Wednesday, November 29, 2006

The Journeying Paradigm

In a very real sense, we are all sojourners, traveling across the landscape of space and time. Whether we recognize it or not, we are all moving from where we once were through today and into whatever it is that tomorrow brings. Of course some of us travel quickly and, too often, haphazardly, while others are more cautious and tentative in their movements. Still, for all of the differences, we are all in motion.

Think about it. Are you exactly the same as you were in, say, grade school? Have you made any changes since your high school days? With whom do you spend time now, and what "makes you tick" today? How do your current interests differ from those of days gone by? Some things and certain relationships endure the passing of time, but other things and relationships, for whatever reason, fade away. In other words, we retain certain features of our past, and we (by choice or due to circumstances) alter other features. Indeed, even the lasting relationships, interests, and concerns are probably different (and hopefully more wisely approached) than they once were. We all journey.

If this is true, then perhaps this journeying paradigm should more obviously influence the way we think and live our lives as believers. Too often, or so it seems, we exude a static view of life. We know what we believe and how we should live, and so we exist in a kind of spiritual bubble, unchanged by anything within or around us. I wonder, however, if this is an ideal situation. After all, we are called to follow Jesus, which implies movement, a journey of sorts. And we are to grow in grace and knowledge, which obviously involves a measure of change. Could it be that we have been fallen prey to a stagnant outlook? Is our mind-set one which is overly confident, impersonal, irrelevant, and just plain boring? Far too often, I think this is the case.

As an alternative, it might be better and wiser to apply this journeying paradigm to the way we live and think. How would we approach theology, apologetics, epistemology, and a host of other issues if we better learned to travel, to think with God as we follow him through life? In what ways would our beliefs and attitudes be bolstered, tweaked, or even altered if we treated thinking and doing not as static and immovable but as something we journey towards?

Though a lot more might be added, the following seem to be consistent with this journeying paradigm.

1. Acknowledgment of weakness and ignorance - When we journey, we acknowledge that we don’t have all of the answers. This is what one would expect given Scripture's portrayal of humanity as fallen and prone to error. Even those renewed by the Spirit of God are in constant need of guidance and restoration. By the nature of the case, the imperfect among us (that’s everyone!) simply must journey if we hope to please God.

2. Keener awareness of God’s greatness - When we journey, it is at least possible to recognize that God is indeed far greater than our best conceptions of him. If he is as amazing as Scripture declares, if many of his ways truly transcend our most treasured formulations, we would do well to realize that this is simply the way things are with the true God. Our hope and prayer is that our journey will take us nearer to him.

3. Eschatological twist - When we journey, we allow our spiritual pilgrimage to take on a telos or purpose. According to Scripture, life has a goal, for there will come a time when God himself takes center stage and all of his purposes coalesce. Our journeying, therefore, at least to the degree that it is faithful journeying, has an eschatological tone to it.

4. Dependence on the ever-present One - When we journey, we implicitly acknowledge that we need something greater than we are. Ultimately, we need our Creator. If we require answers, if we have a difficult time overcoming our own foolish tendencies, if don't quite know the way–we are compelled to look outside of ourselves to the One who is with us still. To journey is to look to and rest in another. Thus, our journey, rightly understood, is the very essence and expression of faith.

Lest I be misunderstood, none of this is intended to sound relativistic. It is not that everything is “up for grabs.” Far from it. As believers we operate under certain assumptions, presuppositions that set the parameters for and the direction of our journey. Thus, we operate within the sphere of Scripture, and we seek to follow the living Son of God (as historical orthodoxy has always maintained). But we also add this personal element: We are journeying with our Lord through life. Therefore, all that we do and think and envision is a part of this process, this effort to heed Jesus’ call. He said it plainly: “Follow Me.”

Thursday, November 16, 2006

The Man in White

You’re trapped in a building that is engulfed in flames. The windows are barred, and the exits are blocked by raging fire. You run to the upper floors, but all access to the outside world is denied. You find one window to the outside, but the floor around it is caving in. What’s more, it is five flights up; thus, even if you could jump from that window, you would almost certainly perish.

