An exercise in generalizations and criticisms among the church
A couple of weeks ago, I published a post called “Dealing with generalizations and the church.” There were several really good comments on that post as readers thought through how we should deal with generalizations.
Well, thanks to an article published by “Leadership Journal” called “Why I Won’t Give to Your Church,” the church now has the chance to deal with generalizations in a real and public way. And, for the most part, I’d say many are not dealing very well…
(By the way, HT to Randy at “Bible Study Geek” for pointing us to this article in his post “Jewe: Why I Won’t Give to Your Church.”)
I encourage you to read the article and the comments. (There are 25 comments at the time that I’m writing this post.)
Whether you agree with the article’s author or not, once thing is clear: Very few of the commenters are interested in listening to him or his concerns.
Could he have written this article in a way that would be more palatable? Perhaps. But, that’s a completely different issue. The question here – again – is how do we deal with generalizations among the church.
Obviously, this author makes several generalizations, both about churches and about people his age. How should someone respond to these generalizations? What about someone who agrees with the author? What about someone who disagrees with the author? What if someone knows of instances that do not match the generalizations?
You see, I think the way we treat people often says more than what we actually say to them. And, unfortunately, I think many of the commenters are speaking loudly…
So, let’s pretend that you actually know the young man who wrote this article. 1) Assume that you disagree with his generalizations. How would you respond to him? 2) Assume that you agree with his generalizations. How would you respond to him?
(By the way, if you want to discuss the content of the article, that’s fine too. But, I’m really interested in thinking through dealing with generalizations and criticisms, both when we agree with them and when we disagree with them.)
But, what glorifies God?
Bringing glory to God… All followers of Jesus Christ want to bring glory to God. It’s a no-brainer.
But, what brings glory to God?
That’s not always a no-brainer… because it’s not the same in all situations.
Dave Black wrote about this in his blog yesterday (Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 8:20 a.m.):
This morning, for example, I was really trying to wrap my head around the Christian’s purpose in life. We often say, “Why, it’s to glorify God, of course!” I have no problem with those words. But are we willing to pray, “Lord, glorify Yourself through me”? The reason I say this is because God sometimes has some strange ways of bringing glory to Himself. Lazarus’s sickness was for the glory of God (John 11:4). Peter’s death was to be a means by which he would glorify God (John 21:19). Much discussion, I believe, has confused rather than clarified this matter of glorifying God. It is possible to glorify God more by death than by life, in sickness than in health, during those twisted, terrifying periods of life when everything seems dark, even in those drab and normal days when nothing is “happening.” It is easily possible to so idealize “glorifying God” that we come dangerously close to denuding the expression of any meaning. Look at your life. By the world’s standards, it may or not be successful, but that’s really irrelevant. Satan is a great imitator, and he has a false gospel, a false discipleship, and a false sanctification. Especially vulnerable are those who get caught up in following some famous Bible teacher’s pet theories and religious vagaries, never settling and abiding in the Truth themselves. It is of first importance that the Christian learn to glorify God no matter what happens to him or her, whatever it takes, whatever it means, even if it means being dropped to the bottom of the ladder, even if it means stooping to drudgery or bending low in unappreciated service to others.
Think about it just a minute…
James was killed in prison, but Peter was released from Prison… Which one glorified God?
Stephen was stoned to death by the crowd in Jerusalem, but Paul was rescued from the crowd by the Romans… Which one glorified God?
Barnabas traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch and beyond, but Philip stopped traveling when he got to Caesarea… Which one glorified God?
Eutychus was raised from the dead, but Stephen was not… Which one glorified God?
I could go on and on using various examples in Scripture. Which examples glorified God? We cannot determine the answer to that question by looking at the outcome.
Whether someone died or not does not necessarily bring glory to God. Whether someone gave money or not does not necessarily give God glory. Whether or not someone speaks does not necessarily glorify God. Whether or not someone travels around the world does not necessarily glorify God.
So, what brings glory to God?
What does it mean to follow Jesus Christ (i.e., be a Christian)
Lately, when I’ve watched or listened to interviews with Christians, I’ve heard something like this: “I’m a Christian, and so I …” What follows invariably related to some of the major social or cultural battles raging today.
