06.09.06

spirituality in the next millennium

Posted in emergence, formation at 8:25 am by len

Mike Riddell points out that the church today is disregarded as a source of assistance in matters of spirituality. Christianity is perceived as old and tired, and past its use-by date. Mike observes that several hundred years of rationalism have produced a thin meal in soul food, particularly in the Evangelical tradition.Mike identifies some of the contributing factors. Salvation has been treated as if it were a place of arrival, rather than the departure point for a long and exciting pilgrimage. An obsession with faith propositions has all but drained away mystery through relentless explanation. And the few remaining spiritual practices, those of scripture and prayer, have been strip-mined to exhaustion. Mike lists some suggestions for renewal:

Storytelling: The history of our faith has always been passed on through stories. Jesus used stories to communicate, scripture is a collection of stories, and the ‘testimonies’ of peoples’ lives have always been powerful means of communication. We need to learn how to listen to stories and tell stories; indeed, how to live out a story.

The Sacrament of Eating: The most common setting for the teaching of Jesus was around the dinner table. Eating is the Christian context for fellowship, whether it is with fellow believers or with the very presence of Christ Himself.

Suffering: There is a need to focus once again on the mystery of suffering – to know Christ crucified and in the power of His resurrection. It was this mystery above all others that sustained the church in the face of enormous persecution.

Belonging: We have forgotten that we are the Body of Christ. Believers became known as “Christians” because they were identified as such not only with respect to their beliefs but also their lifestyle. Consequently, it created a sense of belonging, as well as a sense of bond and loyalty to fellow believers. Finally, there was a sense of sharing one’s journey with others. Arguably, it was the nature of Christianity that was practiced in the first three centuries of the Christian church as much as what the Church believed that led to not only its survival but also its prosperity.

Celebrating: We have lost the joy and excitement of our faith. We are enjoined in the Scriptures to bless the Lord at all times, and to recognize that in His presence there is fullness of joy. Although we are told to not worry about tomorrow, and commanded to not look back but press on, we fail to celebrate – Arise, shine for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

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