OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK…3/20/08
by SteveI am a liberal Christian. Believe me, it takes more than a modicum of courage to say that. Evangelicals and fundamentalists are not only the largest religious group in our country, they are also the most vocal, and are quick to criticize anyone who doesn’t believe exactly as they do. Many look upon doubt as an enemy, see questioning as dangerous, and are suspicious of education. By their sheer numbers, they have convinced a lot of folks that absolute, unquestioning certainty about religious matters is the primary ingredient in strong religious faith.
When I teach Bible study, I have, on a couple of occasions, had someone to get upset. In fact, I’ve had a person or two to question whether I am “really” a Christian at all, and they left the church in search of religious certainty.
But most of the time I get a far different reaction. Most folks will say to me, “I had no idea there were pastors who think like that. Why haven’t we been taught this before? I always knew there had to be more to this than I’ve been taught.” When I explain to them that nothing I teach is original with me, that many pastors, theologians and scholars think the same way, and that the Bible itself contains such “minority reports,” their surprise usually turns to relief. After many years of trying to work out an understanding of the Christian faith that makes sense to them, they’re relieved to find that they’re not alone, and that there is a place in the church for them.
One of the things I love about the United Methodist Church is that we encourage “serious reflection across the theological spectrum” (The Discipline, p. 75). We recognize that theology is not static, but arises out of the ongoing life of the community of faith.
So our church engages regularly in what is mandated by The Discipline, asking of our beliefs: Are they true? Appropriate? Clear? Cogent? Credible? Are they based on love? In our reflections on these questions, we sometimes come to the conclusion that our beliefs are changing, and indeed, must change if the church is to remain relevant to our times.
All United Methodists profess to believe that all Christians are called to theological reflection. At Union Grove UMC, we take that seriously.
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Yes, Steve, thanks to your approach to the studying the Bible-
with discussion and research,
finding relevance and themes,
a focus on the message, not the medium,
you hooked me into the church and made me realize that I am not an atheist, as I used to think. Thanks for getting the word out and being a strong voice in the stronger wind.
Steve,
There are many people out there that have left the church(The church allumni association) or those not comfortable feeling different in their congregation but stay in hopes that one day it will be different. So my question is how do we reach those in need of feeling loved and accepted for their differences? I feel blessed to have a firm foundation placed in my heart(thanks!) but I think somehow there is a ministry that isn’t being met for those others that need unconditional love. What is it?
Hi Tammy…nice to hear from you! I struggle, too, with trying to find ways to reach out to people who would benefit from progressive theology, even though they don’t know it. The way it works around here is that someone here is a friend of someone like that, and they invite them to a church that is “different,” or tell them they ought to read the blog. Both have happened here within the last week, and new families are appearing.
I wish we could afford to advertise! Newspaper, radio…and be very up front about who we are and what we believe. Although this type of person is not the norm in UG, I’m surprised at how many there are, and if they knew about us, I think many would give us a try.
Since we can’t afford advertising, we are relying on word of mouth and this blog to do the job. We aren’t exactly setting the woods on fire, but we’re having some success. If you find something that works, please let me know. Best…sk
Zoe…thanks…that makes my day!
Steve,
I think back to a time when I, too, had questions that were not answered or answered in a “because scripture says so” type of way. I was carrying a troubled and heavy heart – just going through the motions of Christianity – trying my hardest to believe the “right” things, accepting things without question, etc. I also remember the first time you shared one of your sermons with me. No offense, but I don’t remember what it was about, BUT I do remember that you had included something in it that referenced God (imagine that!) I had been struggling for some time with the common picture we have in our minds eye of God and your sermon addressed that very topic. At that time, and by that sermon, a dialogue opened between us. You gave me a “safe place” to ask questions. You were so patient and never looked at me as though I had two heads, nor did you make me feel theologically illiterate. The most precious gift you gave me was not absolute answers to my questions, but answers that made me “think, reflect, meditate, and search for answers that would resonate with my soul.”
Now, I say all of that to say, that I believe the best “advertisment” comes from the congregation! I know there are folks out there, whom we call un-churched, that assume, for whatever reason, a church like UGUMC does not exist! I realize there are those who are un-churched in the sense that they either have never attended church or attended with grandparents when they were young, etc…. but I am willing to bet the woods are full of those who just can’t accept the “you are either with us or against us” type of doctrine spewed across the pulpits; television/radio airways; judgemental family, friends, foes and co-workers. I am fully convinced that word of mouth is the tried and true formula – this wonderful UGUMC congregation needs to get out there and talk about the pastor!!!
Folks, I have said this to Steve before, and I will share it with you as readers….it is through his patience, counsel and suggested reading material, that I have “fallen in love with God.” And what a joyous relationship we are having (Judy, that would be me and God – not me and Steve, hahaha). My troubled and questioning heart now sings joyfully, and for that I am grateful to your pastor.
Easter blessings to you all.