As you run back and forth, looking for an escape, a man dressed in white steps forward and offers to help. He is calm and confident as he reaches out and tells you to follow him. At first, you’re not quite sure what to do. But, his response is reassuring. “This way,” he says. “Follow me to the only exit.”

At that point, someone objects, confronting the man accusingly: “Who put you in charge?” he asks. “How do you know there is only one way out of the building?” Then, a slightly more composed man chimes in: “Relax,” he says, trying to calm the gathering crowd. “After all,” he continues, “this man in white might be an okay guy. He might even know a way out. But let’s also respect the fact that there are surely other equally valid escape routes.”

As time passes, people are running to and fro. Some are afraid, but most are fairly confident that they’ll find a way out. Indeed, many “experts” offer their advice, assuring everyone that there are numerous avenues out of the burning building.

Though you are somewhat hesitant, you decide to follow the man in white. As a result, you discover that there really is a way to safety. Indeed, as you approach the only sure exit, you invite others to accompany you. Thankfully, some do. But others are too stubborn to even allow for the possibility that one man dressed in white is the only sure guide.

When all is said and done, a good number of people escape the building. Beyond that, a small number actually make it to that fifth story window and jump to safety; amazingly, fire fighters there are able to catch them. Surprisingly, some others escape through a side wall that collapses due to the intensity of the fire. Many others, however, are trapped and unwilling to follow the man who offers a way out of the blaze.

All of this reminds me of the issues related to human salvation and the exclusive claims of Jesus. He himself said it: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Jesus, in other words, is stating that he is the only Savior. Of course his words are more than a claim to exclusivity, for they also contain the promise of rescue and an invitation to hope. In other words, Jesus makes his claims not simply to brag about his superiority but to offer his assistance. Jesus isn’t so much trying to outmatch his competitors (though he could) as he is offering his help. Jesus as the only way to God is not intended to be an arrogant assumption foisted on people in order to lock them out of the kingdom and (proudly?) “show them” them how right we are. Rather, it is a sincere and valid assertion that there truly is hope for any and all who will embrace him.

In a world of many false options, there is a true one. Amid a plethora of dark alleyways, there is a bright path. Among countless pretenders, there is “the real deal.” In the world there are many well-meaning people, who proffer their services, and some of these are helpful. But there is only one perfect servant of God, who has the credentials and the authority to get things done.

In our pluralistic world, many are curious about the destiny of those who have never heard the gospel or who are members of non-Christian religions. Like we observed in the story above, it may be that God allows certain walls to crumble in order to provide a way of escape for some. Likewise, a gracious God just might allow some to jump from the fifth floor into a safety net. Personally, I hope and pray this is the case. Indeed, I would love to find out that many have escaped through a passage in the basement or by some back door. I hope, in other words, that God rescues many who never heard his name pronounced or who are entangled in various unhealthy belief systems. If that occurs–and I have a measure of optimism that it does!–all we need to realize is that the man in white is the one ultimately responsible for anyone’s rescue. He is the one holding the safety net, even if those who jump into it are unaware of the fact. Furthermore, he is the one who knocks down walls to provide a way of escape, even when no one notices that he is the hero in the story.

Still, for all of our hope in these potentially alternate routes, what we do know is that the man dressed in white offers a sure way out. He is the only Savior and our best friend.

Who knows what God might be up to in this strange and complicated world? After all, many things defy our comprehension, and countless questions remain. But, as we ask our questions and wonder how it all works out, we can at least grasp one thing confidently. The man dressed in white is compassionately and sincerely leading us to safety. The man in white knows the way. Indeed, he is the way. We’d be wise to follow.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Pimp My Life!

One of MTV’s most creative and popular attractions is the show called Pimp My Ride. It’s a strange name, to be sure, but it isn’t what you might think. Pimp, you see, is a slang term for beautify or revamp. Ride, on the other hand, is a roundabout way of describing an automobile. To Pimp someone’s Ride, therefore, amounts to a total recreation of his or her car. Catchy title, huh?

To give you some idea of how this works, people who own broken-down forms of transportation contact the show. Then, when a dilapidated, ready-for-the-junk-yard car is accepted, it is taken to a shop where major repairs and cosmetic surgery are performed.

