Things I Don’t Want to Think… But I Do…:Duane W.H. Arnold, PhD
Things I Don’t Want to Think… But I Do…
1. I don’t want to think that the evangelical community that once welcomed and nurtured me has simply become a political tool of right wing politics in the United States, but the evidence mounts day by day and week by week.
2. I don’t want to think that genuine theological education no longer matters, but every day I read postings and articles by people who obviously have not taken the time to read, study or receive the minimal instruction on the topics upon which they are commenting and, all too often, claiming to teach others.
3. I don’t want to think that “facts” have become relative and situational, but in less than three years “alternative facts” have gone from being a joke on cable news to an every day reality.
4. I don’t want to think that “the end justifies the means” has become the normative ethical standard in society at large and in many churches as well, but we hear it, see it, and experience it everyday. Once reserved for the disciples of Niccolo Machiavelli and considered immoral at its core, it is increasingly viewed as an acceptable ethical choice. Jesus asked, “Can a bad tree bring forth good fruit?” to which we now reply, “It all depends…”
5. I don’t want to think that as a country we have lost a sense of decency and compassion, but then I read that family separations are continuing and adding to the thousands of children already detained at the border. We no longer see the pictures. We no longer hear the news. We simply allow it all to slip away, forgetting that these are human beings made in the image of God.
6. I don’t want to think that the ugliness and violence of anti-Semitism can return, but it has, in street marches, synagogue shootings, random killings, desecrations and online chat rooms. Then again, in a recent survey, it is clear that the Holocaust is receding in the collective memory. Less than half of those Americans surveyed knew how many Jews were killed in the Holocaust or what Auschwitz signified, and only 43% knew that Hitler came to power through a democratic political process. Those who forget history…
7. I don’t want to think that the institutional Church in America has become irrelevant, but the “nones” and “dones” are growing in number year by year. We all see it, even when we don’t want to admit it. What’s worse is that when I find someone who is genuinely interested in a life of faith, it’s harder and harder to direct them to a church that is simply normal.
8. I don’t want to think that qualities such as beauty and reverence in worship are rapidly disappearing, but visiting numerous churches has convinced me otherwise. Whether it’s the preacher in the pulpit, or the worship leader on the stage, the mantra has become, “Let me entertain you”. Someone needs to write a new book on “The Cultural Captivity of the Church”, that is, if anyone would bother to read it.
9. I don’t want to think that the Church as we have known it is fading, but I am quickly coming to that conclusion. The real question is, what sort of Church will emerge from the ashes? Whatever its shape, it will have to carry the best of the past and marry that past to a vision for the future. It will require knowing the tradition and being grounded in Scripture and prayer. It will see the gospel imperative in “the least of these”. Most of all, in a fractured and polarized world, it will have to provide an alternative to the society which surrounds it, rather than a mirror image of that society.
10. I don’t want to think about dying, but I do. I’ve lost too many good friends and mentors of late not to think about it. I view it as the next great adventure. In the meantime, however, there are opportunities to share, to give and to learn. Those are the things I do want to think about…
I just became a “me too”
BD,
How so and how is it going over there?
Duane
You and I both know the “Church” isn’t fading, however what are fading is the traditional denominations and their political authority.
Faith in God is far different than in the church. And it is often forgotten what a primary political role and influence the tradition church played in history. It could be confidently stated the role of the church was as much a political power as it was religion control.
How easy it is to forget Abraham and how his faith existed in a time without a Bible, a theocracy or a common practice.
MM,
I agree with Duane…while seeing your point.
The NT model is that believers gather together to worship…that if any part is missing the whole Body suffers.
We are suffering mightily these days.
MM
As I wrote… “the Church as we have known it is fading”.
It is not just denominations, it is non-denominational communities as well (including those who are difficult to recognize as “church”). I think the current evangelical grasp for political power will prove to be more harmful than we can even imagine…
#8: I just got plain sick and tired of the rock-concert atmosphere of a nearby church. Even during communion they instruments (electric guitarS and bass guitar and drums) were loud. As in LOUD. Heck, I love me some classic and hard rock, but it has it’s place. Readying the heart for worship doesn’t seem to be one of them. Don’t they know that rock-concert worship services is sooooo 2004?
Dan
For me it has gotten down to, “If you want to see Rob Thomas or Florence and the Machine, buy your ticket and go and see them… If you want to go to church, go to church…” One is entertainment, the other is not.
I like what you said, Duane, under #10 — I view it (death) as the next
great adventure.”
Me, too. I’ve been reading NT Wright’s book “Surprised by Hope.” It’s
totally changed my view of “life after life after death.” I don’t mean to
be trite or sentimental about it…
“And the ship went out into the High Sea and passed on into the West, until at last on a night of rain Frodo smelled a sweet fragrance on the air and heard the sound of singing that came over the water. And then it seemed to him that as in his dream in the house of Bombadil, the grey rain-curtain turned all to silver glass and was rolled back, and he beheld white shores and beyond them a far green country under a swift sunrise.”
JRR Tolkien
Duane
I agree it is also the nondenominational ones too. However, you have to consider even those churches base their governmental and episcopal structures mostly on traditional church models. I also argue that almost everything done in church has its roots in Roman Catholic and Orthodox tradition of government.
In my opinion it’s not even about “sound doctrine,” people just don’t hold to the behavioral authority of organized churches. They see little benefit in those communities.
MM
I’m not sure that, “everything done in church has its roots in Roman Catholic and Orthodox tradition of government…” I think what you are actually looking at is a “top down” hierarchy which allows for the exercise of authority.
Now, the early Church certainly had leaders who exercised some degree of authority. The cost of that leadership, however, was that when persecution arose, they were the first ones taken. It was an authority based upon service – “let the greatest among you be the servant of all…” We need to rethink what leadership really means.
Duane
To cite the “early church” leadership and its perils really doesn’t apply to today’s church structure. In my opinion, and I believe it is valid, the structures we see today is a result of almost 1500 years of established church/political hierarchy. The Protestant churches are arguably a reaction and “protest” to that well established structure. The “evangelical” movement is, again in my opinion, a response to the Protestant traditions they left and today’s rejection of all that is just the last part of the progression.
But, my point is about faith. We may demonstrate that faith in our church community, but that isn’t nor should it be the foundation of our faith. Faith should remain in spite of church and not because of it.
By the way I do like your article and believe it is more than a worthy read.
Thank you!
Duane
Yes you are correct, I’m looking at the “top down” as I think most do.
Thanks
MM
While I disagree with you on the importance of a faith community, i.e. church, I do take your point. Many thanks for the follow up!