A Fresh Perspective - 11/16/07

I have been thinking a lot lately about the question: Why are evangelical Christians (I can only speak about my own faith tradition) so resistant to open, honest theological reflection and dialogue? Some of the churches that are so resistant and stagnant theologically are growing numerically; some are mega churches. How can all these people believe that their views, to the exclusion of all others, represent "THE TRUTH"?

I have reflected on my own experience growing up in this kind of church. At one time I, too, was exclusive and absolute in my claim to know the truth. I was closed to even consider other options. I stuffed God in a box. Why? Was it fear or pride or some other unhealthy defense mechanism at work? Maybe. But mostly, I think, it was the result of indoctrination into a dualism of "us" and "them." We have the truth; they don't ("they," being not just non-Christians, persons of other religious faiths or no faith, but Catholic Christians and other Protestant Christians who didn't believe in an infallible Bible or our particular doctrines). How could I have been so narrow and so dismissive of others?

I was not taught to think. In fact, I was taught not to think - that is, not to think outside of the teachings that were passed on to me. And things still haven't changed much. Doctrines are passed down in an authoritative manner and are never challenged - "the Bible says it, that settles it" - end of discussion. The leaders reinforce the beliefs of their congregations, forbidding open theological discussion and diversity of perspectives. In many churches the questioning of traditional beliefs is not even permitted, let alone encouraged. Thinking critically is socially unacceptable within the faith community and disdained.

Is change possible? It is. But it will take fearless, freedom-loving people, full of the faith, hope and love of the living Christ, who are not afraid to challenge the powers that be. And it will take more than courageous pastors and priests; it will take courageous congregational lay leaders who are willing to share the risk and burden.

If a church can break out of these unhealthy patterns and provide a safe place for open, critical theological reflection and questioning, welcoming diverse opinions, being able to disagree without being disagreeable, and if that church can combine with this an unconditional love for all people and self-giving service to others in the Spirit of Christ - that church can be an instrument of God's kingdom on earth. Such a church can be a breath of fresh air for persons of faith and persons of no faith at all who want to think deeply about God's involvement with the world.

Chuck Queen is Senior Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, Frankfort. You can access his sermons and past articles at www.ibcfrankfort.com. He welcomes your comments at cqueen@fewpb.net.