Confessions of a Seminarian

Are you a Jew?

I know it has been a while since I last posted, so I am sorry for the delay but here is the next video in our series on “How to Read the Bible.” This is gonna lay some groundwork for our discussions as we look at some specific seemingly puzzling texts. By the way, the title is meant to be provocative, not offensive:)

Risky Business: The “Self-Help” Gospel

A couple weeks ago, I attended a conference for small group leaders.  It was at a large well-known church, so I will omit names.  My hope is not to gossip, but make a vital point.  There was much to affirm about the training, but I had a frustrating experience fairly early that illustrated a theme that was rampant throughout the conference.

The first session, titled “Good Questions, Great Listening,” highlighted the importance of listening and asking questions in teaching.  So far so good.

I took my seat and listened as the speaker modeled this philosophy in his teaching by engaging the audience with questions.  However, as time went on I became increasingly worried that this session was not even Christian.

Was it heresy?  Not at all.  But it was strictly business.  The speaker did not include a single verse of scripture when the Bible has MUCH to say about showing love and respect in community. Here are some of the questions he asked the audience:
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Lost in Translation, Part 2

Last week, I wrote about the challenge of communicating relationally in the blogosphere. Now I will discuss the importance of applying this same principle in understanding the Christian faith.

Disclaimer: I do not believe Christianity can be fully communicated in this medium, but I do believe that some understanding can be obtained with hard work and patience. I certainly do not hold to an agnostic epistemology (belief that one cannot know truth or knowledge). However, there are relational limitations to this medium.

In truth, I am ecstatic to be confronted with these limitations! Here’s why…
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A Basis For Community

In my last post I discussed the human need for relationship. I argued that we are relational beings because God has always been relation as a Trinitarian God (meaning God is one being with three persons). I also proposed that the New Testament shows how the early church was a picture of solid community, but that the church in North America is not. This discussion has lead to another important question: Upon what is community based?

Community cannot be based purely on our mutual need for each other. This reduces community to a symbiotic relationship instead of seeing it as a beautiful living out of the way we are designed. Community based on need could then be likened to a commercial exchange. “I need help in this area, you need help in that area, so I guess we can help each other.” But community is far more involved than this. There is not only a willing component, but a desirous one. “I want to help you, you want to help me.” Community must be based on more than the fact that we need community.

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