I'm sorry to read all of that, Jack. Having grown up in a fairly legalistic environment but not recognizing it as legalistic, I wasn't aware of how narrow my perspective was. As I studied more Scripture, most of my views on doctrine didn't change... but my views on which issues are secondary definitely did.
Having been a religion writer online since 1997, I've seen the same sort of knee-jerk reactions. One guy made around 75 videos on YouTube about how wrong I am about... well, everything. They're not short, either. Average is probably 45 minutes, plus a number of articles. Comes with the territory. I grieve for the folks who react this way, but I'm long past taking it personally. They're actually my target audience. =)
Great article, Jack! I'd like to make two observations. First of all, if both sides are taking shots at you, perhaps you're right where you ought to be. Second, in our pursuit of the Christianity of the New Testament, we can be mislabeled because we are not "church of Christ" enough. That is, we can become denominational in reactions to denominationalism. I love the pure plea to be simply Christians and to replicate the work and worship of the New Testament.
Thank you Jack for sharing this. I've felt like this for years. Grew up and preached for the ultra hard line, conservative stream of our churches. Came to realize much of our whole concept of the Bible is wrong, works based more than faith based. I decided long ago to just preach expository sermons, one book at time. We have been much like the Pharisees. So teaching the Sermon on Mount helps humble us if we are open. Matthew 28:20 -- all the commandments, not just 5 or 10. All of them, including John 13:34-35 and all the "one another commands". I don't focus on doctrinal issues and address them in their context when it comes. The small church I'm teaching with now is much at peace. I've taught through whole Bible .. and am on my 2nd go now. I know it can be very frustrating at times. Keep teaching the Word.
Any time you state your beliefs, someone is going to disagree and often criticize you. It seems it is more pronounced in the church than anywhere else. I once posed the question in an article if the Holy Spirit was given to the entire church or just the apostles on the Day of Pentecost. Not that I was saying it was true, just that the way it is worded, “they all were gathered in one place” could lead to thinking the entire church received the gift. You would have thought I said everything the Bible teaches is wrong.
I can relate. I have long been too "artsy" for conservative churches and far too theologically/doctrinally conservative for progressive churches. I opt to attend conservative churches and just keep my mouth shut about the things that would make people look askance. No advice or solutions--just a fist bump of solidarity from another weird peg who doesn't fit neatly into any particular hole.
I relate to and have experienced much of this as well. I have been encouraged in the past 5 years or so to discover that there are many more like us, indeed perhaps the majority, who have not found their voice. Thanks for being one. I’m with you.
Great, great, great thoughts! We should strive to be balanced and in the middle! I believe most preachers, teachers, and Christian members have a wider view of opinion than we will ever know. You are not alone. I and many other preachers are in your corner for support. We will continue to look to the Scripture and be consistent even when that Scripture seems to go against the grain.
The best sentence in your piece is “The biggest struggle here, of course, is to avoid the pride that comes from trying to find your place.”
The beautiful struggle has always been about seeking God, His Kingdom and nothing else. This is the greatest witness to the world a follower of Christ can offer.
Seeking a place has led to tens of thousands of denominations that divide.
God asks us to seek and wait then seek and wait again and again. But we don’t allow others to have their own journey of seeking a waiting. Instead we tell them what to think instead of encouraging them to seek and wait.
The walls and rules of churches are both prisons to keep people in (control) and fortresses to keep people out (rejection).
Yes! Yes to all of this! As I've been reading through 1 Corinthians, we could easily change out the phrasing to so many issues that divide us today and have divided us for years.
I'm so sorry that happened to you and I'm even more sorry that I've probably treated some people that way in the past. I'm growing in grace and knowledge even though I was raised in the church. None of us get it all right all the time. That's what grace is for. Keep it up brother!
Thank you for sharing your experience, I really appreciate it. I too have often felt like I don't belong - and at times- have wondered if others knew my thoughts on things so traditionally held as true, that I would be ostracized...or maybe that I should leave because I just can't go along with traditions being taught as scripture.
however, I know that my Christian brothers and sisters love the Bible, and I love the Bible too - and I love them as well. There will always be differences of opinion on things and that's ok. The last thing I want to do is split the church, which I have seen happen so many times and it always makes me sad. Where would I go anyways? LOL.
I do know that the traditionalists far outnumber the non-traditionalists or those who would challenge it...but how can the church grow in a positive direction without those of us who find it necessary to speak up? I'm glad we have this place to encourage each other and talk about issues that we think need some challenging. Please continue to write, and thanks again for sharing your experience. I'm sorry for the people who treated you badly instead of graciously.
Great article Jack. Again, as I stated back on September 16, this is the reason the church is dying. Our souls are not being fed, and the sheep our wondering into other pastures to be fed. We need to openly talk about issues in the church that are being talked about in the world. I had a child ask me during a Sunday school class as a discussion was taking place during class, "What's wrong with being a lesbian?" I didn't think our discussion was anywhere near that subject. I almost felt ashamed that she ask of such a question. But, I addressed it and went on with class. I told my husband later of the situation, and said this is being taught and talked about in our schools, we better be talking about these issues at church.
I appreciate your straightforward and honest approach. Do you think that there have been significant changes in terms of the Social Compact and the way that our “culture“ practices a ‘secular religion’ since 2018? What used to be the center is now seen as being almost far right. If so, how have these changes affected you and your ministry?
I'm sorry to read all of that, Jack. Having grown up in a fairly legalistic environment but not recognizing it as legalistic, I wasn't aware of how narrow my perspective was. As I studied more Scripture, most of my views on doctrine didn't change... but my views on which issues are secondary definitely did.