“I’m a Christian, and so I think X about illegal immigrants.”
“I’m a Christian, and so I believe X about gun control.”
“I’m a Christian, and so my stand on same-sex marriage is X.”
“I’m a Christian, and so I prefer for X political party.”
These are only a few of the kinds of statements that I’ve heard recently. I’m not concerned that people have strong opinions about certain things. Not at all. I am concerned, however, when these opinions or convictions are used to define what it means to be a Christian. Or, if these convictions do not define what it means to be a Christian, they are often used to divide Christians from one another.
I understand that this is not usually what people intend to communicate by these statements. I think they intend to communicate that because they are followers of Jesus Christ – and based on their understanding of who is and and how he wants them to follow him – they believe certain things about the world, and those beliefs affect their stands on various social, cultural, and political issues.
But, I think what others usually hear is this: “Christians believe X about that issue.” or “To be a Christian, you must believe X about that.” or “Jesus wants you to vote for X.”
Is that really what following Jesus is all about? Because that’s what we’re telling people (whether we intend to or not).
Believe it or not, most of the social issues that we’re dealing with today were also present in the first century AD (not only present, but prevalent and accepted). But, in Scripture, we never see Jesus’ name invoked to attack or defend a political, social, or cultural stance.
So, if being a Christian (a follower of Jesus Christ) is not about these things, then what is it about? What should we focus on when we talk about being a follower of Jesus Christ?
Some ARE listening to their brothers and sisters in Christ who have mental illnesses
First, I’ll be honest… I don’t like the phrase “mental illness.” But, I don’t know what else to use. I’m talking about emotional issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. (If you know of a better phrase to use, please tell me.)
Yesterday, I published a fairly short post called “The church is talking about mental illness, but are we listening?” The point of that post was a simple one: While the church is talking about mental illness right now because of the tragedy in the family of a celebrity Christian, we need to be listening to those who have mental illnesses.
Yes, we can learn more about mental illnesses by listening to the people who struggle wit them. But, even more important, we can learn more about ourselves and about God by listening to all of our brothers and sisters in Christ, including those who struggle with these kinds of issues.
I was extremely encouraged by the response to that post. I want to share some of those responses with you. These responses were left in the comments on that blog post:
Robert wrote: “What we need is people who have been there and out the other side to find their life redeemed to be ministers to those who need to know ‘It doesn’t have to end this way.'”
Liz wrote: “We need fewer people who pat us on the shoulder and tell us we need more faith. Maybe we do, but unless you’ve been there and out the other side, just do as Alan says. Listen to them and pray with and for them. Please.”
Tom wrote: “The single most important thing I think I have ever done for anyone is be there. To simply be present, engaged, encouraging and part of someones life, to love them as friends has been the highest calling of my life.”
Randi wrote: “Listening… being there… removing shame with love… referring to resources… prayer… that’s what I would picture Love doing for those who are battling this illness.”
Dan wrote: “See, listening is great. But there’s something that has to happen before listening; and that’s just showing up. Getting someone, anyone, to show up in person to be there for mentally ill people or their families is 80% of the battle.”
John wrote: “We have looked down upon people who deal with mental illness, as if they are ‘less than’, or as if we are so much more spiritually mature. To some degree, we expect them to somehow snap out of it and move on with their lives.”
And, here are a couple of responses from Twitter:
@morethanpepper wrote: “26 years as a christian with depression been quite the road”
@ReagonGood wrote: “31 yrs of depression it never goes away it plagues your mind its a day to day process you learn to cope or you may die trying”
I want to especially thank my friends who struggle with these issues and who contacted me privately. I appreciate and love each one of you.
The church is talking about mental illness, but are we listening?
I do not know Rick Warren, and I did not know his son. (Yes, I’ve read one of Warren’s books, but that doesn’t mean that I know him.) However, I have known many people who found themselves in Matthew Warren’s place, and many people who have found themselves in the place of sorrow, grief, and guilt that many of Matthew’s family probably find themselves in now.
I once sat in a lady’s living room listening to her nephew talk about his faith in God and his relationship with Jesus Christ. He also talked about his struggles with depression. After he killed himself, I sat in that same living room and listened as his aunt grieved and mourned the loss of her nephew.
