Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Trail Mix and Methodology

*crunch*

Sorry I'm chewing on peanuts and M&M's™ at the moment. I'm a little distracted by the lure of trail-mix, but all the while I'm trying to update what I feel to be a meaningless online journal. Either way I'm having a hard time of concentrating on either one.

*munch*

For some reason...

*chew*

Anyway, last night was Part 2 of the Thinking Christianity class, led by James Foster. After a short discussion on last week's lesson, we moved on to a small study of Methodology. Hmm... I'm not sure exactly what to say about all that. I'm interested in this, but only as a source of supplication, rather than as a means for understanding.
I believe Scripture is the highest authority, but I don't believe it's the only authority.
For instance, I look to Pastor Randy for additional council about some of my life's biggest choices. That being said, a challenge to myself would be, have I looked to scripture first, have I sought God's council first?
I'd like to say "Yes! Of course, who else would I go to!"
But, I haven't always. Though I will say since coming back from my honeymoon, God has began such a work of destruction in my life... that honestly has built up my faith tremendously. Praise God!
The truly scarry thing is, I have yet to know the faith of a mustard seed.

*scrumf*

There was a tough topic we came across. About Catholicism vs. Protestantism. I noticed I have an over-developed tumor of animosity towards Catholics. Also I noticed many theologians, don't agree with me on my ideas of what Christianity means.
Basically, and I mean basically... Christianity to me, is the path which all members of the body of Christ cling too. Christianity is a second birth. It is the sum of the scriptures that dictate and rebuke said members in leading a life born of the Spirit. It is not a religion, but rather the lifestyle of true life, and that life is through Jesus the Christ. True Christianity, is the true body of Christ, it is the true Church and out of shear fear of the Lord, the word Christianity should be treated with a little more respect. (Along with words like redemption, salvation, grace, and eternity, but that's a different topic).
I've come to understand, that theologians and philosphers define Christianity, very differently than I do. That being said. This is why theology is like tinkering with a time-bomb.

Perhaps said theologians are relying on the traditions and not the scriptures, to determine the definition of Christianity. Interestingly enough, it is this accusation many theologians use to describe the unreformed doctrine of the Catholic church. Going on, perhaps it is me who is not allowing traditions to influence my definition of Christianity. Perhaps it is me, who has reserved the 'highest authority' for my own thoughts and ideals, and not allowing Scripture to reign above me.

Tick...tick...tick... Just a dangerous time-bomb.

*crunch*