Study: Religiosity of Humanities Students Most Likely to Wane | Christianpost.com

Study: Religiosity of Humanities Students Most Likely to Wane | Christianpost.com

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Does God Actually Speak to Us? I Think We Usually Imagine It. | revelife

Does God Actually Speak to Us? I Think We Usually Imagine It. | revelife

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Snow in ATL!

Yes it true! It's snowing today in Atlanta and across Georgia. Reports are that we are going to have 2 inches. If that happens I'd be willing to bet that schools will be closed tomorrow and maybe even work for many.

As one who grew up in New England I know what some may be thinking. And you're right, it is funny! Now later in the week it is supposed to be back in the 60's so all of this will go away soon.

Presently it is still snowing, but it has slowed up considerably. Is more to follow? Time will tell. But for now this New Englander is reminded a little of home.

Amidst Simplicity is Hidden Complexity

I have for a long while now pondered and even questioned the idea where some have stated that the more they know the more they realize how much they do not know. It is that or something to that effect. Today, for the first time, I think that I am beginning to experience that.

I cannot remember when, but I had come to a conclusion at some point which is summarized in one short simple saying of mine - "Amidst simplicity is hidden complexity." It encapsulates several thoughts for me. On one level it points to the realization that things are not always what they seem. I am often in situations where the first account only holds a portion of the truth and it would be unwise to act on it without consulting several other sources. Life is full of moments and situations like that. On a similar, but different line of thought it points to the simplicity in which objects present themselves. Take any object in its entirety and it can seem rather simple.

All things hide their complexity. Computers, humans, a glass cup, water, a piece of paper, a picture, a snail, a red dot, a cake...anything you can think of can be viewed in simple understandable ways yet are made up of a high degree of complexity. Sub-atomic particles, atoms, molecules, elements, organs, systems, organisms, reproduction, intelligence, morality, choice, tribes, societies, cultures, countries, Earth, space, the Milky Way, universes, galaxies, black holes, nebulars, quantem mechanics, 4th dimensions, God...where does it end?

We have done ourselves a disservice in not appreciating the complexity and wonder in what appears to us in simplistic "shells". It would be unfair for me to say that I think all should strive to understand the complexity of life. We all have our gifts of intelligence where we focus on one part of the complexity over the other. But what I do think is fair is at the very least we could do a better job at appreciating it.

What has spurned this topic for me is some recent discussions concerning the debates over Creationism, Intelligent Design, and Evolution. All of these are highly complex arguments. The debates also are not what they appear to be on the surface. These arguements are as complex as the humans who are engaged in the direct debates. I do plan on tackling some of these issues myself in future blogs, but am right now feeling an intense realization that the more I know and experience in life I find that there is always more to know. It is because of this belief that I am annoyed at the simplistic posture some take towards theology and the Bible. This is a subject I covered in another blog concerning a Barna study. I believe it is that same posture that has lead us to lose our foothold in such areas as the sciences and government. It was not always so, but for many reasons which I will attempt to uncover later, it is where we are at now.

Reflections on "Christianity Is No Longer Americans' Default Faith"

CLICK ON THE TITLE LINK TO READ FULL BARNA STUDY

This is a reflection concerning the conclusions made by Barna concerning this study. I will quote each conclusion followed by my reflection.

• "The Christian faith is less of a life perspective that challenges the supremacy of individualism as it is a faith being defined through individualism. Americans are increasingly comfortable picking and choosing what they deem to be helpful and accurate theological views and have become comfortable discarding the rest of the teachings in the Bible."
  
• "Growing numbers of people now serve as their own theologian-in-residence. One consequence is that Americans are embracing an unpredictable and contradictory body of beliefs. Barna pointed out, as examples, that millions of people who consider themselves to be Christian now believe that the Bible is totally accurate in all of the lessons it teaches at the same time that they believe Jesus Christ sinned. Millions also contend that they will experience eternal salvation because they confessed their sins and accepted Christ as their savior, but also believe that a person can do enough good works to earn eternal salvation."
  
