Stay open, stay tender.
+++
"Don’t ask questions... just receive in faith.
Don’t listen to Rob Bell or Micheal Gungor... ‘those people’.
Don’t listen to Rob Bell or Micheal Gungor... ‘those people’.
The Emerging Church is absolutely heretical.
Mysticism is wrong."
Really? Are we certain? (Who is we, anyway... isn't we an inclusive word? Aren't we the Church?)
Can we really be certain about anything?
Why do we fear these questions?
So... a blog of questions about questions.
So... a blog of questions about questions.
I’ve been fed a particular church tradition all my life. I bet you can guess it. At it’s worst, White privilege and conservative power structures can disguise as Good News... for the rich (Americans). As a result, systems and programs are (subtly and therefore, deceivingly) kept in place to create distance and avoid real, transformative relationships with the alien, orphan, widow... and secular? (What about politics?) Can we really make such distinctions? What does it mean to be set apart? Or to engage those around “us”?
Is the Gospel that we are saved from an angry God and Hell into our eternal destiny... or is there life before death? Could we experience Heaven on Earth now? What about grace and forgiveness? Does mercy triumph over justice? Did Jesus die for all sins past, present, and future? Or is this only for the elect? Do we choose him or does he choose us?
Do we really know everything about the Bible or this ancient Eastern world it alludes to? Wasn't the Bible written by real humans interacting with God revealed in their human experience? Where do humans end and God begin? What is literal or poetic or satirical? How does God reveal himself to this particular context? How does he set himself apart in a world ravaged by Empire, sacrificial systems, and angry gods? How does he reveal himself today? Is our interpretation of the Bible without error? ... is the Bible without error... or is that the wrong question, entirely? Have we read this collection of books poorly... searching poems for scientific evidence... or using satire to justify horrific acts like slavery? Do we exalt our theology or do we exalt Christ?
Let me ask that again, cause I think it's revolutionary...
Do we exalt our theology or do we exalt Christ?
Where does our allegiance lie?
(Read that again... lie can take on a new meaning... interesting, right?)
Where does our allegiance lie?
(Read that again... lie can take on a new meaning... interesting, right?)
Are we too quick to call someone a "wolf in sheep's clothing" because they challenge our tradition? Could it be that “those people” are seeking Truth and meaning, with all of their being...? Could it be that Holy and divine beauty is all around us, waiting to be searched out by the hungry... and disillusioned? Is God up to new movements today? Did Jesus really mean that we would see and do greater things? Have you seen them, beloved?
//
These are just a snapshots of the questions rattling my brain. I used to fear them, but now they are like treasures propelling me into greater depths as God becomes more real to me (and good and incredibly patient).
Beloved, this life is a great exploration of love, grace, truth, beauty, and hope. It’s messy and heart wrenching. Some joys, some laments are too great for words. We can’t tie it up in a pretty little bow. Don’t sell yourself short. Take courage. Lay down offense. Listen. Surround yourself with people who prick your ears and make you wildly uncomfortable. Everyone is your teacher.
God is Love and He is for you.
Keep going.
Breathe.
Beloved, you are not faithless for embarking on this new journey. Your questions are welcome here.