Once the car is completed and returned to its owner, the responses are usually quite dramatic. The reason for this, of course, is that the changes to the automobile are drastic. Indeed, some of the cars are so altered that it is difficult to remember their former appearance. The transformation from ugly to classy, from dull to brightly colored, from tattered to renewed is akin to an automotive conversion.

Something similar takes place in the lives of those who look outside of themselves to their Creator. Let’s be honest; we can all be pretty shabby looking. Our “Rides” may be functioning, but they are certainly not what we want them to be. Our shine has faded, and our overall appeal is lacking. Though we have a ton of potential, it often goes unrealized. In a word, we need to get fixed, that is, “Pimped.”

This is precisely what Jesus came to do. He saw us as master creations, who had lost their luster, divine image-bearers whose image-bearing capacity was marred, creatures of God requiring an overhaul. While the modifications God makes are gradual and lifelong (and though we often get in the way) change is indeed his speciality.

Is the paint in your life cracking and the interior of your life torn and unsightly? If so, perhaps you need to find someone who is able to repair the damage and gradually restore you to your original purpose. Maybe, you need to present yourself to the One who changes hearts and alters perceptions, the One who performs his wonders on the soul.

Those who desire spiritual restoration will not be turned away, for our Maker honors all who are willing to declare their need of him. If you are so inclined, look to the One who repairs broken “Rides” and say something like, “Lord, Pimp My . . . Life!”

Sunday, November 12, 2006

A Postmodern Ping-Pong Ball

The following was written some time ago, during a time when I was beginning to grapple with the implications of a postmodern-influenced theology. While I might alter or add to what it said here, these words still capture some thoughts I have about life in today's postmodern world.

Have you ever felt like a ping-pong ball? You know what I mean. You consider one side of an idea or an issue, and it seems right. Then, you are exposed to the other side, and that seems right too. Perhaps, you are debating a political position. Maybe, you are simply uncertain about whether it makes more sense to take the bus to work or to use your own car. In any case, many things in life vie for our attention, and we can feel like we are being pulled in opposite directions. Sometimes, postmodernism makes me feel this way. Let me explain.

Some people are clearly opposed to postmodernism. For them, it is at best a passing fad. Indeed, it might even be the slippery slope of our age, a sure path to heresy. These individuals believe postmodernism should be criticized, or at least ignored.

On the other hand, other people are of a much more postmodern bent. These tend to see the positive features of today’s cultural milieu. In fact those who are not postmodern, those “stuck in the mud” modernists, are like theological ostriches whose heads are firmly imbedded in modern sand.

Among the dangers resulting from such disagreement is the tendency for traditionalists, i.e., modernists, and postmodernists to isolate themselves and to minimize the contributions made by those made on the other side. Anything that doesn’t fit one’s current paradigm is simply not taken seriously.

But I would submit that there are positive and negative aspects to both modernism and postmodernism. Furthermore, while I believe we ought to take a more postmodern approach, the best kind of postmodern influence is that which interacts with the best and worst of that which preceded it, that is, with modernism.

For example many traditionalists are rightly committed to the authority of Scripture and quite capable when it comes to exegesis and theology. Modern Christians are convinced that God really has spoken and that we can know with some measure of confidence what He has said. I sometimes wish that certain postmodern Christians would show a greater reverence for the Bible and a thus expend more energy unfolding its texts and truths. Like a wise young athlete learns from his predecessors, postmoderns can learn a lot from those who, for all their weaknesses, have something to teach us all.

Then again, postmoderns also have a lot going for them, including an openness to the new things God is doing in our day. Those of this mind-set are less likely to get stuck in Ecclesiastical mud (outdated traditions) and more apt to desire more than mere theological facts. Postmoderns, for all their extremes, want to experience God. Moderns can learn a lot from these daring, tradition-breaking postmodern explorers (and of course some already have).

Often, both moderns and postmoderns fail to recognize their own weaknesses. For instance, some moderns have been overly dogmatic, closed-minded, and rigid in their views. In general, the modern world was far too individualistic and not nearly humble enough. Then again, postmoderns have often been guilty, in my opinion, of exegetical sloppiness and theological laziness. At times, in fact, they seem so concerned about being on the “inside” of the postmodern movement that they exude a kind of politically correct attitude.

