure, it sucks when a person only wants to tell you that all your points were crap or that they didn't like the songs, but in almost every occasion there was an opportunity for me to learn, grow and affirm my faith and duties as a Christian. (Let's not forget that to be a Christian means to be a contributing member of the Church.) I love engaging with others, especially when the subject is my faith and relationship with the "Lover of my soul." And, man, if you can't handle that...then how 'saved' are you?
Again, I am quite sure there are many reasons for a static (1-dimensional) spirituality, but from my vantage point, the #1 reason is certainly individualism. Do not hide your life, beliefs and practices under a bushel. Do not hide them under the guise of church, small groups, or 'dynamic' worship. If you are not engaging with others, and if your faith is not permeating every aspect of your being then you are truly 1-dimensional, and at odds with the very Text you claim to adore:
Hebrews 10:23-25..
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Friday, December 9, 2016
Spirit Matters: Worship and The Other(s)
Our spirit needs to engage with His Spirit. He needs to break through our theology, our limitations and emotions, and permeate the deepness of our being. If He doesn't, then do we really belong to Him? Is He really our Lord and Savior? If He hasn't saved all of us, have we experienced His presence in any of us? Deep, but true.
I love being a part of the Evangelical church, and, specifically, the Pentecostal community. As I have already stated in a previous post, there is something about this particular expression of Christianity that innately understands and attempts to encourage spirit-worship. We intentionally create atmospheres of intimacy with God, speak of God in very personal and individual analogies and teachings, and we praise and highlight 'heroes of the faith' who have notably connected with the Spirit in a very deep and existential way. (Just go to your local Christian bookstore and note all the Christian books. They are about individuals with passionate, all encompassing engagements with God.) It's all good, but only to a point....
I can't seem to worship at my local church. The worship team is great. The atmosphere is relevant and engaging. The song selections are good, and where I find it lacking they always make up for it in their creative use of 'space.' But, ultimately, I'm just stuck standing there and maybe singing to myself. Why is this? Is it because I have a bad attitude? Perhaps (and this is what my wife thinks). Is it because no matter how hard I try, I still find myself in every church service thinking..."this is what I would do..." Again, perhaps. But, even when I eventually get over myself and look to engage, I find myself with no one to engage with.
"Engage with God" you might say. But is that really the only point? A vertical relationship between He and I. If that's the case, then why even go to church? I can just slam on a Praise and Worship CD and do that in my own time...which I already do. But "nothing beats live worship." Really. Again, that's what really saying/expressing? Why do we go to church and sing in corporate worship?
The answer should be (I believe) because we are One, and we affirm our faith and experience as One. And this is why I struggle in my local church, because I don't feel at one with the congregation. The church is a great church, but it's just like every other church in the USA. It's a group of individuals getting together for an hour a week to listen to someone preach to them and affirm their presuppositions. It is almost entirely vertically arranged: music - He and I, sermon - He and I, church - He and I. I get it, because this is how the church has been doing church since the Enlightenment, but that doesn't make it right or adequate...especially since most of the other elements of Christianity that existed in the past are no longer present today.
Today, we are a more individualistic and 'cut off' from community than at any other point in history. Few families eat a meal together, and the ones that do are joined with TVs and iPhones. Schools are babysitters, not places where local families gather for the education of their children. Kids are dropped off and that's that. America's favorite pastime currently is Facebook and YouTube...individual efforts in a psuedo-community. I could go on, but I bet you get my point. The present church is an individual experience, and so is its worship, which isn't good enough no matter how good our theology.
I long to worship God in both the vertical and the horizontal...during the sermon, after the weekly meeting, and, especially, in corporate worship. I want to affirm my faith and understanding with those who are physically able, and present, to accommodate, aid, correct and enhance my understanding and experience with God. Does this mean that I want to go 'old school' and do away with choruses, intimate lighting, and 'free expression.' Not at all. I don't think that ANYTHING needs to GO AWAY from what is currently being offered. Instead, I am merely suggesting that we ADD to our worship a horizontal dimension. We need to engage with the Christ and Spirit who is in US (plural, collective). And this requires a complete rewrite of how we understand and do church in America.
