Peripatetics: The Art of Walking
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
So, anyways, while I'd love to have something profound to say from Katherine's Sunday School class, I'm not sure it'd be wise to expound on something I haven't heard. This is what God is teaching me while I'm in East Alabama renewing my soul a bit:
"To be a Christian in a generously orthodox way is not to claim to have the truth captured, stuffed, and mounted on the wall. It is rather to be in a loving community of people who are seeking the truth on the road of mission and who have been launched on the quest by Jesus, who, with us, guides us still. Do we have it? Have we taken hold of it? Not fully. Not yet. Of course not. But we keep seeking. We're finding enough to keep us going. But we're not finished. That to me, is orthodoxy--a way of seeing and seeking, a way of living, a way of thinking and loving and learning that helps what we believe become more true over time, more resonant with the infinite glory of God."--Brian McLaren, in "A Generous Orthodoxy."
Part of the reason I like that quote (which I read yesterday outside under a tree near the library at my old college) is because I got the idea from your comments that Katherine talked about the importance of community...even giving you the chance to encourage each other.
So, for today, do you agree or disagree with this quote? Do you think it defines where our student ministry (our church?) should be...at least as a goal? If so, what would it take to get us there from where we are? If not, where should we be headed?
Brent 6:05 AM
Comments:
i just think its awesome because its like we'll never be done. its like we're living for Christ and that is never gonna be enough until we are completely like Him... which means that on this earth, our job is never done... but its not labor, its more of like a lifestyle where we want more of Him every day. its cool.
i used to think that once you prayed the "sinners prayer" that you would be instantly transformed. renewed, restored that moment. while i my have recieved the Holy Spirit the fact still remains that i am an earthen vessel. i really don't know why i thought all that because it never happened to me. no bright flash of light or puff of smoke. i don't even remember when i prayed the "prayer". i didn't understand the journey involved in sanctification and this played out in how i viewed other christians. it hindered my fellowship with other believers. i think ones spiritual journey is in great need of community and when you realize that it is a journey and not an instant transformation to perfection you realize the need for community.
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