Having been a religion writer online since 1997, I've seen the same sort of knee-jerk reactions. One guy made around 75 videos on YouTube about how wrong I am about... well, everything. They're not short, either. Average is probably 45 minutes, plus a number of articles. Comes with the territory. I grieve for the folks who react this way, but I'm long past taking it personally. They're actually my target audience. =)
Keep on keeping on, my friend.
Great article, Jack! I'd like to make two observations. First of all, if both sides are taking shots at you, perhaps you're right where you ought to be. Second, in our pursuit of the Christianity of the New Testament, we can be mislabeled because we are not "church of Christ" enough. That is, we can become denominational in reactions to denominationalism. I love the pure plea to be simply Christians and to replicate the work and worship of the New Testament.
Thank you Jack for sharing this. I've felt like this for years. Grew up and preached for the ultra hard line, conservative stream of our churches. Came to realize much of our whole concept of the Bible is wrong, works based more than faith based. I decided long ago to just preach expository sermons, one book at time. We have been much like the Pharisees. So teaching the Sermon on Mount helps humble us if we are open. Matthew 28:20 -- all the commandments, not just 5 or 10. All of them, including John 13:34-35 and all the "one another commands". I don't focus on doctrinal issues and address them in their context when it comes. The small church I'm teaching with now is much at peace. I've taught through whole Bible .. and am on my 2nd go now. I know it can be very frustrating at times. Keep teaching the Word.
Any time you state your beliefs, someone is going to disagree and often criticize you. It seems it is more pronounced in the church than anywhere else. I once posed the question in an article if the Holy Spirit was given to the entire church or just the apostles on the Day of Pentecost. Not that I was saying it was true, just that the way it is worded, “they all were gathered in one place” could lead to thinking the entire church received the gift. You would have thought I said everything the Bible teaches is wrong.
I can relate. I have long been too "artsy" for conservative churches and far too theologically/doctrinally conservative for progressive churches. I opt to attend conservative churches and just keep my mouth shut about the things that would make people look askance. No advice or solutions--just a fist bump of solidarity from another weird peg who doesn't fit neatly into any particular hole.
Showing grace goes a long way. Thanks for sharing and writing Jack
I relate to and have experienced much of this as well. I have been encouraged in the past 5 years or so to discover that there are many more like us, indeed perhaps the majority, who have not found their voice. Thanks for being one. I’m with you.
Great, great, great thoughts! We should strive to be balanced and in the middle! I believe most preachers, teachers, and Christian members have a wider view of opinion than we will ever know. You are not alone. I and many other preachers are in your corner for support. We will continue to look to the Scripture and be consistent even when that Scripture seems to go against the grain.
The best sentence in your piece is “The biggest struggle here, of course, is to avoid the pride that comes from trying to find your place.”
The beautiful struggle has always been about seeking God, His Kingdom and nothing else. This is the greatest witness to the world a follower of Christ can offer.
Seeking a place has led to tens of thousands of denominations that divide.
God asks us to seek and wait then seek and wait again and again. But we don’t allow others to have their own journey of seeking a waiting. Instead we tell them what to think instead of encouraging them to seek and wait.
The walls and rules of churches are both prisons to keep people in (control) and fortresses to keep people out (rejection).
Yes! Yes to all of this! As I've been reading through 1 Corinthians, we could easily change out the phrasing to so many issues that divide us today and have divided us for years.
I'm so sorry that happened to you and I'm even more sorry that I've probably treated some people that way in the past. I'm growing in grace and knowledge even though I was raised in the church. None of us get it all right all the time. That's what grace is for. Keep it up brother!
Thank you for sharing your experience, I really appreciate it. I too have often felt like I don't belong - and at times- have wondered if others knew my thoughts on things so traditionally held as true, that I would be ostracized...or maybe that I should leave because I just can't go along with traditions being taught as scripture.
however, I know that my Christian brothers and sisters love the Bible, and I love the Bible too - and I love them as well. There will always be differences of opinion on things and that's ok. The last thing I want to do is split the church, which I have seen happen so many times and it always makes me sad. Where would I go anyways? LOL.
I do know that the traditionalists far outnumber the non-traditionalists or those who would challenge it...but how can the church grow in a positive direction without those of us who find it necessary to speak up? I'm glad we have this place to encourage each other and talk about issues that we think need some challenging. Please continue to write, and thanks again for sharing your experience. I'm sorry for the people who treated you badly instead of graciously.
Thank you for this post. Spot on!
It’s like being on the highway.
Everyone to the right of me is blocking all forward progress.
Everyone to the left of me is a reckless danger. ‼️
But seriously, you’re right. We have to make love and moderation compelling. Not easy.
Great article Jack. Again, as I stated back on September 16, this is the reason the church is dying. Our souls are not being fed, and the sheep our wondering into other pastures to be fed. We need to openly talk about issues in the church that are being talked about in the world. I had a child ask me during a Sunday school class as a discussion was taking place during class, "What's wrong with being a lesbian?" I didn't think our discussion was anywhere near that subject. I almost felt ashamed that she ask of such a question. But, I addressed it and went on with class. I told my husband later of the situation, and said this is being taught and talked about in our schools, we better be talking about these issues at church.
Test post.
I appreciate your straightforward and honest approach. Do you think that there have been significant changes in terms of the Social Compact and the way that our “culture“ practices a ‘secular religion’ since 2018? What used to be the center is now seen as being almost far right. If so, how have these changes affected you and your ministry?