Things I Used To Think: Duane W.H. Arnold, PhD
Things I Used To Think
(With Apologies to Michael Newnham)
I used to think that “salvation history” was a series of lineal events starting with creation in Genesis and ending with the consummation in Revelation.
Now I think that there has been one singular event that gives value and meaning to all the rest – “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…”
I used to think that the Church was a place for instruction, teaching people how to live a Christian life. Now I think that the Church is a place primarily defined by worship in which people bring who and what they are as Christians to confess, receive absolution and find forgiveness. We need good news more than we need a lecture.
I used to think that leadership was dependent upon a singular charismatic gift recognized by others. Now I think leadership is defined by the regular, disciplined, and faithful service to all in your care.
I used to think that to be authentic, all prayers had to be spontaneous and “in the moment”. Now I think God has used believers through the ages to craft prayers that may be said to express the depths of our heart when it is hard to find the words. The Book of Common Prayer is a gift.
I used to think that the result of good teaching would be seen in how a person applied that instruction in the coming week.Now I think the result of good teaching is what you see in a person’s life twenty years later.
I used to think that winning a theological argument was accomplished by proving that I was right and someone else was wrong.Now I think that “winning” a theological argument is when both of us see the question dividing us in a new light.
I used to think that doubts and questions were opposed to faith and, therefore, destructive.Now I think that doubts and questions are an integral part of faith and essential for growth and maturity.
I used to think that exercises like saying the Daily Office were the very definition of “vain repetition”. Now I think that a regular time of daily devotions is essential to spiritual development, especially among clergy. If you’re not doing it… start!
I used to think that I really knew what theology was all about when I was 40 years of age. Now I think that I was impressed by the books I had read, the lectures I had heard and failed to fully reflect upon and apply the theology they contained. Information is not the same as transformation.
I used to think that suffering from depression or anxiety betrayed a lack of faith or trust in God and his goodness. Now I think it merely means that we share in the human condition and, thankfully, there are those who can help us emerge from the darkness. Don’t try to handle it on your own… reach out to someone who can help.
I used to think that I could find Jesus in a library of books about him. Now I think the place to find him is in the grace of the Sacraments, the pages of Scripture, the hearts of my brothers and sisters and in “the least of these…”
I used to think the Led Zeppelin had to do a reunion concert someday…
I was right about that one… but still missed John Bonham.
This is really helpful and fun and instead of quibble at the edges of what you’ve offfered I’ll just applaud.
BD
Many thanks… I was hoping to avoid the torches and pitchforks ?
This post reflects my changing thoughts as well, Duane. I think I can sum it up best with the life-changing realization that the Church is a hospital, not a Book club.
I used to think if I studied long and hard enough, I would come to settled truths about everything…the only thing I’ve settled on is Jesus and learning until I die…
Xenia
Indeed… and we all stand in need of the hospital.
Michael,
“I used to think if I studied long and hard enough, I would come to settled truths about everything…”
Then you ran into +Michael Ramsey… ?
“Then you ran into +Michael Ramsey… ?”
Like running into a truck…but I’m grateful…
Thank you!
Yes! On going learning proves that we’re still alive, hopefully listening and potentially of use to God and fellow travelers in this life.
Yes, Michael, Jesus and learning til we move on to Eternal Life.
I used to think the Roman Catholics and Orthodox were purveyors of a false Gospel…then I came to know that “Gospel” is a mighty big word…
I used to think that I desperately wanted to be “right’…and found that “right” is a mighty big word…
Michael
Just back from the funeral of my Jesuit friend, Tom. I seated myself in the congregation, when I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was a priest who said, “Tom would have wanted you to sit with the clergy” and led me to that section. “Gospel” IS a very big word…
Duane, good article.
A change of ‘thought’ I had that then made itself manifest in all the other ‘thoughts’ I changed over the past 15 years was realizing that worship was me coming to church to receive good and free gifts from God – not me coming to give God something.
MLD
Many thanks…
I think I used to confuse the Bible with Jesus. The word “word” has several different meanings. Sorting the meanings out was a big eye-opener for me. Jesus =/= the Bible. I had this confused in my mind (and I knew I was confused at the time) for most of my Christian life.
People said things… like when someone is upset, they find solace in the Scriptures. Well sure, that’s ok but isn’t it better to find solace in Christ? You may connect with Him by means of the Scriptures but He is the ultimate Solace, not the Book about Him. You may also find His solace through prayer or Communion.
“Jesus =/= the Bible. I had this confused in my mind (and I knew I was confused at the time) for most of my Christian life.”
I’ll say the “amen” to that one!
Thinking on the thinking….
God does dwell outside of time, but earth does have a linear history – the unfolding of God’s plan. The climactic event was, indeed, the incarnation and the resulting victory
Leadership.. hmmm stewardship? Amen morning’s reading today was God bringing Miriam down a peg for questioning her brother Moses’ competence
Church communities? Shouldn’t these be all things necessary to living in Christ? Pied Piper churches are sad…..
I like the observation that the goal of prayer, in addition to supplication, confession and praise should be repeating God’s instruction back to Him – in affirmation
Good teachers do indeed build long term
Theological argument, likewise, should build – eternal truths?
Doubts and questions, likewise. ?
Isn’t it interesting how life’s responsibilities seem more important than communing with the Author and Creator of it?
Interesting ponder, information v transformation…. can we develop the mind of Christ by mastering theology? (honest question)
Depression, anxiety, overwhelming mental problems – Amen!
Jesus is located in all those places? Yes and amen
Can you fly a Led Zeppelin? ?
Thank you for the ponders, Dr. Duane
These are very helpful. There’s a lot here to think on.
I love the thought of church as a hospital. Receiving Gods Gifts in the Sacraments is so reassuring to those who struggle with anxiety, like myself. Confession, absolution and forgiveness of sins is something we all need every week.
Thank you Duane.
Joel
Indeed. We need “good news”.
Unfortunately, some people need to be lectured.