Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Okay, seriously now...
So, I think it has now been proven that it is summer and our brains are protesting all serious thought. However, as we only have a week or so left before we must jump into full brain-power mode, perhaps we should at least put our big toe in the water (unless you chose to cut that one off). So here's a question. Someone at my grandparents church used the term "quasi-Church of Christ". Now I have no idea what exactly he meant because the conversation didn't really go on or have to do with that, but anyway, I immediately start to get defensive and ready to argue (in my head of course) Judgement and division and such in the church are a problem. Given. A lot of times when I encounter a person that I feel is being very close-minded and exclusive as far as church things go, I know that my personal reaction is to get kinda upset and feel like they are wrong. But...my judgement of what I perceive as judging could be just as equally wrong. So how do you go about differences of opinion and interpretation? And I must add just to be honest here, that I often don't really have a founded opinion on things, I simply argue the opposite of what people say when they are saying that only one thing is right. (i.e. instrumental music, expression in worship, etc.) Just thought this would be interesting to get everyone's thoughts on (yes i ended my post with a prepostion).
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3 comments:
Interesting, oh, happy centennial of your denomination!
Hmmm. This is indeed difficult. In fact, I believe it's why we have so many denominations in the first place.
Because my mom tends to be pretty conservative about most stuff and because I live in Abilene and am contrarian, I have a tendency to lean towards being liberal for its own sake. Which isn't always a good thing(nor is it always bad). All this to say, I tend to get defensive and argue (often aloud) when I feel that people being close-minded.
I think that the ideal thing to do would be to stick up for a more liberal view without being defensive. This, of course, is almost impossible if both parties aren't willing to participate calmly in an intellectual debate. But this, at least for me, needs to be balanced with the reminder that although it is good to not be judgemental, it is also very important to avoid moral relativism, which I kind of lean toward if I'm not watching myself.
So I don't know if that made any sense, but I guess I can clarify later if you guys are confused.
Denominations are horrible when they divide people. I also think, however, they may have good aspects to consider. Marcella, I believe it was you, has mentioned tensions/balances in the past(an interesting concept, I think, and a good way to put it, my friend). Different denominations have different traditions that bring with them amazing attributes, yes? The Churches of Christ have a capella music. I like it. I think that goes toward our heritage. It's something that defines us (which can lead to bad things, but it doesn't have to! i think). Catholics have ways of doing things that I don't agree with, but they also add to heritage. This same thing goes for most denominations. In all cases, of course, heritage and tradition can easily turn into more (which causes division). Do you think, though, that these separate traditions can serve as the tension to keep us in line? Do my conservative Church of Christ background (with my open mind in full use) and my friend's liberal background (also open mind…) serve The Church as a whole better while we're being different? Can we be different, like Marcella alluded to, and still be united in Christ? Did Paul suggest that our differences were even meant to help us? Maybe all of that is too idealistic. It's probably easy to get into 'convenient church' here, as well, which is stupid a little. Obviously core beliefs don't and shouldn't change. Relativism is bad! The main thing, idealistic or not, is love. That of Christ... specifically. : ) I really am trying to make sense and comment on the actual post.
Arguing is so much easier than having an open mind! Sheesh. Why is it so easy to be skeptical!?! I'm not sure I like it anymore.
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