Well, if you're joining this conversation for the first time...a little background.
In 2007 I did a series of talks entitled "How To Tip A Sacred Cow". The general idea was that, as a community of faith, we needed to talk about some stuff that was going to be pretty risky. We had come to realize that many people, somewhere along the way, had either rejected the church (as in the "idea" of church or church in general) or become disallusioned by it for a number of reasons. We had also come to believe that some of the perceptions that led them to feel that way had some very real truth to them. For example, some of those perceptions, the reasons for their rejection or disallusionment were things such as: the church being too judgmental; the church being too hypocrital; the church being too political; or the church being anti-homosexual.
We felt like it was time to open up an honest conversation about those statements and acknowledge that we, as Christians, had blown it in numerous ways and needed to own whatever part of those perceptions was true. So, we did. We spent a couple of months walking through those issues, as a community of faith, and encouraging people to offer their thoughts here.
A number of people shared there thoughts, hurts, and disappointments with us - and we were grateful for their honesty and trust. I also believe that it helped us grow - both in our awareness and in our authentic efforts to be more like Jesus. In fact, that's probably the best way to "sum it up". There are lots of people who, if you asked them, would say that they had great respect or even appreciation for Jesus, even if they weren't ready to fully put their faith in him. But those same people, when they looked at us - the church - felt that somehow we'd missed it if our mission was to be like Jesus, to carry his message and model his lifestyle. And they were right. It's not like we ever expect to be perfect, but we had to acknowledge that there were some pretty significant discrepancies between the things we said and did and who Jesus was and how he taught and lived his life. Thus, the conversation.
So.. here we are again. We figured if it was helpful then (even if it was a bit disappointing - kind of like looking in the mirror can be sometimes) that we needed to do it again from time to time... if for no other reason so that we would have to continue to be authentically self-aware in how we're doing in our efforts to be followers of Christ.
So, the conversation starts up again tomorrow. You can join us here, for some thoughts and commentary following my talk or you can join us live to hear it for yourself and, if you're so inclined, to add your thoughts and commentary about it here. Your call.
If you're interested in joining us "live", stop by tomorrow at Newsong Fellowship in Edwardsville, IL. We have two gatherings: 9:15 and 11:00 a.m. We're in the heart of downtown at 201 St. Louis St. Or, just come back later in the week and I'll point you to where you can hear the talk online. Either way, I hope you'll join the conversation. What you have to say matters and we might just need to hear it as much as you need to express it.
"How To Tip A Sacred Cow"... begins Nov. 1st. Hope to see you back here.
Love wins!
Dave
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What a great message this morning, Dave. I appreciate your willingness to tackle the tough issues in a series like this. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Matt
I don't know if Pastor Dave commented on this last time - but in the service today, something came to me. If we are talking about the pitfalls of politics, wanting to be 'god-like' and idols: I wonder if we dare talk about our beliefs about the Bible. For many, their interpretations and beliefs on this subject can be very powerful.
ReplyDeleteDare we approach the fact that the contents of the New Testament were most likely decided by a political process of the early church? Dare we admit that our own pride and desire for owning 'the truth' has created deep divisions within the group of people who call themselves Christ followers? Can we be honest with ourselves long enough to admit that our feelings about the Bible (whether man's reaction to God or in all parts the word of God) and our interpretaions of the Bible are in and of themselves intellectual and political endeavors? Can we talk about whether God ever intended to provide us with a set of rules and guidelines or whether we are destined to find meaning and guidance through prayer and reflection with the Bible as only a guide?
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI think the message you're trying to convey about the need for the Church to humble ourselves and repent of centuries of rash and sometimes hateful judgment is right on. All too often, we, as believers, get caught up in trying to make people understand that their beliefs are wrong instead of actually showing them why our Savior is so incredibly right.
With that said, I just want to take this opportunity to give you a little perspective. I'm a Christian and an Edwardsville resident, and when I walked by your campus and saw the "How to Tip a Sacred Cow" signage, I was, quite frankly, both embarrassed and aggravated at the message that was, on the surface, being touted. Out of context, both to my husband and to me, your sign basically said, "A Cow's a Cow, Sacred or Not--Your Religious Symbol is Insignificant, Weak, and Worthy of Being Mocked". Don't get me wrong, I understand the metaphorical meaning of a "Sacred Cow", and I in no way believe that there's any vestige of mystical power in a farm animal (nor in any object, being, or non-Biblical tradition); however, I do know that Jesus didn't convince people of His authority by mocking their beliefs--He demonstrated His power and distributed His love to them directly. Yes, the Gospel is offensive, but we, its vessels, shouldn't be.
After taking the time to read your blog, I can now see that your intention totally contradicts my perception, but honestly, I think you might want to consider that a) Not all of the viewers of the sign are going to take the time to read the explanation on your blog, and b) Like you said, Christians have already made a name for themselves in the judgment and condemnation department--do we need another example?
Please, please consider taking the sign down. Out of context (which is how most people will be reading it), it really kind of defeats your/our greater purpose.
Thanks, and God bless your efforts.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI hope that people are willing to take a look at the blog and willing to give it the time, especially if they are offended in any way.
One of the areas I feel in politics that is offensive to me is the idea of morality. I feel that people too often see black and white and are never seeing it as moral or immoral. When I see people sueing for no good reason to get money, or murderers getting off with some loophole, I get angry. When I see law enforment being paid to issue small citations instead of going after sex traffickers or serious drug offenders selling to kids, I get annoyed. There is so much out there that needs to be changed. That's not even touching the surface of health care.
Instead of criticizing the people that are in charge, why don't people stand up for themselves and do something about the situation. One person can do a lot of good, especially when they have God and others to rally behind them. There are a lot of important people in Edwardsville and surrounding areas that have more power than they realize. Instead of making this a conversation over dinner, why don't we at least attempt to make it a reality.
I'm tired of people talking about what they'd do if they were president or congress person. We have very capable people in charge and if you don't believe that, give up your cushy job and go after it. We need more christians in positions of power, but the simple fact is that we don't want them.
It's time to step up and make a difference instead of talking about it. I'll get off my soapbox now.