Monday, May 23, 2005
The Church Makes Business Week's Front Page
The church has become big business, or at least socially respectable? Check out this blog posting from Chris Erdman: http://odyssey.blogs.com/odyssey/2005/05/the_church_make.html
Is Renewal Enough?
(I've been on vacation for awhile, and unable to post. It's good to be back).
Throughout Christian history there have been reform and renewal movements that have attempted to restore faith and practice as intended by Jesus. Currently, the "emerging church" movement is one excellent example. Here's a posting by one of its most prominent spokespersons, Brian McLaren, in relation to the question: "Is Renewal Enough?" It's relevant to our discussion of Jesus and the End of Religion, because we are forced to ask how radical we have to be to see the way of Jesus express itself. The question asked to McLaren and his response contribute to the discussion.
http://www.anewkindofchristian.com/archives/000346.html
Throughout Christian history there have been reform and renewal movements that have attempted to restore faith and practice as intended by Jesus. Currently, the "emerging church" movement is one excellent example. Here's a posting by one of its most prominent spokespersons, Brian McLaren, in relation to the question: "Is Renewal Enough?" It's relevant to our discussion of Jesus and the End of Religion, because we are forced to ask how radical we have to be to see the way of Jesus express itself. The question asked to McLaren and his response contribute to the discussion.
http://www.anewkindofchristian.com/archives/000346.html
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
More on Bonhoeffer
Ever since Sunday (VE Day) I have been thinking a lot about Bonhoeffer and his contribution to (and perhaps initiation of) this discussion. It's probably not fair for me to try to summarize his ideas in a few sentences, but let me highlight a few of his ideas worth pondering. (If you are not familiar with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, get ahold of some of his writings, watch the movie about him ["Agent of Grace"], or even visit the International Bonhoeffer Society).
In his Letters and Papers from Prison Bonhoeffer questioned the relevancy of the Christian religion in a "world come of age", that is, no longer dependent on religion. While still deeply committed to the centrality of Christ, Bonhoeffer saw how religion had moved to the boundaries of life, resulting in an empahsis on individualism and/or metaphysics, all the time creating a distinction between sacred and secular. He believed that the church needs to separate itself from its religious trappings, and emphasize that God "must be recognized at the centre of life" and grounded in Jesus Christ. In other words, faith has to transcend mere tradition and ritual, and is to be expressed in action through our entire lives.
In his Letters and Papers from Prison Bonhoeffer questioned the relevancy of the Christian religion in a "world come of age", that is, no longer dependent on religion. While still deeply committed to the centrality of Christ, Bonhoeffer saw how religion had moved to the boundaries of life, resulting in an empahsis on individualism and/or metaphysics, all the time creating a distinction between sacred and secular. He believed that the church needs to separate itself from its religious trappings, and emphasize that God "must be recognized at the centre of life" and grounded in Jesus Christ. In other words, faith has to transcend mere tradition and ritual, and is to be expressed in action through our entire lives.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
VE-Day
Sixty years ago today was "Victory in Europe" Day, the declared end to the European theatre of World War II. As with any day of remembrance, this is a somber occasion to reflect on the horrors of history. I cannot help but also consider the place of Christianity within that terrible conflict. In Europe the Church was almost entirely impotent in its spiritual role leading up to and during the war. In some cases, as in Nazi Germany, the Church had even succumb to the prevailing evil around it. It is no wonder then that the Christian religion has taken a big hit in Europe over the past 50 years. One can understand the cynicism towards Christianity, believing it to be irrelevant.
VE-Day also reminds me of one of the shining stars during that period. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor, took his faith seriously and devoutly lived it despite the many pressures around him. He was viewed as a such a threat that he was imprisoned by Hitler, and died just days before the allies reached his prison near the end of the war. Bonhoeffer was a profound theologian, not only by what he believed and wrote, but by how he lived. Interestingly, in his prison writings he envisioned a time of "religionless Christianity" to address the challenges of the new age the world was entering. He recognized the ineptness of the institutionalized religion that had developed around Jesus Christ, and looked forward to a much more engaging faith. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to complete his thoughts on this matter. But, his life and example during this dark time are beacons of hope for us as we strive to follow Jesus in a world that has largely given up on religion.
VE-Day also reminds me of one of the shining stars during that period. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor, took his faith seriously and devoutly lived it despite the many pressures around him. He was viewed as a such a threat that he was imprisoned by Hitler, and died just days before the allies reached his prison near the end of the war. Bonhoeffer was a profound theologian, not only by what he believed and wrote, but by how he lived. Interestingly, in his prison writings he envisioned a time of "religionless Christianity" to address the challenges of the new age the world was entering. He recognized the ineptness of the institutionalized religion that had developed around Jesus Christ, and looked forward to a much more engaging faith. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to complete his thoughts on this matter. But, his life and example during this dark time are beacons of hope for us as we strive to follow Jesus in a world that has largely given up on religion.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Why so negative?
The common question I am asked regarding Jesus and the End of Religion is: "Why are you so negative?" Also, "Shouldn't we be overlooking our differences and get along, instead of trying to tear each other down?"
Legitimate questions. My intent is definitely not to tear people down, especially if I disagree with them. There is much to be said for the need of the church to be a united body. Respect and toleration are always required. We must always recognize that there will always be differences of opinion, perspective, belief and practice. And, we are all at different points along the spiritual journey.
Having said this, however, does not change the radical message of anti-religious spirituality initiated by Jesus. While he was always very quick to love people, he resisted those who were using religion to dehumanize others and present a faulty view of God. It is apparent from Jesus' own actions culminating in his crucifixion that he was calling for a radical transformation, not a slow and gradual change.
Religion, and Christianity in particular, has lost much of its redeeming character within our world. What is needed is major surgery, not just some patches and self-medication. Certainly, those for whom religion provides either power or comfort this approach will feel threatening. Yet, it's our only hope to experience life as God intended for us.
Legitimate questions. My intent is definitely not to tear people down, especially if I disagree with them. There is much to be said for the need of the church to be a united body. Respect and toleration are always required. We must always recognize that there will always be differences of opinion, perspective, belief and practice. And, we are all at different points along the spiritual journey.
Having said this, however, does not change the radical message of anti-religious spirituality initiated by Jesus. While he was always very quick to love people, he resisted those who were using religion to dehumanize others and present a faulty view of God. It is apparent from Jesus' own actions culminating in his crucifixion that he was calling for a radical transformation, not a slow and gradual change.
Religion, and Christianity in particular, has lost much of its redeeming character within our world. What is needed is major surgery, not just some patches and self-medication. Certainly, those for whom religion provides either power or comfort this approach will feel threatening. Yet, it's our only hope to experience life as God intended for us.
