I was first introduced to Brian McLaren's writing in reading his book Generous Orthodoxy. I remember agreeing and not agreeing with various parts of his book, but overall I thought he was saying a much needed word...that being that Jesus being God is more than I can ever define or explain him to be. There is so much more to the gospel message than Jesus coming simply to save me from hell. Don't get me wrong...I'm thankful for salvation and eternal life is nothing I would ever take lightly. But too much of my life has been lived with a general hunger of desire to find something more to my faith than simply a plan of sin management and a guarantee of heaven. I've been challenged by McLaren's words...not necessarily in the sense where I feel called to sell all my possessions and serve in some poor country, but more in the sense that my faith should be more transformative on a daily basis. I hear this messaged echoed often in Richard's messages regarding our lives being blessings to others. My hope for this book is to discuss thoughtful & practical ways that we can address while living in a world and a culture that teaches a message of blessing only ourselves. I'm excited for the next couple weeks and I'm blessed to call each of you friend. I look forward to learning from you all and sharing our insights together. Much grace and love, alan.
Questions/Reflections (Part 1):
-Do you find McLaren's two questions affecting the way you think/act? In what ways should these questions shape our own lives?
-I liked the concept of amahoro (peace) guiding relationships. I find myself sometimes quick to be impatient, judgmental, frustrated...often times with those closest to me. It seems to me as I've read through this book that Jesus' vision for peace is not simply for the world in a corporate sense, but also on a personal level in our relationships. I'm hoping to restructure some of my habits and attitudes to reflect more amahoro in my human interactions.
-Do you guys find it helpful to consider past wrongs of the church or perceived manipulations of Jesus' message? In my own teaching of European colonialism I find myself embarassed by the messages that Christians brought to the people of colonized lands. Obviously, I can blame this on the cultural blending of Euro-centric biases that permeated Christianity during that time. However, I wonder where my own biases naturally blend into my understanding of Christianity. I know that profound shaping that American culture has had on me througout my life...and it seems to have more say in who I am today than the gospels of Jesus.
-I believe that God is all-powerful and I have faith in his plans for redemption. At the same time, as I teach history more and more it seems the one thing we are best at as humans is creating more efficient means of killing each other. It saddens me that of all the themes that play out through history, especially western civilization is the story of violence, oppression and exploitation. I know I can't due penance for crimes committed in the past, but it does convict me to look for a better "framing story" as McLaren calls it...to guide and direct my life and the lives of us all who claim to be followers of Jesus.
-What were your reflections of the Khayelitsha story?
4 comments:
I just received the book a few day ago and look forward to our study. Upon reading the first several chapters it is refreshing to read McLaren, who comes across as not just a Christian Pastor but someone with a deep conviction to serve Christ even if it means being cut off from the main stream Christian thought. At Whitworth I can recall being intrigued by Tony Campolo, who also seemed to take issues to the next level... beyond the pulpit and into the world of action.
As a father, I love the idea of going on a one-on-one trip with each child before the age of 18. Its interesting how God will sometimes use our children to bring us closer to him.
On a personal level I relate to the part in the book where the local social worker speaks to the group of pastors. While not being in a place to set up a tent and preach once a week in a poor African village, sometimes my life consist of only serving Christ during that once a week ceremony we call Church. The other days of the weeks sometimes I am just simply living for myself. How do we hear the voice of God one day and then relinquish our duties on a daily basis. What does it mean to serve Christ with a global outlook? I look forward to a deeper understanding of this question along with the many other aspect of this study.
Alan, I don’t really understand your statement about how you feel American culture has had a deeper impact on your life then the Gospels of Christ. It would seem the true shaping of ones identity is not found in anything that culture has to offer, however in a deeper conviction or belief. Our culture carries a tangible aspect into our daily lives and it could be disturbing to truly uncover the depths of its influence, however it still falls well short to our identity in Christ.
I look forward to hearing from the guys in this study and hope this letter finds you and your families in healthy and good spirt.
"If Jesus' message of the kingdom of God is true, then everything must change. Everything must change." pg 23.
Boys, it is 10 pm and I'm up at 3am tomorrow but I just finished section 1 and I'm feeling really alive with this statement above. I remember hearing the title of this book and being intrigued by it. Hearing the story from the woman in Africa who uttered this statement gives me goose bumps. Isn't it so true though? If Jesus' message was true, that there is a true Kingdom waiting for us if we order our lives differently than what the world teaches, then everything must change. Instead of careers and material possessions and fun vacations and interesting hobbies and gathering stuff for a more comfortable existence, shouldn't we be out there on the edge somewhere...ministering to God's people? Seeking truth in a deeper way? Spreading God's message of love instead of all the crap Christians focus on? This is my question tonight.
Honestly I couldn't relate so much to McLaren's question #1 about what are the world's biggest problems because I feel like I am inundated with them every day. I feel like I know much of the world's problems. The question is what does Jesus say about them. And the real question is, will I give these problems the space and attention in my own life that I dare to take on trying to make a change? Most days I just roll over, hit the snooze button, and keep sleeping through the world's static in the comfortable bliss of my own life.
I am looking forward to reading more about McLaren's teachings on question #2 about Jesus' response to these world problems. And I am hoping to look at some practical ways I can work on addressing the world's problems with my own life.
"pg 20 Most were preoccupied with other matters-arguments about religoious esoterica...(these things) seem shamefully trvial, weapons of mass distraction."
To me, this speaks dead on to the whole Khayelitsha story where the young man challenged the other pastors to make their message more practical. In Christian circles we spend so much time defending against trivial issues that we are missing the core. And isn't it easy to blame the rest of the "christian circles" and ignore ourselves? Much of what I don't like about Christian churches and our own lack of response to the world's REAL problems I can see in myself. I am ready for change. I think the world is ready for change. I think most young Christians are ready for change. And I'm ready to hear some of McLarens thoughts on what change might look like.
I got through section 1 a while ago so my thoughts on it are a bit distant. I am excited to read on and see where it all goes.
To be honest, as exciting as the message is, it feels too overwhelming for me right now. As Gabe mentioned, I don't have a chance too often to be in some remote place serving God. I am excited to see how and if McLaren brings the message down to my level, my daily life, my privileged place in the world.
I think the Africa story clearly highlighted the main point of the the title of the book. However, in reality, it is pretty easy to use our money and resources to change lives in Africa. But, if EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE the biggest challenge I see is right here in the US of A. Anyone can show love and compassion to a starving African, but can you show that same care towards your super conservative neighbor who only stands for what the Church should be against?
Hey Guys,
I am really sorry for the relapse in posting. I was without a computer for the last week during my move and am now back with a laptop for the first time. I was actually brought to tears reading through your posts, because my heart yearns to live out the true meaning of being a follower of Jesus, but my daily actions just don't always match up. I agree with you Gabe that my identity is deeper in Christ, but I was trying to examine how much of my daily actions are a reflection of my cultural heritage more than my faith in Christ.
I also agree with Fligor that sometimes we can even categorize doing good deeds with one time mission trips or routine acts of financial support...but the change we are striving for will impact us on a greater level than serving and giving only when its convenient. The systems that govern our very lives will have to be changed for our daily actions to really be altered that much.
Also, on a final note I am wondering how you are all doing with the reading load. I will post comments on Section 2 tonight if possible, but is everyone seeing the posts okay. Let me know your feedback. Peace!
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