Sense or Nonsense?
"Christianity today is the tale of two paradigms; the earlier and the emerging. There is no one right way of understanding Christianity and being a Christian. It's a matter of what works. If the earlier paradigm works for you then there is no need to change, but for millions who cannot be literalists or exclusivists the earlier paradigm does not work. "
The Heart of Christianity, by Marcus J. Borg (referred to by some as the C.S. Lewis of the 21st century)
Earlier
- The Bible is a divine product with divine authority.
- Biblical interpretation is based on factual and literal acknowledgement.
- The Bible's function is revelation of doctrine and morals.
- Christian Life Emphasis is on what to believe and do to be saved.
- The Bible is a human response to God.
- Biblical interpretation is based on history and metaphor.
- The Bible's function is metaphorical and sacramental.
- Christian Life Emphasis is on transformation in this life through relationship with God
posted by Roy B. @ 7:17 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
I could write for hours about this! Maybe it is because I have grown up Baptist. I don't know. When I read the article, I get angry. It ends with the author stating that he chose Christianity because of the feel good tradition. I think that the scientific era we are in is driving much of this change of thought. Even though I really enjoy science, I feel that in 100 years, we will look back on this time as "The Scientific Age" much like the Renaissance, where we put too much faith in Science (art) rather than the saving grace of the ONLY GOD. Maybe I am missing the point of this article, but at first blush, I have to say... nonsense.
Sounds like you've read the book, Brad. He ostensibly writes to provide a rationale for being a Christian in this postmodern age and ends up saying if Christianity is where you grew up, if that's "home" for you, then it's a good thing; it's where you belong. Likewise, if you grew up in Islam that's a good thing too. His "emerging" paradigm is really just what we have called "liberal Christianity" for decades, and calling it "emerging" makes it sound like it's growing and blossoming and we're all going to be left behind (no pun intended) if we dont buy in. Still... I wonder how all that he descibes might ultimately influence the way we of the "earlier paradigm" hold our faith. We used to think divorce was such a sin that it precluded a person from church leadership. I wonder how much our paradigm actually is a function of society and the passing of time.
I'm with Brad...we overcomplicate the matter.
Paul (paraphrased): If Christ didn't really die and rise, we are hopeless fools who should be pitied more than all.
The point: Either Christianity is a neat little tradition and ultimately just a hobby, or Christ is our savior and we have eternal hope.
Post a Comment
<< Home