I sat in another living room of a close friend who has struggled with bipolar disorder for many years. When he left home that morning, he had left a suicide note for his family and taken a gun with him. His family struggled with what was going on and what they could do. I listened to them and prayed with them, and later rejoiced with them when my friend returned home. As long as I’ve known him, he has demonstrated a strong faith in Jesus Christ and has often encouraged and taught me as we’ve shared our lives together.
I’ve sat in other living rooms, or held the other side of the telephone, or stood next too many other people who have struggled with what has been called “mental illness”: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I’ve talked with them; I’ve encouraged them; I’ve tried to help them.
But, most of all, I listened.
Today, because of the tragedy in the family of a Christian celebrity, the church is talking about “mental illness.” People are defining it, describing it, debating it.
But, are we listening… really listening… to our brothers and sisters in Christ who struggle with these problems?
If we’re not, we should be. We can learn from them, because they are part of us. They are an important part of us. They are a needed part of us.
And, until we accept them as part of us, and until we stop talking and telling and condemning and warning and explaining… until we start listening… we’re going to miss something important that God wants to do in our lives THROUGH them. (Of course, God can use us in their lives too, but that’s a different point.)
A good friend of mine has been struggling with depression for a long time now. Every time I talk to him, he encourages me to trust Jesus and to follow him regardless of where he leads me. He is a good brother in Christ… the kind of brother that I would like to be to others. And, he struggles with depression.
I listen to him, because he is part of the body of Christ with me, because God loves him, and because I love him too.
The church is talking about mental illness now… but are we listening?
Replay: Sin and the church
Five years ago, I wrote a four part blog series called “Sin and the church.” If there’s one word that could describe how the church responds to sin today, that word would be “inconsistent.” For the most part, Christians accept some sins without blinking, while immediately condemning anyone who comes close (or looks like they might one day think about coming close) to other sins. But, according to Scripture, how should we respond to sin? That’s the question I attempt to answer in this series. Below, I’ve “replayed” the final post in that series, with links to the other posts at the bottom.
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“Sin and the church – Part 4“
In this series, I’m asking the question, “What should believers do when they discover that another believer has committed sin?” In this final installment, I want to look at a few attitudes that are necessary for us to deal with sin in a biblical and godly manner. I do not suggest that this list is exhaustive. However, I do believe that these attitudes are extremely important for dealing with any kind of sin.
1. Love – We must approach someone who is actively sinning in an attitude of love. Sin fractures relationships – both relationship with God and relationships with others -, and we should desire to reconcile those broken relationships. Thus, approaching someone with the purpose of exposing their sin is not the proper motivation. A desire to show that a person is not as good as people think is not the proper motivation. A desire to get rid of a leader that we do not like is not a good motivation. We should only approach someone who is sinning out of love.
2. Humility – The attitude of humility begins by recognizing our own sinfulness and our tendency to yield to temptation. Thus, Paul’s warns the Galatians that those who are restoring someone caught in a sin should do so while watching out for themselves. This attitude of humility will also tend to dispel any thoughts of self-righteousness, as we recognize that the grace of God is the only reason that we are not caught in the same sin.
3. Understanding – Love and humility – that is, care for the other person and a recognition of our own sinful tendencies – will lead to an attitude of understanding instead of an attitude of condemnation. It is possible to both welcome and accept a brother or sister caught in sin without condoning sin itself. God does this for us.
4. Forgiveness – Forgiveness is very important, but we often overlook forgiveness, or we wave our hand at it as if forgiveness is not necessary. Forgiveness is necessary and it should be spoken to the individual. Let them know that we forgive them as God forgives them.
I would like to add one final thought about sin and the church. We must make the distinction between sin – that is, disobedience to God – and cultural taboos. Every action that we dislike is not sin. If we do not make this distinction, then we are setting our own opinions of attitudes and behaviors on the same level as God’s. To mention two examples, neither drinking alcoholic beverages nor smoking cigarettes are sin. The behaviors may be unwise. They may be unhealthy. They may be dangerous. They may demonstrate other sins such as addiction or drunkenness. But, the activities themselves are not sin, even though they are not accepted in certain cultures.