If we really want a living Christian church that is more than a building or social construct, then we need to embrace the presence and ministry of God in both the vertical and horizontal relationships. Yes, the church will be more social, but not socialist. Yes, the church will experience more of the miraculous, but more will come through the tangible. Yes, church services may become more frequent, but they will also become more meaningful and essential. And Yes, worship will become more dynamic and Spirit-ual, as both the fullness of the person's being and community are engaged in the influence of the Spirit.
I love being a part of the Evangelical church, and, specifically, the Pentecostal community. As I have already stated in a previous post, there is something about this particular expression of Christianity that innately understands and attempts to encourage spirit-worship. We intentionally create atmospheres of intimacy with God, speak of God in very personal and individual analogies and teachings, and we praise and highlight 'heroes of the faith' who have notably connected with the Spirit in a very deep and existential way. (Just go to your local Christian bookstore and note all the Christian books. They are about individuals with passionate, all encompassing engagements with God.) It's all good, but only to a point....
I can't seem to worship at my local church. The worship team is great. The atmosphere is relevant and engaging. The song selections are good, and where I find it lacking they always make up for it in their creative use of 'space.' But, ultimately, I'm just stuck standing there and maybe singing to myself. Why is this? Is it because I have a bad attitude? Perhaps (and this is what my wife thinks). Is it because no matter how hard I try, I still find myself in every church service thinking..."this is what I would do..." Again, perhaps. But, even when I eventually get over myself and look to engage, I find myself with no one to engage with.
"Engage with God" you might say. But is that really the only point? A vertical relationship between He and I. If that's the case, then why even go to church? I can just slam on a Praise and Worship CD and do that in my own time...which I already do. But "nothing beats live worship." Really. Again, that's what really saying/expressing? Why do we go to church and sing in corporate worship?
The answer should be (I believe) because we are One, and we affirm our faith and experience as One. And this is why I struggle in my local church, because I don't feel at one with the congregation. The church is a great church, but it's just like every other church in the USA. It's a group of individuals getting together for an hour a week to listen to someone preach to them and affirm their presuppositions. It is almost entirely vertically arranged: music - He and I, sermon - He and I, church - He and I. I get it, because this is how the church has been doing church since the Enlightenment, but that doesn't make it right or adequate...especially since most of the other elements of Christianity that existed in the past are no longer present today.
Today, we are a more individualistic and 'cut off' from community than at any other point in history. Few families eat a meal together, and the ones that do are joined with TVs and iPhones. Schools are babysitters, not places where local families gather for the education of their children. Kids are dropped off and that's that. America's favorite pastime currently is Facebook and YouTube...individual efforts in a psuedo-community. I could go on, but I bet you get my point. The present church is an individual experience, and so is its worship, which isn't good enough no matter how good our theology.
I long to worship God in both the vertical and the horizontal...during the sermon, after the weekly meeting, and, especially, in corporate worship. I want to affirm my faith and understanding with those who are physically able, and present, to accommodate, aid, correct and enhance my understanding and experience with God. Does this mean that I want to go 'old school' and do away with choruses, intimate lighting, and 'free expression.' Not at all. I don't think that ANYTHING needs to GO AWAY from what is currently being offered. Instead, I am merely suggesting that we ADD to our worship a horizontal dimension. We need to engage with the Christ and Spirit who is in US (plural, collective). And this requires a complete rewrite of how we understand and do church in America.
If we really want a living Christian church that is more than a building or social construct, then we need to embrace the presence and ministry of God in both the vertical and horizontal relationships. Yes, the church will be more social, but not socialist. Yes, the church will experience more of the miraculous, but more will come through the tangible. Yes, church services may become more frequent, but they will also become more meaningful and essential. And Yes, worship will become more dynamic and Spirit-ual, as both the fullness of the person's being and community are engaged in the influence of the Spirit.
Friday, November 25, 2016
Spirit Matters: Loving Worship, but having a hard time doing it
This is not going to be an 'excuse' post. I promise.
