Posted by giveawayboy on April 09, 2002 at 22:45:26:
In Reply to: Re: more on xian fundamentalism posted by john on April 09, 2002 at 11:43:58:
: Well said! But I think both modernism and fundamentalism are outdated concepts now. I sometimes look ahead and try to see what this age will be called. I see that we are clearly post-post modern. I see a sort of rennaissance beginning maybe, a rediscovery of majik and spirit and a growing presence of concern for place. This is evidenced in the rise of pagan religions again after centuries of persecution, as well as more open mysticism in churches. Also in the wake of the late 20th century environmental movement, we're starting to see less crusading and more grassroots, decentralizing efforts, taking power out of "bigger & better" universal management and focusing on the neighborhood, the microenvironment, and the watershed. These things combined could give rise to a very interesting future, especially if the impending societal crash is not forestalled.
Everything you said totally excites and invigorates me. I look at the future as a bright open invitation. Many will want to look at wars and rumors of wars. Many will want to look at the seeming sad state of the church, or the encroaching of non-christian religions (which they view as the enemy) and proclaim doom and gloom. I for one am excited that we are experiencing a revival of religon in the world. As a Christian of course I hope that this impulse toward the spirit will bring many individuals into knowledge of who Jesus is, but I'd rather have someone be a Buddhist cultivating bodhicitta than be nothing at all. I'm not fearful of other religions. I don't have to believe in everything another religion teaches to respect any element of good I find in them.
I still think that for Christians to progress into the future (what will it be called) we need a good strong apostolic connection. I think we need to recall that the church Jesus founded is the church we are all called to be members of. In varying degrees, we are all beginning to catch glimpses of who she is. We are all starting to get glimmers of this woman rising up out of darkness. We are all called into her mystical train, to wed the Lamb and become his corporate bride. I am convinced that the Church is a reality that is timeless for her bridegroom is the Lord outside of time who enters time and space yet is not contained by it. Therefore, sharing in his nature, she is not bound into time like some dispensationalists believe. She does unfold and grow organically throughout time. There are developments and blossomings forth which we can see in her within time. I guess what I'm saying is that while the whole world is focusing on some sort of Orwellian future, and while many in the church are despairing over the loss of our Christian identity, or the passing of Christian principles from the cultural consciousness, nevertheless the Church still exists. She is still kindling the sabbath candles for the world to enter into his rest. We who long for the Church of the future, need to rediscover the Church in her full glory, in her timelessness and original purity. I know you long for it, and so do I. The Spirit and the Bride say COME!
Bill