Sin is devastating. Sin is pervasive. Sin is unnecessary. We can walk in the Spirit and not sin. However, when a brother or sister sins, the church – other believers – must deal with this sin in a godly manner. Let’s not find ourselves sinning in our actions and attitudes when we are trying to help another brother and sister who is sinning.
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Sin and the church series
When I took a walk to hear from God
This morning, I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood to hear from God. I wanted to block out everything else so that there would be no distractions. That way, I would clearly hear what God was saying to me.
It did not go well.
To begin with, even before I left my house, my family kept asking for help. My wife needed to talk; my son and daughter needed help with school; even the dogs needed to be fed. I was finally able to sneak out of the house while they were not looking.
I closed the front door, walked a few steps down the street, and took a deep breath. Finally, I would be able to hear from God, right?
No. Immediately, the neighbors across the street came out of the house to leave for work. They were yelling at each other the whole way to their cars. The wife pulled out of the driveway, but the husband apparently forgot something because he stormed back into the house slamming the door. He returned a few seconds later, paused a moment looking at me, then got back into his car and left for work.
Just as it was starting to get quiet again, a bunch of kids turned the corner on the way to school. They were loud and crazy, calling out to one another, picking on one of the smaller kids. Again, there was no way that I could hear from God with that racket. (But, I have to admit, I did chuckle a little as they picked on that little boy.)
The school kids had just moved out of ear shot when, believe it or not, my cell phone rang. Just my luck, it was a friend of mine who needed some counsel. He talked for several minutes before I was finally able to convince him that I was extremely busy. (What could be more important than hearing from God?) I told him that I would call him back. I’ll get around to that phone call soon.
I made the last turn on the way home and finally had a few moments of quiet to focus just on God… I wish! No! Just then, a mom and two toddlers decided to take a walk. You should have seen and heard that mom struggling with a stroller, bag, two kids, and other assorted assortments that moms always seem to have with them.
Well, I was back home. I guess I could have tried to walk around the block again, but I really needed to start work. I’ll try to hear from God another day.
Dealing with generalizations and the church
Yesterday, in response to my post “Defining and describing organic church life,” there were a few very good comments. And, for the most part, the comments revolved around the question of generalizations.
For example, in the post, I quoted Nathan from “Joined to Him.” Scott suggested that Nathan had overgeneralized with his statement, “By ‘organic church,’ I mean a non-traditional church that is born out of spiritual life instead of constructed by human institutions and held together by religious programs.” Instead, Scott shared how the church he is part of was born out of spiritual life.
I think Nathan responded very well, and admitted that his statements were generalizations based on his own experiences. Arthur also commented saying it is hard not to get caught up in generalizations and even hyperbole.
These comments kick started my brain into thinking about generalizations in general. 🙂
Seriously… as I asked a few time in my own comment responses… Why would Nathan generalize that “non-traditional church is born out spiritual life” while traditional church is “held together by religious programs”? Or, to ask from a different perspective, why would many generalize that “organic” or “simple” church is insular (or even insulated)?
Obviously, before anyway states this, generalizations can always be proven wrong by specific examples. (Yes, that is a generalization…)
But, here’s the thing I think we need to think about: There is a reason that people come to these general opinions about either more traditional/institutional church or more simple/organic church. In other words, while the generalizations may not be true in all instances, there are usually reasons that people come to those generalizations.
I think it would be beneficial to consider those reasons.
For example, why would many people generalize that more traditional/institutional churches are not Spirit-led but are instead program driven?
Or, why would many people generalize that more simple/organic churches are not interested in others but are instead insular?
Obviously, there are many generalizations that we could consider. But, if we listen to people’s generalizations, we may learn more about ourselves and how people perceive us. If we know how people perceive us – and if we care about those people – then we can learn more about how we are or are not presenting ourselves as we would like to and how we need to change.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ – more than an historical event
While many churches advertised and celebrated their huge numbers yesterday, we gathered with a few families in the home of some good friends of ours. We didn’t have a band or choir or production. We didn’t have a rousing sermon or video presentation or drama. It was just a few brothers and sisters in Christ encouraging one another to live every day in light of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
You see, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is an historical event – a very important historical event. But, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is much, much more than an historical event. It is a very present reality for every child of God.
