Churning

There’s something that has been bothering me for a while now, but I hadn’t been able to find the words for it.

Guess I finally did.

What are your names for those who don’t see God and the Bible like you do?

Liberal?

Conservative?

Legalistic?

Heretical?

False Teachers?

Un-biblical?

Deceived?

Deceivers?

Have you ever stopped to think that someone out there would probably use those same words to describe you and your theology and praxis?

Unless we reside on the cliff’s edge at the far end of a theological perspective, there’s someone who thinks that YOU & I are liberal, or legalistic, or teaching false doctrine or some other synonym for “they clearly don’t get it”.

Feels kind of crappy, doesn’t it?

We do realize that there are multiple opinions on and interpretations of many things in the Bible, right? That each of us disagrees with other people who have studied the Scriptures, love God and serve Him as much or more than we do, right? That one of us- and it may well be us- is probably wrong?

So why do Jesus’ followers (among whom I count myself) tend to act like their views are clearly correct and everyone else must be a little less enlightened?

If God was grading your theology, do you honestly think your paper would come back without any red ink?

Don’t we remember that our own understanding of God and the Bible has changed over the years? And if it hasn’t, are we engaging them with open, humble, curious hearts?

I’m not saying we all have to have the same opinions or shouldn’t share our views.

But couldn’t we do it with a bit more love, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control? (Unless I’ve totally misread it, those ARE fruits of God’s Spirit in us, right?)

Can’t we humbly express our current understanding, if we so feel led, without the name calling that makes us feel (falsely) superior to those we may currently disagree with?

May it be so Lord. And please start with me.

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11 comments

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March 25, 2011 at 8:25 am

Mary

Yes please. And I’m thinking if I submitted a paper to God, he’d chuckle and calmly put it in the trash…and probably give me a different way to spend my time.

March 25, 2011 at 8:26 am

jafred

And probably a hug and loving pat on the head too Mary.

March 25, 2011 at 9:36 am

Jeanne

I agree completely. I think that I see this most from people who are motivated by fear – fear that they’ve spent too long pursuing a lifeless spiritual walk, that they might be asked for too much if they open themselves to what is real, or that they might find out that what they are labeling as love or compassion is actually weakness. We all want to feel good about our choices and maintain our dignity. We’re all infused with a desire for meaning and acceptance. Denying that to others while we’re doggedly pursuing it is blind.

March 25, 2011 at 9:56 am

As always- well said Jeanne.

davepatchin

When we let our spiritual life become too centered around our theology or praxis, it can become what gives us “life.” We lose those spiritual fruits, and we feel compelled to defend our theology and praxis to the death, because it is where we derive our life. I’ve been there and it’s ugly. Great insight Fred.

March 25, 2011 at 9:57 am

Love the way you said that Dave. I’m supposed to love Jesus, not my views about Jesus.

March 25, 2011 at 10:18 am

Amanda

As a divinity school student, I think this is a constant struggle for me. I generally tend to shy away from giving myself a label, but I tend to label other people in my mind, which seems a little strange & judgmental now that I think about it.

The more I wrestle with what I believe and who God is to me, the more I feel afraid to talk about it in some circles. I feel like I walk this fine line with people sometimes… I have friends in seminary and friends who want nothing to do with the church. So, the spectrum is wide and my beliefs often “too undefined” and frustrating to people who only want things to be a certain way. I have generally found that my friends who are not Christians are more accepting than some of my Christian friends, who often make me feel a little alienated from the body of Christ. It makes my heart ache to admit that.

One thing I’ve realized recently is that the biggest source of my application of labels is pain. If I meet someone who leans more towards beliefs that have caused deep hurt for me or people I love, I have difficulty accepting their opinion. I’m learning to engage people in a healthy conversation rather than retreat, although it is often much easier to just shut down when those topics come up.

I hope that I will grow in compassion, humility, and grace as I grow in knowledge. That’s my prayer.

March 25, 2011 at 10:20 am

Amen AC.

March 25, 2011 at 11:13 am

Richard