Both moderns and postmoderns must learn the lessons of history, and of their own hearts. At this stage of the game, it makes much sense to pursue a more postmodern-oriented brand of Christianity. The insights of postmodernism not only enable us to promote the gospel in a more effective manner, but they actually expose us to segments of God’s revealed will that were not prominent during the modern era.

Still, the way to be the best kind of postmodern is not by remaining ignorant of the past. Neither will we be all we can be apart from a humble recognition of what our more modern predecessors passed on to us. And, of course, we will only honor God if our greatest hope is to be neither modern nor postmodern but Christian. As we seek to do ministry in this age of transition, we must avoid errors wherever they originate, and we must embrace and embody anything (be it, premodern, modern, postmodern, or anything else) that accurately represents the faith once for all delivered to the saints, that is, anything that is genuinely from (and actually leads to) the true God.

Friday, November 03, 2006

The Liberal-Conservative Debate

It seems impossible to avoid the labels of liberal or conservative. Whether we are discussing politics, theology, or life-philosophy, it appears that nearly everyone aligns him/herself with one or the other of these groups. Of course some prefer the term moderate or independent as a way of describing themselves, thinking they can avoid some of the stigma associated with either of the traditional depictions. While I can appreciate the mentality that often motivates this moderate/independent approach, it still seems that the liberal-conservative concepts are difficult to avoid. After all, we all spend a lot of time mainting certain things and altering other things. That is, we tend to defend (or at least assume) some beliefs, while simultaneously caring little about (even rejecting) other beliefs. This "take it" and "leave it" idea is a part of the fabric of human experience.

What few seem willing to do, however, is take a closer look at what produces our liberal or conservative stances in the first place. To put it plainly, why do some prefer conservativism and others liberalism? What factors lead us to our respective views?

Though I do not want to decry the use or usefulness of labels, I do think it is important to take a step back and ask some important questions. What is it, exactly, that we want to conserve, and why? Likewise, what positions should be held more loosely, and why?

My suggestions, therefore, would be the following:

+ Why should we believe anything at all? This is one of those deeply philosophical questions that we must all ask ourselves. What is the goal (or telos) of human existence? What is our purpose?

+ As a Christian, our answer must include a belief that there is a God, that He has revealed Himself to human beings in various ways, and that we–His creatures–have at least some capacity to understand the truth. To the degree that we can discern the truth, we must learn to embody and share it with others.

+ Furthermore, we maintain that God’s inscripturated will is located in the book known as the Bible. While there has been plenty of disagreement over (and sometime misuse of) the meaning of various biblical passages, the main thrust of Scripture is identifiable.

+ Another significant factor for consideration is human impropriety. In biblical lingo, we are sinners, which means that we are prone to selfishness and pride. Surely, this affects our ability to discern. At the very least, this should prompt a greater measure of humility in all of us.

+ All these things being said (and there are other things, as well), we must ask ourselves what needs to be conserved and what should be “up for grabs.” Of course there will be many things about which we won’t be certain, and so a certain degree of tentativeness will often mark our lives. Still, the whole conservative-liberal debate must take into account these basic questions: What should we be liberal about? What should be conserved?

+ The labels of conservative and liberal are still useful, of course, and it is often practical and helpful to retain them. But our ultimate criteria are more profound than political parties or even theological positions. Approaching politics, theology, and life from the vantage point suggested here might help us to continually focus on the underlying issues of our lives. Likewise, it would hopefully enable us to remain open to improvement and change.

+ So, for what it’s worth, these are some thoughts I’ve had about liberalism and conservatism. Some things should be vigorously conserved. Other things should be held loosely. Still other things are difficult to categorize.

+ We’re on a journey. Along the way we hold onto truth to the best of our (collective) ability, refusing to confuse non-essentials with essentials and determined (with equal passion and conviction) to both defend the truth and remain open to new discoveries. A sandal-wearing wise-man once said that “the truth shall set you free.” We’d all be better off if we would learn to heed His words and follow this One whom many believe to be the embodiment of truth. I can’t think of a better path to travel or a better person to accompany us as we sift through the complex liberal/conservative/moderate issues of life.

To be honest, I'm not sure if my above words make any sense. Oh well, perhaps I'll take a closer look at them later. Tired . . .