Awhile ago I tweeted a link to an article that I thought was insightful and discerning. I didn’t agree with everything the author said. I didn’t disagree with everything. But it really made me think.
The article raised some questions about the theology of another writer and speaker who is tremendously gifted and has brought some loving correction to the church, but she is also edgy and unorthodox. I thought it was helpful, so I passed it along.
Immediately after I put up the link to this article I got a response from one person who was relieved that I was “for” orthodoxy, and another person who was mad that I was “against” this author! In addition I was “followed” by a group called something like “stampouthomophobia” (which had nothing to do with the article)! I just thought the article had some interesting points to consider as we all try to lead examined lives!
As John Ortberg says, we are consumed with a boundary marker Christianity – who’s in and who’s out.
Here’s what I’ve been thinking about…We are all so sensitive about appearing to endorse sin, and afraid of affirming someone who’s theology isn’t EXACTLY spot on (in our eyes) that we miss the opportunity to build bridges where we can.
Theology does not lend itself well to 140 characters. The mystery and nuance of God can’t be summed up in a sound byte, or in a 500 word article.
We were made for relationship, for theology fleshed out. What if instead of an overhead slam, our goal was to keep the tennis ball in play – to rally back and forth with respect and affirmation?
Our public discourse would be immediately improved if we didn’t assume everyone with a different political view to us was morally inferior. Sam Allbery
If we believe all truth is God’s truth (and I do), why am I afraid of affirming it in someone who is different than me?
What would happen if we majored on what we agree on rather than on what divides us?
What would happen if we affirm truth wherever we see it, even when it comes out of the mouth of a Muslim, or a transvestite or a communist?!
This isn’t something to take lightly. In Matthew 10:16 Jesus warns us “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
We are also cautioned to “test the spirits to see if they are from God.” (1 John 4:1)
But when we look at Jesus we see that He isn’t blind to the sin in the life of others, but also affirms their courage. In Luke 7, a woman who has lived a sinful life comes to the home where Jesus is having dinner and pours perfume on Jesus’ feet. When others criticize her, Jesus says,
“Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown.”
Those “inside the boundary markers”, with all the right words weren’t endorsed, but the otherwise “outside the boundary markers” woman was affirmed for the one thing she did that was true and right.
My wise, 86 year old aunt sent me a quote from her church the other day:
“He who realizes his sinfulness, who knows through personal experience the weakness of human nature, its inclination towards evil, that person will be quick to forgive his neighbor, pardon his neighbors offenses and will refrain from arrogant condemnation of the sins of others”
What I feel like Jesus is impressing on me is the challenge to draw people in instead of finding ways to say they’re out. What do you think?
Bravo!
Well said.
Thanks Liz and Paul. Glad we’re in this together!
WOW! This is a powerful Blog. So many great points with supporting scripture:
– If we believe all truth is God’s truth (and I do), why am I afraid of affirming it in someone who is different than me?
– What would happen if we majored on what we agree on rather than on what divides us?
I think these points are critical age old issues that Christian struggle with. I also think even the point of majoring on what we agree with, can become viewed as ‘Tolerance’ and then that will get criticized. Unfortunately, the US political situation has made everyone uber sensitive. I would like to believe that some of this will settle down. In the meantime, we need to take the high ground (even that term can be viewed negatively) in our responses to people – focus on the commonality as you point out. I think we should stay focused on actions of love and concern for others and not get bogged down with individual words.
Thanks Karen, I so agree about the fine line between love & respect and endorsement (some would say “tolerance”) of sin. Hard stuff!
I love this and think it is what I need right now. Trying to build bridges.
Argh! Easier for me to write than to do! Caught myself making an unnecessary snarky comment last night 🙁
When we are secure in our identity in Christ, we can indeed appreciate the common ground on which we stand despite our various persuasions. It’s a journey for me personally, not a destination as I learn to love in the true meaning of the word.
It IS a journey isn’t it! And for me a constant challenge to be living out of my identity in Christ!
Well said, Laura! ❤️
Thanks Kari!