It seems like we're caught these days in either denial or "analysis paralysis" concerning problems facing the church. I find it sad that so many seem to think the answer is to circle the wagons and then lash out in fear and anger to the perceived "threats" to the church.
If we truly are part of an institution that the gates of hell can't stand against, then we need to start acting like it. Nothing in this world can threaten the almighty God of the universe. And, last I checked, He's still on our side. Let's start acting like it and seek to image His love to a hurt and dying world.
We should drop the qualification, "American" when we speak of the church. In many churches, Christianity has been nationalized to the point that many think Jesus and His movement are somehow affiliated with a particular political tribe or position, thus leaving out all who will not or cannot accept those strictures. The church is not "American", the church is the bride of Christ, a bride who will be representative of a cornucopia of tribes, tongues, peoples, and nations.
Thanks for commenting. I agree yes, that the church is global and from every tribe, tongue and nation. Amen! Yet, we also are a part of local and national bodies. And in America we have a church that is unhealthy on the whole. Being American and living in America, I am concerned about what the church looks like here.
Thanks for drilling down. Even "American" though, gives the US primacy on a continent of "Americas" made up of many nations and types of people. I am enjoying the analysis however, and will continue to read while making my own adjustments for clarity.
This has been my own prayer for me of late. A church that took it seriously might have a shot at survival.
“Welcome, welcome, welcome.
I welcome everything that comes to me today
because I know it’s for my healing.
I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons,
situations, and conditions.
I let go of my desire for power and control.
I let go of my desire for affection, esteem,
approval and pleasure.
I let go of my desire for survival and security.
I let go of my desire to change any situation,
condition, person or myself.
I open to the love and presence of God and
God’s action within. Amen”
Very much St Patrick for today.
It seems like we're caught these days in either denial or "analysis paralysis" concerning problems facing the church. I find it sad that so many seem to think the answer is to circle the wagons and then lash out in fear and anger to the perceived "threats" to the church.
If we truly are part of an institution that the gates of hell can't stand against, then we need to start acting like it. Nothing in this world can threaten the almighty God of the universe. And, last I checked, He's still on our side. Let's start acting like it and seek to image His love to a hurt and dying world.
I think that's how we "save" the church.
Thanks for this Nick. I think rhythms of abiding in Jesus and a love for neighbors would surely go a long way.
We should drop the qualification, "American" when we speak of the church. In many churches, Christianity has been nationalized to the point that many think Jesus and His movement are somehow affiliated with a particular political tribe or position, thus leaving out all who will not or cannot accept those strictures. The church is not "American", the church is the bride of Christ, a bride who will be representative of a cornucopia of tribes, tongues, peoples, and nations.
Thanks for commenting. I agree yes, that the church is global and from every tribe, tongue and nation. Amen! Yet, we also are a part of local and national bodies. And in America we have a church that is unhealthy on the whole. Being American and living in America, I am concerned about what the church looks like here.
Thanks for drilling down. Even "American" though, gives the US primacy on a continent of "Americas" made up of many nations and types of people. I am enjoying the analysis however, and will continue to read while making my own adjustments for clarity.
Thanks Alberto. Appreciate you engaging and clarifying, too.