Who Are We?

Churches of Christ are in an interesting position. The theological spectrum - traditional to progressive - has seemingly never been wider as cultural forces continue to wreak havoc on both the theology as well as the attendance of denominations nationwide. And yet a disturbing trend is beginning to appear. As many churches of Christ move farther away from the traditional stances (a good thing) and hermeneutic (way of interpreting and applying Scripture), many have taken pride in what we have left behind and yet seem to have no legitimate alternative to replace it. We know what we are against but what are we for? If we are not churches that fight over issues of worship forms or eternal designations, what are we willing to be passionate about and intensely pursue? Are we willing to pursue issues of justice and peace, causes of community involvement and development, or cultural engagement with postmodern youth? There is certainly a place to critique our heritage and its faults, but I assumed that "progressive" churches had moved past berating our ancestors to a "better" place. But after listening to many churches whose goal seems to be "not being a traditional conservative COC" the question has to be asked: "If we are becoming progressive, what are we progressing toward?" And "Is it really progress?" I would love your thoughts...

Religulous: "Religion + Ridiculous"

My wife and I finally broke down and watched the movie (one among many) that is causing an outcry from so many religious groups - Bill Maher's 2008 documentary Religulous. As I watched the movie I found myself both crying and laughing, disgusted and intrigued, ashamed and enthralled, appalled and captivated.

For those that haven't seen the film, Maher's quotes include...

"Religion must die in order for man to live."
" Religion is detrimental to the progress of humanity."
Religious people make a "virtue out of not thinking."
Religious leaders are "intellectual slaveholders."

Not exactly a flattering portrayal! Throughout the film Maher's cynical and sarcastic interactions with some of the most fanatical people I have ever seen reveal both a distasteful mockery of religion and a surprisingly accurate critique of much of Christianity. He talks in depth about his own journey - growing up with one Catholic parent and one Jewish parent - and in doing so offers a very insightful glimpse into a perspective shared by more and more people in the United States. He describes his early church experience as "vast stretches of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror."

His film asks penetrating questions like "Why is faith a good thing?" He stands in front of St Peter's Square in Rome and asks if the power and wealth represented by the Vatican was really what Jesus intended? He confronts a wealthy televangelist with the stark contrast between his life and that of Jesus. He identifies the dissonance between Christianity and Nationalism - the bedfellows of God & Country. He questions the "arrogant certitude" of religious people.

When he finished his monsoon of attacks on religion, I was heartbroken at the representation that Jesus has in this world. It almost seemed that Bill was enthralled with a Jesus who stood for the poor, challenged the powerful and wealthy, and offered a new way of living but Bill wasn't seeing it lived out. He observed the stupidity and irrelevance that characterizes so much of Christianity today and asks how this is good news for the rest of the world. As I waded through the sarcasm and mockery, I found a prophet - a voice asking followers of Jesus "Are you really good news to the poor, the oppressed, the hungry, and the entire world?" "Or do you live in a land focused only on the hereafter and unwilling to engage in honest discussion about tough issues like evolution, homosexuality, wealth, and justice?"

Maher is advocating that the answer to bad religion and bad theology is no religion or theology at all! Get rid of them! I disagree. The solution to bad theology is good theology, not jettisoning all theology. The solution to a screwed-up religion is to replace it with a healthy one - to recapture the essence of Jesus of Nazareth and proclaim his kingdom. Hopefully this call will be heeded by those who claim Jesus as Lord.

Stuff

We have alot of stuff! As we prepare for our fifth move in under four years of marriage, we are engaging in the ritual of packing. And as we pack we discover things we haven't seen since last year and haven't used in the past two years...if ever! This year we are joining some friends to do a yard sale and as Jenn and I go through our junk we are having some very interesting conversations about what stuff we are willing to part with. It is amazing how attached we get to certain items that may or may not be of any use but are retained "just in case I ever need it."

For example, my mountain bike. I cannot remember the last time I rode it. I cannot ride it because the chain has rotted (because I haven't ridden it). And yet I love my bike! I paid hundreds of dollars for that bike! All I can do with my bike is look at it and think "I have a really nice bike! I ought to ride that some time" but my wife dared to ask me about selling my bike! How dare she!! I am amazed that as we struggle financially through the tough times of finishing a life lived on student loans and the time of making a salary still well below the poverty line, I turn aghast at getting rid of my bike! Enter Holy Spirit... ( I really hate being convicted)

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also! ~ Mt6:19-21

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. ~ Mt6:24

Seek first the kingdom of God and his justice... ~ Mt6:33a

So, if anyone is interested I have a (really tall) TREK 4500 Aluminum Frame Men's Mountain Bike with front and rear shock absorbers that will be for sale tomorrow morning! We'll see what happens...