So, if you know me, then you know that I can be a little emotionally-driven, as well as intellectually critical. It's a rare gift, but it suits me just fine. I love to look at the things of this world with a healthy cynicism and then deconstruct and reconstruct in an effort to get the most meaningful, purposeful, and 'pure' experience. And I take this approach to just about everything, which is perhaps why I am so deeply into the things of God and the 'spirit,' since this approach demands an existential ("Must go deeper!") understanding and interaction.
Now, on to the matter at hand, and the thing that occupies much of my thoughts lately: worship. As a Christian, I greatly appreciate the church's fundamental incorporation of a given time to worship God through music in every gathering. I've been to other religions' corporate worship experiences, and despite being meaningful, I always found the lack of music and explicit 1-1 "free" interaction with God to be a fundamental 'mistake.' Religions have always had a musical element, because it not only helped tell (and remember the story/beliefs), but it also allowed an emotional element to come forward within the faith and the individual. And, Christianity has always excelled in this area...even more so then our Jewish/Catholic forefathers (past and present)...and maybe it's because of our doctrine on the 'Spirit.'
Orthodox Christianity affirms not only the presence of the Holy Spirit, but also the spirit/soul of man. We confess that man is not merely flesh and bones, but something more. Now, some say we are a dichotomy of flesh and spirit, while others argue that we are "three:" body, mind and spirit, and, still, others go all "Jesus" and say that persons are body, mind, soul and spirit. Whatever. The point is that we are more than matter...gray or otherwise. We have a spirit (soul, whatever) and it operates both with, and independent, of the flesh. While the Jewish scriptures affirm this notion and the practice of 'spirit worship' (see the Psalms), the idea and practice really took off with the aid of Greek philosophy and the Jesus story (and the two need each other).
According to the NT account, Jesus was a man empowered by, and interacting with, God's Spirit from within His spirit. And, because of such, His experience with God can/should become our experience. He said as much (especially in John), as do the other NT writers. Paul really nails this idea in Romans 8, where he tells us that our spirits have not only been set free from sin to be empowered by the Spirit to do good works, but also that this interaction with the Spirit will also allow our spirit to cry out 'Abba Father' in worship and submission to God. Hence, Christianity is not be understood as fundamentally philosophical or law-driven, but willful/soulful submission/adoration of God in all things and expressions. That's a big deal!...and, because of such, we (the Church) have excelled in 'spirit' worship, and have gotten even better with time and dispensations both inside and outside the church(the Reformation, the Enlightenment/Modernism, the Great Awakening, the Holiness Movement, and...even the Charismatic Renewal/Postmodernism).
Almost all churches today invoke the use of technology and contemporary music in an effort to not appeal to culture, but also the doctrine of the Spirit. It's good, right, and proper, and, yes, some do it better than others. But, this is not my problem. The church I attend with my family has a dynamic and genuine worship team that produces quality sound, a meaningful 'set' each week that conveys our Christian beliefs, and even allows opportunity for 'free' worship (you know, when the musicians just play a few riffs over and over to allow you the opportunity to talk to God on your own). It's legit and its of high quality without being a freakin' production. But, I still can't worship...and there's a reason, I fear, that is beyond the surface elements...
So, if you know me, then you know that I can be a little emotionally-driven, as well as intellectually critical. It's a rare gift, but it suits me just fine. I love to look at the things of this world with a healthy cynicism and then deconstruct and reconstruct in an effort to get the most meaningful, purposeful, and 'pure' experience. And I take this approach to just about everything, which is perhaps why I am so deeply into the things of God and the 'spirit,' since this approach demands an existential ("Must go deeper!") understanding and interaction.
Now, on to the matter at hand, and the thing that occupies much of my thoughts lately: worship. As a Christian, I greatly appreciate the church's fundamental incorporation of a given time to worship God through music in every gathering. I've been to other religions' corporate worship experiences, and despite being meaningful, I always found the lack of music and explicit 1-1 "free" interaction with God to be a fundamental 'mistake.' Religions have always had a musical element, because it not only helped tell (and remember the story/beliefs), but it also allowed an emotional element to come forward within the faith and the individual. And, Christianity has always excelled in this area...even more so then our Jewish/Catholic forefathers (past and present)...and maybe it's because of our doctrine on the 'Spirit.'