• "In the past, when most people determined their theological and moral points of view, the alternatives from which they chose were exclusively of Christian options - e.g., the Methodist point of view, the Baptist perspective, Catholic teaching, and so forth. Today, Americans are more likely to pit a variety of non-Christian options against various Christian-based views. This has resulted in an abundance of unique worldviews based on personal combinations of theology drawn from a smattering of world religions such as Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam as well as secularism."
  
• "Faith, of whatever variety, is increasingly viral rather than pedagogical. With people spending less time reading the Bible, and becoming less engaged in activities that deepen their biblical literacy, faith views are more often adopted on the basis of dialogue, self-reflection, and observation than teaching. Feelings and emotions now play a significant role in the development of people’s faith views - in many cases, much more significant than information-based exercises such as listening to preaching and participating in Bible study."
  

I have become increasing aware of the first point and have stated it on a number of occasions. For me, there is no argument that it is occurring with greater frequency. The real question (as will be a theme I will address in each) is whether I feel it is wrong. In this case, the answer is yes and no.

Let's consider that a part of the reason this may be occurring with greater frequency is that in part we are to blame. According to this report their is somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 Christian denominations. Essentially, that is 200 variations or brands of the Christian faith in the United States alone. The American culture breeds, for better or worse, choice and liberties in all areas of life. Liberty and freedom of choice is the essence of which most say the foundation of this country was built upon. I believe that it is reasonable to say that this is one factor influencing the many brands of Christianity we see today. Now media also has a role in shaping the public image of Christianity as well. Add to that the more talked about evangelist and Catholic pedophile, domestic abuse, and illegal monetary activity (to name a few examples) which the media has blasted across the airways. With leadership and the institution being on such shaky ground is it any wonder why people may be making their own rules? Granted, despite what leadership and the institution does, does not necessarily reflect the teachings of the Bible nor is it always an appropriate reflection of God, but most people do not often think that deeply and so they connect the two at least in their response.

But is it a wrong response to exchange the challenges of Biblical teaching for a faith that is individually defined? I think part of the problem we are dealing with is that people, in general, lack the understanding and tools to accurately approach and apply the Scriptures to their own lives. When the Bible states that it is of no man's personal interpretation it alludes to the fact that their is a right and wrong way to apply and read the Bible. By in large, however, these tools and this understanding has not been passed down very well by the Church who has spent much of its time telling people what to believe rather than teaching them how to think. I know that this brings us to many points of discussion, but let me refrain from getting too off track. The point I am trying to make is that I believe the answer is found in the balance of the two perspectives. I do think that the pick and choose mentality that many Christians have become comfortable with has gone too far. I also understand there is some grey issues as to what is and is not applicable to our lives and contexts which only adds another level of complication when addressing this subject. However, I do believe that adhering to some of the basic principles of Biblical interpretation/application goes a long way in clearing up many of the perversions or misdirection we see while still allowing for the mystery and diversity which make up the Christian faith.

So by now you may be wondering what basic principles I am referring too. Before I give you a reference allow me to preface it with the following statement. I believe that the main message of the Bible (Christ and the love of God towards humanity), at its most basic level, can be understood by anyone. Likewise, their are many teachings and principles that, at the most basic level, can be understood and applied. That said, there is more to the Bible than just the basics and it becomes what the Bible calls the difference between the milk and the meat. At some point, things are just not that simple and it takes more than a basic understanding to see your way through it. But this is where many get tripped up because they are trying to digest meat without teeth. They simply have not acquired or refuse to acknowledge the need for the tools and understanding I am referring too. Finally, allow me to say, that it is not an exact science and even with the tools and scholarly education that one can possess there may be differences in opinion. But let me reference a decent albeit basic book on the subject which will give you an idea as to what I am talking about. "How to Read the Bible For All It's Worth", by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart is an excellent resource on the subject and provides a basis for understanding Biblical interpretation/application.

