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Currently reading, “Into The Heart Of Romans” by N.T Wright and it’s so, so good. Very timely considering the chaotic times that we are experiencing and the need for lament. I would highly recommend it as a solid resource. Grace and peace to you all.
Could use prayer,
Been seriously considering visiting a Lutheran church for a while, but, and I’m being serious, realizing its hard to confront and tear out a lot of nonsense I’ve been programed, even some things I didn’t realize.
The nail in the coffin for me, thanks to Duane, and im paraphrasing here, was his statement about liturgical services not conducted at anyone’s whim.
Well, I’ve paid my dues, and I think 3 decades of puppetry by alot of whims has earned me the right to a simple service.
In fact, just the thought of some dude not trying to entertain or gimmick me, but focus on Jesus is very calming, and i haven’t even been yet.
But I have to tell you, as a Combat Vet, I need more peace in my life, and only Jesus can give it.
Since most nondenom services I’ve encountered, and especially “fellowship,” resembles most Facebook “discussions,” having nothing to do with Jesus, im caring less and less about the liturgical part that seems strange to me.
I dont know why its taken me so long to recognize and accept only Jesus really wants me, only He was there in the sandbox, and most others don’t (except when theres a day for pretend patriotism-us Vets serve as a kind of American rabbits foot for the church).
Also (get ready to question my salvation/repeat this at Chuck’s grave), but my conscience will no longer allow me to interpret scripture using the news verses other Bible verses, so (I warned you), I’m now “amil” (que Friday the 13th screeches).
The irony is my very long process of leaving CCs and then nondenom was not up until recently, but the necessity of my mental health that whatever i remember encountering as a non-believer, then conversion popularized by The Jesus Revolution movie, no longer exists, and been replaced by what I heard Church warn against many times. As Francis Chan once said, “the Bible is not the fourth person of the trinity, there isnt one.” In other words, justifying antichrist behavior with doctrinal positions and Bible jeopardy wins is nowhere supported in scripture (as many of their families can testify).
Oh, and one final thing.
I think (not sure), but I also recognized a strong mystical part of my soul that listening to Orthodox teachers has helped, but after research found I can’t accept some of their positions.
My prayer is for a place finally which focusses exclusively on Jesus, has peaceful fellowship, and with regards to the world, isnt pissed-off all the time – i need no help being angry.
Also, please pray for my next pastor – he’s getting alot of baggage.
Uncle Buck,
Wright is consistently good and worthwhile…glad to see him mentioned by folks here…
UnCCed,
You’re in my prayers…I think a liturgical church could heal some wounds…
Uncced,
Several things you’ve shared …are timely and truly resonate within me. I have been undergoing a ‘de programming’ of dispensationalist indoctrination that I naively presumed was the uncontested viewpoint of every denomination and believer.
Little did I know that my Ryrie study bible served to perpetuate that eschatological interpretation (to the exclusion of all others). I recall a critic of Amillenialism quoting a tidy little saying which sought to expose the allegedly flawed hermeneutic: “When you ‘spiritualize’ …you tell ‘spiritual LIES!’
Discovering the ‘White horse inn’ podcast some years ago, began to open my mind to an alternative eschatology. Recently, Michael posted a link to Kim Riddlebarger’s website, that is chock full of scholarly sermons and theological examinations of the topic, which has convincingly addressed the problems with ‘Replacement theory/supercessionism’ concepts I was steeped in.
I cringe at what feels like obligatory/semi-patronizing ‘Thank you for your service’ remarks, despite two decades of infantry service …and time in the sandbox. For a while, anti-depressants appeared effective (but, are not benign) …the supposed CURE can do more damage than the condition treated.
I find extreme (pathological) doses of prolonged high intensity physical activity, triggers a dopamine/endorphin response, that soothes the soul in a cathartic release that purges enough darkness …to allow light to enter. Lacking a better term; I half-jokingly call it an ‘exercism’.
UnCCed,
I hear the fatigue beneath your words and the relief in the hope of something steadier. Liturgical worship is not merely a set of actions; it is a grammar for encountering God that refuses to be reinvented to suit every passing taste. That refusal can feel like rescue after years of being tugged by every whim.
Practical next steps might help: visit as a guest and sit where you can quietly observe; attend a morning service or choral office if possible; ask to speak with the pastor or a member of the congregation about their liturgical practice—most will be glad to explain what they do and why. You have earned the right to a simple, honest service; do not mistake patience for timidity. Move at your own pace and let the liturgy do its work on you.
A short prayer for the road:
Gracious God, receive this seeker who yearns for worship that is faithful and unshowy. Grant clarity where things have been confused, courage to leave what hinders, and the peace that comes from worship offered according to truth. Teach us to receive rather than manufacture your presence. Amen.
Uncced said,”I think (not sure), but I also recognized a strong mystical part of my soul that listening to Orthodox teachers has helped, but after research found I can’t accept some of their positions.”
I’m drawn to the mystics as well. I also realize that I don’t need to accept everything they say to recognize that they do bring good things to the table, which I can incorporate into my life.. My favorite saying about Richard Rohr is I’m not bothered by the things he teaches that I disagree with; it’s the things that I agree with him on that bother me.
Nothing church can replace my longing to see Jesus eye to eye, face to face, as he brings me into his glorious eternal presence.
“Teach us to receive rather than manufacture your presence.” YES!!!
Here’s a great summary of what Dear Leader to the UN today:
Your countries all suck.
–None of you know what you are doing.
— The U.S. is better at everything.
— All because of me.
— I’m right about everything.
–You should listen to me and do what I say.
— And give me lots of awards.
— Ron Filipkowski