Orthodox Christianity affirms not only the presence of the Holy Spirit, but also the spirit/soul of man. We confess that man is not merely flesh and bones, but something more. Now, some say we are a dichotomy of flesh and spirit, while others argue that we are "three:" body, mind and spirit, and, still, others go all "Jesus" and say that persons are body, mind, soul and spirit. Whatever. The point is that we are more than matter...gray or otherwise. We have a spirit (soul, whatever) and it operates both with, and independent, of the flesh. While the Jewish scriptures affirm this notion and the practice of 'spirit worship' (see the Psalms), the idea and practice really took off with the aid of Greek philosophy and the Jesus story (and the two need each other).
According to the NT account, Jesus was a man empowered by, and interacting with, God's Spirit from within His spirit. And, because of such, His experience with God can/should become our experience. He said as much (especially in John), as do the other NT writers. Paul really nails this idea in Romans 8, where he tells us that our spirits have not only been set free from sin to be empowered by the Spirit to do good works, but also that this interaction with the Spirit will also allow our spirit to cry out 'Abba Father' in worship and submission to God. Hence, Christianity is not be understood as fundamentally philosophical or law-driven, but willful/soulful submission/adoration of God in all things and expressions. That's a big deal!...and, because of such, we (the Church) have excelled in 'spirit' worship, and have gotten even better with time and dispensations both inside and outside the church(the Reformation, the Enlightenment/Modernism, the Great Awakening, the Holiness Movement, and...even the Charismatic Renewal/Postmodernism).
Almost all churches today invoke the use of technology and contemporary music in an effort to not appeal to culture, but also the doctrine of the Spirit. It's good, right, and proper, and, yes, some do it better than others. But, this is not my problem. The church I attend with my family has a dynamic and genuine worship team that produces quality sound, a meaningful 'set' each week that conveys our Christian beliefs, and even allows opportunity for 'free' worship (you know, when the musicians just play a few riffs over and over to allow you the opportunity to talk to God on your own). It's legit and its of high quality without being a freakin' production. But, I still can't worship...and there's a reason, I fear, that is beyond the surface elements...
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Immanent and Immediate God...in Context
Following up from the last post, we need to clear up what exactly we are suggesting when we affirm that God is both immanent and immediate. In other words, if God is with me in every situation, then why doesn't every situation immediately change, experience an encounter, or improve through His uninterrupted/non-mediated means? (Good question, by the way!) What I would like to suggest is that God is with us, but His method and intentions are often misunderstood or completely ignored.
God is Communal
First, we need to understand that God is communal. This means that the God of the universe is not only sovereign and perfect (without need or weakness), but He exists in community with His creation (everything other than Him, which includes angels and the like). God doesn't need to be with us or anything else, but He does want to be with us. Perhaps (no, definitely), this is why God is said to be revealed through LOVE (I John 4:8). Love requires (cannot exist) without an object to love and a source that gives love. The trinity affirms this notion, and so does the Bible narrative of God and His interaction with creation. From the beginning (Genesis), God shows up without invitation or prompting to interact with His creation. Pretty cool, and pretty encouraging...for us.
So, not only can we rightfully affirm that God is, in fact, with us, but also that His doing so is not only a result of His will, but also His love for us. BUT, then why doesn't He perfectly fix every problem immediately, if at all? Crappy (lazy) theologians have suggested this is because God doesn't want to fix every problem, but wants us to know pain/suffering so we might learn from it...or at least know His perfect goodness. That's dumb. I don't allow my kids to play with fire so they can know the pain of a burn. That's abuse. God is not an abuser. If we look a little more comprehensively at the Bible, instead of simply looking at an isolated verse or passage, we will find the answer is quite clear.
We are Communal
Almost every scientist agrees that human beings are social creatures. Physically, emotionally, and psychologically, we need the interaction of another human being. (I know there are a few people who live and think otherwise, but the very fact that they tell people they don't need people is evidence that that they need other people in their life.) As a Christian, we can also easily affirm this truth because our Bible tells us that human beings are all created in the 'image of God.' This means that we share some of God's qualities...which, includes the capacity to love and be loved, want and need community.
