Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
From the January/February 2012 issue of Modern Reformation magazine,
When transformation becomes your reason for existence, you are tempted to see transformation where it isn't, and you fail to notice areas that remain bound in the chains of original sin. You fear not seeing transformation, because it might indict your faith. So you start spinning reality.
Could this be why so many evangelical churches are not talking too much about original sin? Is Jurgen "Moltmannism" seeping too much into our theology with a false and different-than-the-Biblical "theology of hope?"
When transformation becomes your reason for existence, you are tempted to see transformation where it isn't, and you fail to notice areas that remain bound in the chains of original sin. You fear not seeing transformation, because it might indict your faith. So you start spinning reality.
Could this be why so many evangelical churches are not talking too much about original sin? Is Jurgen "Moltmannism" seeping too much into our theology with a false and different-than-the-Biblical "theology of hope?"
Monday, January 02, 2012
Boundaries
I was thinking a few days ago that one of the basic problems in America today is the massive weakening of boundaries. This includes personal boundaries, national boundaries, spiritual boundaries, etc. In the church I was in a few years ago, I kept seeing the high school and college kids constantly massaging each others' shoulders, combing others' hair and so forth. This wasn't just girls to girls but also guys massaging girls shoulders and combing their hair and vice-versa. I think that has gotten too familiar and is a result of weakened boundaries. In the secular society we have 90% of boys and 80% of girls having sex by 18. Another example of weakened boundaries. In our country we let anyone in which may include terrorists seeping over our borders. We also give so many rights to criminals that the victims are victimized a second time. In the church we have lessened the gospel so much and allowed so many other "gospels" in that again, we are blurring good boundaries, so that many really don't know what to believe anymore.
On the other hand, in the church and America in general of the past, the boundaries may have been way too narrow and rigid. Legalism in the church and prejudice and lack of opportunities for women and minorities are examples. So, can we hit the perfect middle ground, that is a perfect balance, between the two extremes? I think we had better try. And I think the church should be leading the way and being the example.
On the other hand, in the church and America in general of the past, the boundaries may have been way too narrow and rigid. Legalism in the church and prejudice and lack of opportunities for women and minorities are examples. So, can we hit the perfect middle ground, that is a perfect balance, between the two extremes? I think we had better try. And I think the church should be leading the way and being the example.
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