So on the one hand I do believe people have taken too many liberties in picking and choosing to make their own personal brand of Christianity that is comfortable for them. When we stop allowing the teachings of the Bible to challenge and inform our own beliefs and actions we are in serious danger. On the other hand, with so much ill informed, misguided, or simply teachings that were not very well prepared, individuals need to use great discretion as to what they do believe and take as their own. The instructions that Paul passed on to Timothy is fitting in striving to rightly handle the word of truth. This instruction assumes or indicates that the Scriptures are not what you want them to say, but in fact do have their own intended purpose and application. Even if one can argue for several principles and applications derived from a passage, it still is within a range and that range is usually very narrow.

Concerning how people come to choose their theological and moral views and the option they choose from outside of Christianity. This makes for a very interesting conversation of which I could not possibly hope to cover all of the angles within this blog. It is my understanding that truth, no matter what shell it hides within, is truth from God. Only truth comes from God hence the reasonable conclusion that the religion of Christianity does not have a monopoly on all things regarding truth. Christianity, as it was intended, points to the saviour through Jesus Christ and follows the distinct description and nature of God found within Jewish and Christian cultures and writings. That said, there are lessons to learn in every culture, who do better in living well in some areas and not so much in others. Sometimes others just say it better than what I have heard or known from the Bible (sorry if that is offensive to some). But let's face it, the Bible was intended primarily for one thing - to communicate the love of God to humanity through the message of Christ and to give us the map for having a relationship with Him. Sometimes some cultures and writings of others, which I would not follow or subscribe to, highlight certain truths as their focus. My acceptance of the truth is accepted on the basis that it does not conflict with what I know of the teachings of the Bible. And where the Bible is silent there may be even more liberty for ones imagination. But, as this statement by Barna seems to indicate, I would not challenge Biblical truths with that of another conflicting view from another religion or culture. This is where we must know where we stand and who we claim to be as Christians.

Where I think Christians have become lazy is that some have refused to educate themselves except within their own Christian circles. If we are really going to adhere to the examples set forth in the Bible we will come to understand the culture in which we live and other cultures we intend on communicating with before we "boldly go where no man has gone before." Paul is one of the best examples who demonstrated his understanding of the people he was speaking to by literally quoting their own writings and educational resources and using it to point to Jehovah God.

On another but related point, I have personally always been a bit uncomfortable with subscribing to one particular denomination. Not faulting the practice entirely, just never understood any one denomination having all the answers. Are you a Calvinist or Wesleyan? Well, presently a little more Wesleyan than Calvinist, but I find value in both. The same might be said if you asked me whether I think the Baptist are more correct than the Assemblies of God. Personally I think both take it a bit too far at times. But again, I do my best to allow the understanding I have concerning the teachings of the Bible to be the final authority rather than using internal or external sources to challenge what it says.

Finally, as it concerns the fourth point mentioned by Barna. I think it is important to understand that in history and especially before text or when reading became popular, people did rely more on dialogue, self-reflection and observation to come to their own conclusions concerning their theological, moral, and philosophical beliefs. So on that basis I find these activities still to be an essential part of maturing in the faith of Christianity. However, I do lack a bit of faith in the ability of many to carry on logical and well informed dialogues, self-reflections and observations. That may sound harsh and mean, but in order for these practices to be fruitful a certain capacity for intellect must be engaged. Without it feelings and emotions do tend to lead conclusions which are independent of intellect or credible/reasonable information. The person that says that God directed them or told them to do something contrary of even the most basic teachings of the Bible is a good example of this. Holistically speaking one should engage in these activities but also be Biblically informed and engaged in other informational activities such as Bible studies, preaching...etc.

In conclusion concerning these points I say some folks have gone too far and that one should be very careful when finding themselves picking and choosing to the extent of avoiding conviction and excusing a lifestyle that they have grown accustomed too. Correctly handling the word of truth implements a certain amount of discretion while still allowing the teachings of the Bible to guide their conduct and actions. They wrestle with the uncertainties while still grasping to the truths they have learned. But they are engaged utilizing sound tools of Biblical interpretation/application and not relying on their conscious alone for their truth.