Since Genesis 2, man has been seeking out a community and object/source of his love. This takes place in marriage, family, nationhood and, ultimately, in and through the church. But what about God? Exactly. You see, Biblically speaking, all of the examples and means of man's loving community (marriage, family, nationhood and church) are derived from God. He gave Adam, Eve; Abraham, Isaac; Jacob, the Nation of Israel; and, the world, the Church. These are all God's gifts to us so that we might know love, satisfy our need for love, and, in no small feat, live an immediately improved life. But, there is an even better truth...
God exists in Community
God not only gives us community, He exists within the chosen community. God declares that He is present in the community, and this is to be understood both literally and representatively. When the tabernacle was present before the nation of Israel, God was with them. When the ark occupied the Temple, God was with them. When Jesus walked the earth and ministered to the people, God was with them. Where the church is present today, God is with us. This is consistent, this is content, this is truth. God is immanently with us in all of our situations and, therefore, He is immediately available to meet our needs, directly and through the community.
I believe that God not only dwells with us, but that He also wants to aid us in every situation. He may not deliver us from every situation, but He does want to aid and comfort us. Yes, we should expect help, and immediate help, when we pray. God may directly intervene, but from the Scriptures and church history, His primary means of presence and aid is His representative 'body,' the Church. That means that you and I, as Believers and representatives, need to make ourselves available as the literal 'hands, feet, expression' of God's power, aid and presence to those in need. People may be looking 'up' for their solution, but, according to the context of Scripture, you and I should be looking to our left and right.
God is Communal
First, we need to understand that God is communal. This means that the God of the universe is not only sovereign and perfect (without need or weakness), but He exists in community with His creation (everything other than Him, which includes angels and the like). God doesn't need to be with us or anything else, but He does want to be with us. Perhaps (no, definitely), this is why God is said to be revealed through LOVE (I John 4:8). Love requires (cannot exist) without an object to love and a source that gives love. The trinity affirms this notion, and so does the Bible narrative of God and His interaction with creation. From the beginning (Genesis), God shows up without invitation or prompting to interact with His creation. Pretty cool, and pretty encouraging...for us.
So, not only can we rightfully affirm that God is, in fact, with us, but also that His doing so is not only a result of His will, but also His love for us. BUT, then why doesn't He perfectly fix every problem immediately, if at all? Crappy (lazy) theologians have suggested this is because God doesn't want to fix every problem, but wants us to know pain/suffering so we might learn from it...or at least know His perfect goodness. That's dumb. I don't allow my kids to play with fire so they can know the pain of a burn. That's abuse. God is not an abuser. If we look a little more comprehensively at the Bible, instead of simply looking at an isolated verse or passage, we will find the answer is quite clear.
We are Communal
Almost every scientist agrees that human beings are social creatures. Physically, emotionally, and psychologically, we need the interaction of another human being. (I know there are a few people who live and think otherwise, but the very fact that they tell people they don't need people is evidence that that they need other people in their life.) As a Christian, we can also easily affirm this truth because our Bible tells us that human beings are all created in the 'image of God.' This means that we share some of God's qualities...which, includes the capacity to love and be loved, want and need community.
Since Genesis 2, man has been seeking out a community and object/source of his love. This takes place in marriage, family, nationhood and, ultimately, in and through the church. But what about God? Exactly. You see, Biblically speaking, all of the examples and means of man's loving community (marriage, family, nationhood and church) are derived from God. He gave Adam, Eve; Abraham, Isaac; Jacob, the Nation of Israel; and, the world, the Church. These are all God's gifts to us so that we might know love, satisfy our need for love, and, in no small feat, live an immediately improved life. But, there is an even better truth...
God exists in Community
God not only gives us community, He exists within the chosen community. God declares that He is present in the community, and this is to be understood both literally and representatively. When the tabernacle was present before the nation of Israel, God was with them. When the ark occupied the Temple, God was with them. When Jesus walked the earth and ministered to the people, God was with them. Where the church is present today, God is with us. This is consistent, this is content, this is truth. God is immanently with us in all of our situations and, therefore, He is immediately available to meet our needs, directly and through the community.
