I realize that for many my statements come across as arrogant and divisive, but they are not so when viewed against the backdrop of Christian history and worship. Christians who restrict their view of God solely on the Bible are those who are least able to produce a tenable and intelligent account of Christianity. I often times try to engage and kindle conversation with my relatives about their options and views on God. What I have found is that most of them are ignorant of the Ecumenical creeds like Nicea and Chalcedon. They cannot list the parameters and descriptions of the person of Jesus or the attributes and relations of the members of the Trinity. Instead, many Protestants are only able to reference the Bible in their defense of the divinity of Jesus or the Trinity. What they fail to realize is that the Bible leaves more questions than answers and proof-texting a verse here and there is simply insufficient. For example, it is clear in his writings that Paul assumed that Jesus became the Son of God only after the Resurrection and that in other places, like Luke, Jesus is "adopted" by the Father (i.e. Jesus' baptism). There are so many conflicting views in the Bible that it was left to the Church Fathers, bishops, theologians, etc to determine the proper boundaries of Christian belief. To be ignorant of this fact is to be ignorant of what it means to be a Christian. The reason that the Church has creeds was that the Bible, as important as it is, simply wasn't enough to stand alone.
The holidays are meant to be a time of coming together and sharing. However, holidays are also meant to be a time of reflection and spiritual renewal. Let the full force and appreciation of the holiday season be realized by a return to the ancient faith and worship.
3 comments:
I agree with your last paragraph. Even though I know that Jesus wasn't born on Dec. 25th, it is the day that is set aside to celebrate it. I love the family times, the songs, and gift giving, but if I had to choose just one thing...I would cling to our candle light service. To me, that is the one time that we truly worship the Lord and celebrate His coming.
I feel very uncertain about the comments in this post. While I understand that many "pass the plate" preachers do not dare challenge themselves and feed their flock in a fashion that is consistency with Church history, tradition and our universal theology, your arguments sound very ivory-towerish. I readily admit that what you advocate does not sound accessible to most. The average believer could barely articulate his own internal creed and struggles to understand the concept of a triune God. . . why would they be interested in knowing much more complex theology.
Further, the complication is greater for the Protestant Church, which seeks to distance itself so much from the Catholic and Anglican traditions that their worship and teachings seem schizophrenic. Yet, how much knowledge is needed for true worship? And how much should a preach push on his flock if they are either (i) unable to understand complex religious inputs to our worship or (ii)sufficiently jaded by our culture that such knowledge might do more harm than good?
I think I would respond better if your arguments were more constructively framed. What are the opportunities and benefits of what you argue? More importantly, how will you implement such with a huge range of people, including those who are dumb as the back of a spoon? There is a secret from the Cath/Ang traditions. That is why they have figures like the Pope!
My post was not to seem gnostic or esoteric, but instead was meant to challenge Christians to further and advance their understanding of their heritage. I do not believe that what I advocate is "inaccessible" to the average Christian, but instead merely takes initiative and effort (like all things worth pursuing). I understand that the Church consists of people of all walks of life and intellect, but I do not think that expecting Christians and its leaders to be able to formulate a sound defense of their faith is too much to ask.
With regard to worship, I am not suggesting that their has been found the perfect form of worship, but merely a template that is to be used as a guide. Incorporated into this template are the Sacraments culminated in the Eucharist. Such an approach to worship would indeed add more meaning and participation to the experience and a new realization of the presence of God.
As Christians, we are called to a higher purpose and accountability in life. Why should we not expect more from the people who bear the name of Christ? By this statement neither I am suggesting that we should not meet people where they are. But I am suggesting that we such always strive to lift those up around us to new understandings and spiritual maturity.
For those that are "dumb as a spoon" as you say, they should be able to trust their leaders for guidance and correct beliefs. Sadly, there are many who have this role but are not qualified for it. For this reason, all should look to the more ancient and consistent of the Christian denominations for guidance. Being a Christian is not an "individual" endeavor, but it affects the entire Body. There are no secrets in the Roman/Anglican traditions, but there is a reason that theologians, bishops, monks, nuns, and priests exist: it is to aide in understanding and Christian application.
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