The enemy
As I was reading this-the sections 2.13 on Missional Congregations Structure for Clan, Synagogue and Temple-I began to wonder...
...is it really true that fears concerning a exclusively western expression of Christianity gives sufficient excuse for christ followers in the east to stop calling a congregation 'church' and a disciple 'Christian' ? What is this 'yoke of Christianity' that they are so concerned about?
It gives me the ironic impression that Jesus greatest enemy is not the devil but Western Christianity.
Sometimes a little more courage and less whining will do well for those 'Christ-following Hindus' and 'Christ-following Muslims'. Doing things like this creates the impression that Christianity is a western religion which is just not true. It alienates eastern believers from believers in the west. It gives the impression to eastern unbelievers that western Christians who use the term Christian to describe their faith are hypocrites or 'less spiritual' so to speak. In as much as I see the intention for ecclesiastical unity, I sense the more decietful desire to play 'catching-up-with the Jones' in the arena of political correctness. I assure you that sane and civilised easteners are more accomodating than most westerners think we are. Finally, a disciple of christ is persecuted not because of the label he uses, but because of the Lord he is loyal to.
Sometimes a little humility and submission to the weight of history with a dash of common sense gives more glory to God.
...is it really true that fears concerning a exclusively western expression of Christianity gives sufficient excuse for christ followers in the east to stop calling a congregation 'church' and a disciple 'Christian' ? What is this 'yoke of Christianity' that they are so concerned about?
It gives me the ironic impression that Jesus greatest enemy is not the devil but Western Christianity.
Sometimes a little more courage and less whining will do well for those 'Christ-following Hindus' and 'Christ-following Muslims'. Doing things like this creates the impression that Christianity is a western religion which is just not true. It alienates eastern believers from believers in the west. It gives the impression to eastern unbelievers that western Christians who use the term Christian to describe their faith are hypocrites or 'less spiritual' so to speak. In as much as I see the intention for ecclesiastical unity, I sense the more decietful desire to play 'catching-up-with the Jones' in the arena of political correctness. I assure you that sane and civilised easteners are more accomodating than most westerners think we are. Finally, a disciple of christ is persecuted not because of the label he uses, but because of the Lord he is loyal to.
Sometimes a little humility and submission to the weight of history with a dash of common sense gives more glory to God.
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on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 12:34 PM.
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