A) If I get what you're saying, what you're describing is, I think, a very common experience for anyone who has a job that is ostensibly about "shepherding". Preacher, politician, parent. You want, and need, to bring people along on a journey. That's your role (unless you see your role as simply holding the torch previous generations lit, and pretending that nothing has changed or needs to...then that's a whole different thing). But you also have to know your "audience". In many cases, if you push too far, too fast, you lose your "flock", whatever that flock is (church, constituents, children, etc). That's not an argument against pushing far and fast. Far and fast is valid too. It just usually comes with a specific set of consequences (and opportunities and freedom). But then slow and steady also comes with consequences, opportunities and freedom. Since I'm a church boy, I'll just speak from that context. I have respect for the people who have left churches or who are unchurched and have taken up valid criticisms of the church. Those who stand outside the gates shouting, so to speak. But I have just as much respect--often more--for those who stay within and try to lead their communities to ever deeper places. Because it's the latter who will change those communities most deeply, not the former. We need to hear what people outside the gates are shouting at us. But, for the most part, we'll be more fundamentally changed by the person who has chosen to remain in the sanctuary and who finds a way to spiritually stretch those under his or her care. Of course, I'm speaking very broadly here. If one's spirituality is so at odds with those in their community, it often necessitates moving on. Then it's also often true that if enough people in a community (or even just a few loud and influential ones) don't want to stretch, the community ends up in spiritual gridlock. If good will is lost, that changes things. But in any case, I think the shepherd always has to be comfortable with a constant, low-level hum of discomfort about authenticity. And, honestly, that's probably true for every human. I think it just comes up in the heart more when you have a public role, especially if it's in the spiritual professions.
B) You're doing great. Just keep writing and thinking about these things and sharing them.
Yes, yes, and yes. Working from the inside edge of the outside is challenging but so rewarding. When you see something click for the first time... it's just great. To me, this is where I feel called, but the self-effacing aspect of it, like in John's ministry, is troublesome at times. The balance between slowing down enough and keeping one's authenticity (or even integrity?) is sometimes hard to maintain.
Hi Daniel you are so blessed because you know God loves you. He doesn't care what we do, do what you desire, just always be willing to accept His over abundant love at every turn.
Gosh! I am showing my age…. I have no idea how to make a reply to this without opening 5+ screens and linking to who knows what? I hope you continue debating about fulfilled eschatology because when you talk you are not talking over my head nor dragging unknown characters into the conversation. It bugs me to bring up other people and their opposing view. You stick to the Bible when you support your argument and I find that very kind and effective.
I made a choice in 1982 to heal my son by changing our diet. I was influenced to do this by a lady at church who “had” MS and healed herself this way. 10 months later my son was healed and we all have benefited from this change all these many years. Being true to yourself is difficult and being true to your conviction is too. I’ve been called everything hateful you can imagine because we eat like our forefathers, real food, organic food and herbs to heal by. I’ve even been accused of being a Buddhist even though I proclaim the Lord as my Savior. And then toss in my fulfilled viewpoint… ugh! It’s a lonely kinda trail to wonder off onto, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
BTW, I’ve enjoyed your venture off into orthodoxy. It is quite interesting though I don’t, as of yet, embrace their teachings. Advent was too bumpy and opposing.
I hope this reply makes it back to you. I really appreciate you as a teacher no matter “who” you think you are (that’s a life long journey)
A couple thoughts:
A) If I get what you're saying, what you're describing is, I think, a very common experience for anyone who has a job that is ostensibly about "shepherding". Preacher, politician, parent. You want, and need, to bring people along on a journey. That's your role (unless you see your role as simply holding the torch previous generations lit, and pretending that nothing has changed or needs to...then that's a whole different thing). But you also have to know your "audience". In many cases, if you push too far, too fast, you lose your "flock", whatever that flock is (church, constituents, children, etc). That's not an argument against pushing far and fast. Far and fast is valid too. It just usually comes with a specific set of consequences (and opportunities and freedom). But then slow and steady also comes with consequences, opportunities and freedom. Since I'm a church boy, I'll just speak from that context. I have respect for the people who have left churches or who are unchurched and have taken up valid criticisms of the church. Those who stand outside the gates shouting, so to speak. But I have just as much respect--often more--for those who stay within and try to lead their communities to ever deeper places. Because it's the latter who will change those communities most deeply, not the former. We need to hear what people outside the gates are shouting at us. But, for the most part, we'll be more fundamentally changed by the person who has chosen to remain in the sanctuary and who finds a way to spiritually stretch those under his or her care. Of course, I'm speaking very broadly here. If one's spirituality is so at odds with those in their community, it often necessitates moving on. Then it's also often true that if enough people in a community (or even just a few loud and influential ones) don't want to stretch, the community ends up in spiritual gridlock. If good will is lost, that changes things. But in any case, I think the shepherd always has to be comfortable with a constant, low-level hum of discomfort about authenticity. And, honestly, that's probably true for every human. I think it just comes up in the heart more when you have a public role, especially if it's in the spiritual professions.
B) You're doing great. Just keep writing and thinking about these things and sharing them.
Yes, yes, and yes. Working from the inside edge of the outside is challenging but so rewarding. When you see something click for the first time... it's just great. To me, this is where I feel called, but the self-effacing aspect of it, like in John's ministry, is troublesome at times. The balance between slowing down enough and keeping one's authenticity (or even integrity?) is sometimes hard to maintain.
Hi Daniel you are so blessed because you know God loves you. He doesn't care what we do, do what you desire, just always be willing to accept His over abundant love at every turn.
Thank you so much brother! And thanks for your email question the other day. You always make me think.
Gosh! I am showing my age…. I have no idea how to make a reply to this without opening 5+ screens and linking to who knows what? I hope you continue debating about fulfilled eschatology because when you talk you are not talking over my head nor dragging unknown characters into the conversation. It bugs me to bring up other people and their opposing view. You stick to the Bible when you support your argument and I find that very kind and effective.
I made a choice in 1982 to heal my son by changing our diet. I was influenced to do this by a lady at church who “had” MS and healed herself this way. 10 months later my son was healed and we all have benefited from this change all these many years. Being true to yourself is difficult and being true to your conviction is too. I’ve been called everything hateful you can imagine because we eat like our forefathers, real food, organic food and herbs to heal by. I’ve even been accused of being a Buddhist even though I proclaim the Lord as my Savior. And then toss in my fulfilled viewpoint… ugh! It’s a lonely kinda trail to wonder off onto, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
BTW, I’ve enjoyed your venture off into orthodoxy. It is quite interesting though I don’t, as of yet, embrace their teachings. Advent was too bumpy and opposing.
I hope this reply makes it back to you. I really appreciate you as a teacher no matter “who” you think you are (that’s a life long journey)
Blessings,
Ter