Yes. And here I suppose we must pray for revival among the clergy, because from where I sit in the mainline, the problem isn’t that we stopped talking about enchantment, the problem is that we stopped believing it. But my theological tradition also says “I believe that I cannot believe,” so then, Lord, give us faith.
I like the way you think. I’m 69 now, a member of “mainline Protestantism” for decades after a Christian fundamentalist childhood. I’m an ordained Baptist minister. But I haven’t attended church for months now. Not something I’m proud about, because I believe collective communion and worship are essential to hope. But I’m now largely unmoved by the services I’ve attended in the past. I’m in a “pause” for personal reflection, and also conversation in small groups, in preparation for what must come next. I think you are onto something about what must come next. I do think we should avoid a strict dichotomy between this-worldly activism and a totally other-worldly approach. Both lead us astray. I suspect you agree, but you are drawing attention to what progressive churches are currently neglecting. Activism without transcendence does indeed lead to despair. So does an experience of God, of Christ, that leads us away from love for others in this world. Such a love cannot be removed from what is happening to those around us, or the earth and creation itself. Strictly speaking, that is also not an experience of God that we encounter in Jesus. As we pray, “on earth, as it is in heaven.” The point is we desperately need a return to theological grounding. Not simply secular moralizing.
Interesting article we are living in strange times. It would seem that Nietzche was rather prophetic when he infamously lamented that "God was dead". I don't really agree although I do think the idea of what that three letter word means to people changes. Perhaps it is time for a new meaning, one less defined and overused.
Yes. And here I suppose we must pray for revival among the clergy, because from where I sit in the mainline, the problem isn’t that we stopped talking about enchantment, the problem is that we stopped believing it. But my theological tradition also says “I believe that I cannot believe,” so then, Lord, give us faith.
I like the way you think. I’m 69 now, a member of “mainline Protestantism” for decades after a Christian fundamentalist childhood. I’m an ordained Baptist minister. But I haven’t attended church for months now. Not something I’m proud about, because I believe collective communion and worship are essential to hope. But I’m now largely unmoved by the services I’ve attended in the past. I’m in a “pause” for personal reflection, and also conversation in small groups, in preparation for what must come next. I think you are onto something about what must come next. I do think we should avoid a strict dichotomy between this-worldly activism and a totally other-worldly approach. Both lead us astray. I suspect you agree, but you are drawing attention to what progressive churches are currently neglecting. Activism without transcendence does indeed lead to despair. So does an experience of God, of Christ, that leads us away from love for others in this world. Such a love cannot be removed from what is happening to those around us, or the earth and creation itself. Strictly speaking, that is also not an experience of God that we encounter in Jesus. As we pray, “on earth, as it is in heaven.” The point is we desperately need a return to theological grounding. Not simply secular moralizing.
That’s exactly what I’m trying to say: activism without transcendence breeds despair. Great summary.
This is amazing. So true.
I agree! And thanks for highlighting the Mark Sayers interview. His new book is great, just like the others.
Interesting article we are living in strange times. It would seem that Nietzche was rather prophetic when he infamously lamented that "God was dead". I don't really agree although I do think the idea of what that three letter word means to people changes. Perhaps it is time for a new meaning, one less defined and overused.
This was great. I wrote an article about re-enchantment this morning using a C.S. Lewis' quote from The Weight of Glory as the central point.
Thanks for sharing!