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Tuesday, June 26, 2007

I confess...

Recently, there has been a 'confessions' meme circulating the internet that looks to be really interesting. Though I'm still somewhat unsure as to its broader purpose, it does seem to do a good job clarifying the various influences, speculations, and approaches that impinge upon our Christian thinking (and upon the thinking Christian).

I confess that I believe orthopraxy trumps orthodoxy (right living > right thinking), even though I spend much more time on the latter.

I confess that I really don't understand or practice discipline...[yet].

I confess that most of my theological influences have been from high church, paedobaptist, Real Presence, reformed and Roman Catholic thinkers.

I confess that much of my theology is probably more Wright than right, and possibly more Chestertonian than Chalecedonian.

I confess that I want to be filled with joy and hope much more than my face or my heart normally shows.

I confess that academic rigor often seems more trustworthy than common sense (which is often both uncommon and nonsensical).

I confess that I probably read more blogs and electronic essays than I do real books.

I confess that, in my view, denominations tend to be tendentious. For the most part, they seem to distract us from God's purposes in the world so we can focus our energies on clarifying the differences between us and them. It has turned many well-meaning, thoughtful Christians into heresy-hunters who care more about being right than spreading the gospel.

I confess that I make up most of my arguments on the spot...and then promptly forget them.

I confess that I know virtually nothing of anabaptist thought.

I confess that I'm fed more from Bible studies, random discussions, and radio programs than from going to church on the Lord's day.

I confess that my attempts to defend, empower, and extol church fellowship are more of an effort to convince myself than to convince others.

I confess that most of my deeply rooted friendships (aside from family relationships) are not rooted in the church.

I confess that, in my life, the workings of the Spirit are shrouded mysteries, and I tend to mistrust those who think the Spirit is simple and clear.

I confess that I don't know if pacifism is a proper part of the Christian life.

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing those things..

    "I confess that I don't know if pacifism" is a proper part of the Christian life.

    That just brought a thought to mind. While Jesus' statements about non-resistence are on the personal/individual level, pacifists usually emphasize a collective or state level sort of pacifism and demphasize it on a personal level.

    But the interesting thing is that pacifism is way easier to apply on a state/collective level than on an individual level.

    Perhaps that is why one can see people who would suffer all sort of indignity before they would go to war, but yet the very same people would find no problem with fighting and splitting over the most minor issues or figurative chewing another's head off in a meeting (and these are brothers in Christ, not enemies in combat). Sort of like what Galatians says about devouring one another?

    "I confess that I'm fed more from Bible studies, random discussions, and radio programs than from going to church on the Lord's day."

    I must confess that I felt the same way for much of my Christian life. However, thankfully this has changed. I can't attribute it to myself. But being in an environment where the Lord's supper is served every week and where the Bible is preached consistently and heartily has really made a world of a difference. I honestly can't wait for the Lord's day to come every week, even when I'm feeling down and not so charged up.

    That said.. I must emphasize that Bible studies, discussions, etc. are critical. Going to church on the Lord's day is not enough.

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  2. Thanks for the comments, Mark. Though you're right that the idea of communal pacifism is more of a politically acceptable position today, I've often found the individual pacifism much easier to swallow. After all, letting myself get hurt is one thing, but letting someone else get hurt is something altogether different.

    It is exciting, though, that you've found a passion for the Lord's day. But you're definitely right to mention the importance of his meal. It's a powerful part of worship that we can often forget. It also protects us from the over-intellectualizing that can consume our Christian growth.

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