Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
An Interesting Night
Last night Becky and I went with friends to hear a speaker who had a big influence on me during my university years. We really enjoyed the music and the atmosphere of the night, but a few of the things that were said bothered us both.
There was just too much church bashing. Too many accusations. Too many cheap shots. Too much made of the distinction between the mainstream church and the speaker's version of the gospel. We are all part of the church. The failings of one group is the failing of the whole. It is too easy to abandon our brothers and sisters when they make mistakes, distancing ourselves from them as if we are in some way superior. I much prefer McLaren's approach, where traditions are accepted for their strengths and not vilified for their weaknesses. Where humility about our own approach is central to partaking in the great mission of God.
There was just too much church bashing. Too many accusations. Too many cheap shots. Too much made of the distinction between the mainstream church and the speaker's version of the gospel. We are all part of the church. The failings of one group is the failing of the whole. It is too easy to abandon our brothers and sisters when they make mistakes, distancing ourselves from them as if we are in some way superior. I much prefer McLaren's approach, where traditions are accepted for their strengths and not vilified for their weaknesses. Where humility about our own approach is central to partaking in the great mission of God.
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