Further Discussion On Blog Postings
Concerning some Christian musicians and their reluctance to be labeled 'Christian artists' (posted on 8/22), I believe I understand. First, let me own the fact that I am sometimes uncomfortable with the label 'Christian'. I'll assure you that I am one! However, it is people on television news, usually whacko-extremist folks, that have defined 'Christianity' for unbelievers in our times. Where music and the arts are concerned, I think it can cut both ways. Not only can the audience have a negative judgment of the artist for being labeled 'Christian', more often than not Christianity puts an undue burden on the artists. To me this all revolves around the old 'sacred vs. secular' debate - and you all know how I tire of those distinctions! I absolutely love the quote, 'Christian by faith, not genre' where the arts are concerned.
One more thought on this matter. My friend Radioactive Jam introduced me to a close personal friend of his, who happens to be a legitimate rock star. This man loves the Lord, but when I spoke with him it was very obvious to me he had been abused by the church over the years. You see, he is an artist. The fact that many of his songs had 'spiritual overtones' but didn't contain a gospel presentation, and his concerts didn't look like an evangelistic crusade, the church really had no use for him. I'd go so far as to say those years of the church judging him have taken their toll. The good news (read Gospel) is that God hasn't turned His back on this guy. He's still the apple of His Father's eye.
On the posting concerning the decline of mainline churches and denominations (posted on 8/19), I thought the article was very thought provoking. As I said in the posting, the portion that really resonated with me was Donald Miller's suggestion that the church that is able to be "nimble in their organization and their response to culture" is the church that is growing across America. This has been our experience right here in our setting. Those churches living by the words "We've never done it this way before" are dying by them. I am so thankful to be a part of a pioneering-minded body of folks like we have here at Christ's Church! Our challenge: nimbleness! (Is that a real word?)
Lastly, concerning Scot McKnight's statement on the Emergent Movement (posted on 8/17), I loved it. So many critics question the theology of the Emerging Movement. I don't believe there is A theology. People from different theological positions make up the Emerging Church. I think the discussion should center around the philosophy more than the theology - I see them as two different things. A great place to begin these conversations would be over the word 'missional'.
So, any more thoughts on any of these from your corner of the conversation?
One more thought on this matter. My friend Radioactive Jam introduced me to a close personal friend of his, who happens to be a legitimate rock star. This man loves the Lord, but when I spoke with him it was very obvious to me he had been abused by the church over the years. You see, he is an artist. The fact that many of his songs had 'spiritual overtones' but didn't contain a gospel presentation, and his concerts didn't look like an evangelistic crusade, the church really had no use for him. I'd go so far as to say those years of the church judging him have taken their toll. The good news (read Gospel) is that God hasn't turned His back on this guy. He's still the apple of His Father's eye.
On the posting concerning the decline of mainline churches and denominations (posted on 8/19), I thought the article was very thought provoking. As I said in the posting, the portion that really resonated with me was Donald Miller's suggestion that the church that is able to be "nimble in their organization and their response to culture" is the church that is growing across America. This has been our experience right here in our setting. Those churches living by the words "We've never done it this way before" are dying by them. I am so thankful to be a part of a pioneering-minded body of folks like we have here at Christ's Church! Our challenge: nimbleness! (Is that a real word?)
Lastly, concerning Scot McKnight's statement on the Emergent Movement (posted on 8/17), I loved it. So many critics question the theology of the Emerging Movement. I don't believe there is A theology. People from different theological positions make up the Emerging Church. I think the discussion should center around the philosophy more than the theology - I see them as two different things. A great place to begin these conversations would be over the word 'missional'.
So, any more thoughts on any of these from your corner of the conversation?
Technorati Tags: Christianity, Culture, Ecclesiology, Denominations, Emergent, Emerging Church, Emerging Movement, Missional
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