Saturday 24 April 2010

predestination


It's the biggie: the make or break one for a lot of people; the theological hot potato that no-one really wants to discuss. Many a sleepover/retreat/overnight has been ruined by it; heck, countless churches have been torn apart by it. But for the first time ever, I have an answer that satisfies me. So although I would usually shy away from expressing an opinion on most theology on record, I think it's interesting enough to share.

Having taken a wee bit of time to study it this week, I came across this sermon from Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church, Seattle. Mark, referred to occasionally times in this blog, has a good ministry and good teaching. I feel he can often be OTT or "a little too Calvinist'. A bit like John Nixon. (But without the glorious facial hair or winning smile..) But he absolutely nailed this one. Out of the park, with one a couple of seconds in the whole thing which I might choose to disagree with.

So I decided to share what I'd learnt, in the form of what I've called a "stream of discussion" - what was one massive bit of meandering photoshopping, which I've carelessly now lopped up into six. You can access the Picasa gallery below - I recommend slideshow mode or download for reading.

Predestination: A Stream Of Discussion


I shall await your wrath with great anticipation...

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Tuesday 13 April 2010

jennifer knapp: coming out and letting go

It's the hottest, and arguably most divisive, topic of Christianity over recent years: homosexuality and what place (if any) those who come to it could find in an increasingly tumultuous Christian sub-culture. And let me tell you: I've already encountered the debate three times today alone! It is one that I dare not express an opinion on, because I genuinely don't know where to fall. On one hand, it seems so black and white; on the other, Christ, whilst on earth, showed love and embraced everyone who came to Him. Absolutely everyone.

I'm not ashamed to highlight that members of my extended family are gay, and interestingly their experiences are hugely different. But it is a debate I would rather leave God to continue to reveal love and solutions in and to, as time passes. Not that I don't recognise the damage the same debate causes; I was listening to an old Mark Driscoll sermon from a couple of years ago, where he mentions that the moment when he decided to get out, of what would go on to become the Emergent Village, was the moment whenever cemented, solid doctrine was being questioned casually. He highlights some examples: things like Jesus' divinity, the reality of hell, and the Biblical response to homosexuality.

It is that big a struggle.

Huge respect, then, to Jennifer Knapp for her heart-rendingly honest and open interview with Christianity Today for the April issue, available online in its entirety. I knew a bit of Knapp's work, most notably her duet with Mac Powell for the song, Sing Alleluia, which has the dubious honour of being a worship record that I don't completely hate. (Because I'm so cool, so I hate all you weak Christians and your poorly-structured, rambling choruses. Joke.) However, I wasn't previously aware of her disappearance, seven years ago, off the face of the earth, burnt out from touring and in need of a long break. But in the sudden peace and solitude, with time to deal with having a personal life and relationship with God again, this inspirational, multi-award-winning, hugely popular Christian singer-songwriter revealed she had an even bigger struggle to work through: she was a lesbian.

And while it had not factored in her decision to go on hiatus, she knew when she came back it would have to be dealt with - and she does so openly and honestly. I won't comment on her personal journey in faith, but I admire immensely the volume to which she refers to God's grace and mercy as she discusses it in the interview. To have returned to the Christian culture in the States with such a sack to drag around, she has also demonstrated huge courage.

To be Christian, and a Christian in such a public area of ministry as performance, and to have to cope with such a hindrance (for others, mind you, not her) could arguably give her an incredibly important testimony. But we can be sure that for many evangelicals, particularly in the States, she might as well have become a Jihadist.

The machine rages on.


(Massive hat-tip to the great @JesusNeedsNewPR for the linkage to the article.)

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