Yesterday, after we all arrived and set our food out in the kitchen and talked about what was going on in our lives and prayed for one another, we started talking about the resurrection. It was a very challenging and encouraging discussion for me.
Challenging… because the discussion with my brothers and sisters in Christ reminded me of how often I do not live in the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Too often, I live as if Jesus was not raised, and that this life and death will be final.
Encouraging… because the discussion was a reminder that as we struggle, Jesus is present, and he is powerful, and he is full of grace and mercy when we fail.
First, the resurrection of Jesus Christ was a demonstration of God’s power, and that same power is still available to us today. This is what Paul wrote about the resurrection and God’s power:
[I pray that you might know] what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places… (Ephesians 1:19-20 ESV)
Second, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a reminder that death is not final, and that we will be raised just as Jesus was raised. Paul wrote about this aspect of the resurrection as well:
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:20-23 ESV)
Finally, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the promise of the continued presence of Jesus with us – even today. Once again, Paul had something to say about this:
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10 ESV)
Obviously, there is much more to the resurrection of Jesus Christ than the three items that I listed above. And, we even talked about more aspects of the resurrection than that. But, those three are certainly important.
I’m glad that we talked about the resurrection yesterday. I’m glad that we encouraged one another to live in the reality of the resurrection yesterday.
My hope, though, is that we continue to encourage one another like this every day.
Replay: Jesus is not risen
Three years ago, I wrote a post called “Jesus is not risen.” It was published around the time that many Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and it just happened to have been published on April 1… April Fool’s Day. However, this is not an April Fool’s post. I’ve published a few of those, but this is not one of them. Instead, this is an extremely serious post. We can say that we believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ historically, but do we live in a manner that demonstrates we truly believe that Jesus was raised and is alive? It’s a question I think about often, and I invite you to think about it with me in this post.
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Jesus is not risen
I know what you’re thinking. Either Alan has lost his mind, or this is an April Fools Day joke. Well, I don’t think I’ve lost my mind, and this is not an April Fools Day joke.
Instead, as I’ve been thinking about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, thinking how God might want to use me to encourage and teach the church, I’ve also been thinking about my own life.
Imagine for a moment that the person you cared for most in your life (maybe your spouse, or parent, or child) died. That person was dead dead… completely dead and buried. A couple of days later, that person rises from the dead. Note, this was not the result of medical intervention. The physicians gave up days ago. The mortician had already done his work. And, this dead person came back to life. What would be your response?
That’s what I’ve been thinking about lately. How would I respond?
I think I would respond to this “real” resurrection differently than the way that I respond to Jesus’ resurrection. Obviously, my response does not indicate that Jesus is not risen. But, my response (or lack thereof) does indicate what I really think about Jesus’ resurrection.
To be honest, I live most of my life as if Jesus was not risen. Oh, I “know” he’s risen. And I profess that he’s risen. And I believe that he’s risen. But, for the most part, when does his resurrection actually intersect my life? At what point is my life different – day by day, priorities, choices, actions, etc.?
My words are consistent: “Jesus is risen!” But, my life is inconsistent. Sometimes my life claims, “Jesus is not risen.”
I need help. I need reminders. I need more than an annual reminder. I need encouragement and admonition to live each day as if Jesus was risen and still alive. This is one way that I hope to encourage brothers and sisters when we talk about the resurrection. I guess that’s a good thing about this time of year. We tend to focus on the resurrection, while we’re thinking about bunnies and chocolate. But, what about other times of the year? What about next Monday?
So, when we’re talking about the resurrection, I’m going to ask my brothers and sisters to remind me – daily if necessary – that Jesus is alive. I’m going to ask them to warn me when I’m living as if he’s not alive. I’m going to ask them to show me how to live as if he is risen.
Jesus is risen! But, when I live as if he’s not risen, my words mean little. I thank God that he’s surrounded me with brothers and sisters in Christ who can help me live as if he is risen. Then, not only my words, but my life will say, “Jesus is risen!”