This fall I was talking about the depth of Christianity in comparison to what I see with modern Christianity sometimes that might be described as a certain amount of superficiality with a friend. I know ‘superficial’ is a strong word, but hear me out. When I open the Bible I see beautiful depth and what could even be described as beautiful paradoxes, but when I look at what would be called contemporary Christianity, the word that comes to mind is superficial or even something like placing the life of a Christian or God in neat and tidy box of sorts. Then I ask myself, “Is it this neat? This tidy? Because it would appear not to be both played out in the Bible and also played out in life in the midst of a sin wrecked world!” I have to confess, that I certainly add to this and by no means would I ever say I’m innocent of increasing the superficiality of Christianity, but it is things like this that rack my mind. I know, I know… Maybe I should direct all this pondering to something more worthwhile, but that is the point – it is worthwhile! Because my [our] faith should be all encompassing! So anyway… back to my friend. He told me that I should listen to a radio show from the guys over at White Horse Inn, entitled “Happy Clappy Worship.” He then went on to explain it to me, I was intrigued, but not intrigued enough to run home and find it on the net, but yesterday I did. So I’m wondering, what do you think? Give each of the 4 segments a listen and let me know. Agree or disagree? Before listening please take a deep breath and relax. I’m a little “iffy” if I should post this, but I’ve been thinking about things like this for awhile now, and not just in response to worship but all of Christianity, and I’d love to hear what you think about it too! It doesn’t matter whether you agree with me or not, I’d love to hear what you think and then still be friends on the other end! đ
made me go hmmm, and then pray for some!
âExercising Christian love and mercy and generosity to the poor, orphans and widows, priests, guests and travelers. Truthful in speech, fair in judgment, faithful to all which is entrusted to him, exceeding human limits in goodness. Never depriving anyone of anything through violence or trickery. Believing in God with all his heart, embodying goodness in all his life. Building churches in all castles and gathering Godâs servants from abroad, introducing Godâs worship as is customary in great nations. Spreading Christâs message through good example, not by force.â -From a legend about King Wenceslas (VĂĄclav), as quoted from Czechs and Balances: a nationâs survival kit
I’m working on a talk/training/resourcing time we are doing for our STINTers/Volunteer next week, tentatively entitled “Cultural Landmarks and âAvenuesâ to the Heart of Czechs“, and I found this quote in one of my favorite commentaries about Czech history, legends, and life. It is an amazing quote! Especially, when you consider that King Wenceslas is a major Czech hero and considered the patron saint of the Czech lands, come on the biggest square in the city is VĂĄclavskĂ© nĂĄmestĂ (Wenceslas Square). So as I read and reread the quote on the tram home, I prayed that God would raise up Czechs in the same vain as this quote. Would you join me in praying for this? How beautiful of a picture does this quote paint? Well, imagine the Lord painting a much more brilliant picture if there were Czechs living this out boldly today! I love the church-plant hint that is in the quote too – “Building churches in all castles”! I guess, we aren’t building them in castles anymore, but it’s still there! May God increase His worship in this great nation! Thanks for stopping by, I’m off to bed!
