I was discussing with some friends yesterday the great good that there is in many different denominations, from Southern Baptist to Presbyterian, even to Eastern Orthodoxy (though I have far more difficulty theologically speaking with the latter than with the former).
We decided we needed to start a new church. We're officially going to have an Eastern Bapterian House Church.
Not really, of course: it was merely a jest-ful moment as all of us appreciated our backgrounds.
But I was pondering the thought this morning, and realized it's worth saying: I have no denomination (though there are those I agree more with and those I agree less with).
I have Christ. And the pursuit of Him, within the bounds of orthodox Christianity and mediated by community that is likewise in pursuit of Him, is really what is most central. Certainly what we call ourselves is far less important than Who we follow and how we follow Him.
And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3)
- Chris
P.S. We're back.
We decided we needed to start a new church. We're officially going to have an Eastern Bapterian House Church.
Not really, of course: it was merely a jest-ful moment as all of us appreciated our backgrounds.
But I was pondering the thought this morning, and realized it's worth saying: I have no denomination (though there are those I agree more with and those I agree less with).
I have Christ. And the pursuit of Him, within the bounds of orthodox Christianity and mediated by community that is likewise in pursuit of Him, is really what is most central. Certainly what we call ourselves is far less important than Who we follow and how we follow Him.
And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3)
- Chris
P.S. We're back.
2 comments:
Hmm... I wouldn't call Southern Baptist to Presbyterian to represent a *lot* of theological diversity as I think I have heard a number of people on either side feeling close to the other. Eastern Orthodox though, that's freaky. ;P
Well, true Chris, I do not remember Jesus ever saying "Okay y'all, divide yourselves in little groups based upon various inevitably flawed theological views." I might not be a very good biblical scholar though.
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ."
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
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