Friday, January 25, 2008

Culture and Theology are the Same thing


Often times I hear of a tension between cultural relevance and correct theology.


Could the study of Culture and the Study of God be similar?
If we are really honest we will find God at work amidst culture regardless of the efforts of the 'Church' So does the church study systematic theology more in order to educate the world better on things that God is already doing without the 'Church's' help?

The script of culture will have markers that point to Him. The Scriptures help us interpret those cultural markers and say 'this is that'... or this is God at work as an active agent in the world we live in. There are many redemptive metaphors throughout society, biology, arts, culture, law that point to the human recognition that God is amoung us and active. The importance of the Scripture and theology is to study so we can see these sign posts and know what they mean [and I do not mean eschatologically]. But our efforts should be to study both with equal diligence.

If God is at work amoung us and not 'out there' then theology must encompass a wholistic view where culture has markers to find God already built within it. There is really no such thing as a godless person except for those who understand who He is and choose to ignore Him.

Could it be that there is more godlessness in those that 'know Him' [through disobedience] than through those that some would say have no knowledge of him? When we fail to recognize that God is amoung us and still an active agent in all manner of life, culturally, and otherwise [even in places where some would say he is not] we actually propogate a form of godlessness.

Thoughts?

Thursday, January 17, 2008

In All Honesty!!!



Can I be honest today?




In our engagement with people around us should our focus be on communicating the spirit of Jesus or communicating to them a 'Christian' Worldview? There is a Vaste difference.


I endoevor that my life, my conversations, my expressions of Faith will be about Jesus and not Christianity!


To be honest.... a 'Christian Worldview' is never truly grasped by anyone, but Jesus' spirit can be understood by any person in any stage of life.


To be honest.... A 'Christian Worldveiw' has been what has caused immense harm to cultures and atrocities to people groups around the world for centuries.


To be honest ....a 'Christian Worldview' is about exclusivity, but the spirit of Jesus speaks of a way that is for all.


A 'Christian Worldview' gets involved in political agendas - While the spirit of Jesus is with the poor and oppressed.


A 'Christian Worldview' focuses on proving opposing views wrong - while the spirit of Jesus listens and hears the cry of peoples hearts.


A 'Christian worldview' demands proper behavior and best practice/doctrine - while the spirit of Jesus gives grace for people to grow, and to fail.


And the list goes on... and on ... and on






The spirit of Jesus is quantum. Even in its smallest, minute expression, He is unstoppable.




Please contribute your comments or musings as well.


Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Political What?

Someone asked me the other day what my political perspective was.
I have a very strong opinion on political world views. It is simply this...
'I DON'T CARE!!!'
Some say it is my civic duty to vote and that I am a bad person if I don't vote. I have never made my way to the polls in my entire life and I do not intend to. For this simple reason ... I don't Care!!!

What are you thoughts on politics and our Civic duties?

I could say much about this but I want to gather soem of your thoughts first.