I believe that God not only dwells with us, but that He also wants to aid us in every situation. He may not deliver us from every situation, but He does want to aid and comfort us. Yes, we should expect help, and immediate help, when we pray. God may directly intervene, but from the Scriptures and church history, His primary means of presence and aid is His representative 'body,' the Church. That means that you and I, as Believers and representatives, need to make ourselves available as the literal 'hands, feet, expression' of God's power, aid and presence to those in need. People may be looking 'up' for their solution, but, according to the context of Scripture, you and I should be looking to our left and right.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
The Immanent or Immediate God
I've been thinking a lot lately about the term, 'immanent.' It is one of our hallmark beliefs and hope as Christians. We affirm a sovereign being who created everything, and is above and outside of everything. We are not pantheists (meaning that God IS in everything); nor, are we deists (a God who is absent from His creation), either. We equally affirm a Creator and Sovereign who is present and involved in our world and His creation. But, what exactly should be we expect in terms of His immanence (presence)?
For the past century, the Evangelical camp has taken a uniform position, if not a hyper-position. In short, Christians have come to believe that the immanent God is right here in the room and is involved in every detail of his/her personal life, thought, and emotion. So far, so good; but, we've applied this belief to mean that God is ready to make an immediate difference in every aspect, thought, and emotion, directly. If we pray for it, and because God is immanently present, then He should, therefore, be willing and able to change everything in an instant. Or so, at least, our present thinking goes. There is Biblical ground for this belief (miracles), but does the text and our experience actually affirm this position and expectancy? Maybe, maybe not.
Maybe we've gone too far in understanding and interpreting God's immanence and, perhaps, we've confused it with the idea of God as 'immediate?'
Biblically-Speaking
Often, the best passage for God's immanence is Psalm 139, particularly verses 7-12. As a whole the Psalmist affirms that no matter where he goes, God and His Spirit are already there...with him, preemptively, and with complete foreknowledge. But, that is the point: God is with Him via His concern, care and interest, not that He will change the psalmist's conditions or immediately respond to them with an intervention. God is immanent (with him), and that is the miracle and hope.
But, what about the miracles passages and stories within the Old and New Testament? Don't they suggest an immanent God who responds immediately? Does not the Bible command us to pray with a sense of expectancy (Matthew 7:7-8)? Absolutely it does, but it is also telling us a lot more than this.
In a follow-up Post, I will suggest that what God has promised to do in His immanence, He may do in the immediate, but, He will certainly do in His appointed context. (Just a 'head's up,' I PROMISE this explanation will not be Christian voodoo or 'mystery.' In fact, the answer will be so obvious that it is precisely why we so often miss it.)
For the past century, the Evangelical camp has taken a uniform position, if not a hyper-position. In short, Christians have come to believe that the immanent God is right here in the room and is involved in every detail of his/her personal life, thought, and emotion. So far, so good; but, we've applied this belief to mean that God is ready to make an immediate difference in every aspect, thought, and emotion, directly. If we pray for it, and because God is immanently present, then He should, therefore, be willing and able to change everything in an instant. Or so, at least, our present thinking goes. There is Biblical ground for this belief (miracles), but does the text and our experience actually affirm this position and expectancy? Maybe, maybe not.
Maybe we've gone too far in understanding and interpreting God's immanence and, perhaps, we've confused it with the idea of God as 'immediate?'
Biblically-Speaking
Often, the best passage for God's immanence is Psalm 139, particularly verses 7-12. As a whole the Psalmist affirms that no matter where he goes, God and His Spirit are already there...with him, preemptively, and with complete foreknowledge. But, that is the point: God is with Him via His concern, care and interest, not that He will change the psalmist's conditions or immediately respond to them with an intervention. God is immanent (with him), and that is the miracle and hope.
But, what about the miracles passages and stories within the Old and New Testament? Don't they suggest an immanent God who responds immediately? Does not the Bible command us to pray with a sense of expectancy (Matthew 7:7-8)? Absolutely it does, but it is also telling us a lot more than this.
In a follow-up Post, I will suggest that what God has promised to do in His immanence, He may do in the immediate, but, He will certainly do in His appointed context. (Just a 'head's up,' I PROMISE this explanation will not be Christian voodoo or 'mystery.' In fact, the answer will be so obvious that it is precisely why we so often miss it.)
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