Sunday, April 09, 2006
Liberal Charismatics
Interesting how its hard to find Liberal charismatics or charismatic liberals. Liberal-minded folks tend to give so much credence to modernity that they poo-poo the supernatural realm. Charismatics tend to give so much credence to their experiences (as justified from certain 'proof texts' in the bible) that they poo-poo critical thinking and social justice, kingdom on earth, issues. I've gotta believe that these two dimensions can come together. (I know these are just words, and labels, but I think a good % of you know what I'm talking about.)I need, want, and fight to believe they can coexist. The best of blue and red, yeah? Can I hear an Amen?
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4 comments:
Leif, this was the only other way I knew how to contact you. I tried sending an email to your yahoo account but it bounced back. Could you check that out?
Anne (annegogh @ yahoo)
Amen, you have no idea how much I think about what you just wrote, it’s on my mind all the time. I’m 30 years old and live in South Florida; I was born in Australia and moved to the USA at 12. My father is a charismatic pastor / evangelist, who knows and associates with many of the leaders in the charismatic movement. I followed in his footsteps and went to Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa (it’s like Harvard for us charismatic’s). After Rhema I traveled for several years working on ministry teams for a few charismatic leaders. Currently I work in a charismatic church and a charismatic evangelistic association. I preach and counsel on a regular bases, I’m also working over 50 hours a week promoting these ministries on the internet. I stumbled across a copy of A New Kind of Christian, and was blown away; I read it on a flight to LA to visit with a mega-charismatic church. When I got home I googled Mclaren and found you. The interview was cool, but bare ass dialogue about Jesus is still my fav. I’m searching for a way to make blue and red come together. I’ve dropped hints, started conversations, changed the way I preach (I’ve got of my self-help soapbox and am making a series effort to give the church something significant) Even these simple moves have got me into some hot water, intervention like experiences. I know there’s away. I honestly believe in the personal relationship the movement endorses. I had an intense amazing experience in Minnesota during the peak of the joy movement that I refuse to believe was the product of hypnotism or some other gimmick. Honestly you know what I wrestle with is why a movement that has so much passion and so much to offer could be so corrupted by men with so little character. I read where Mclaren said something like the choice I face is to stay and be apart of a ship that’s sinking or to swim away and join the crew that is building the new ship that will take us into the future. (not a quote) Something makes me stay; maybe I’m a fool for dreaming that this movement can change and come into line, becoming more in tune with the things Jesus really cared about (The Kingdom). Maybe I’m afraid of the scorn I would face, from the ones I love, if I told them my heart. Anyway here I am actively trying to do what I can do, secretly keeping an open mind, reading material that would brand me a heretic if I was found out and feeling happier than I ever have. For the first time in 15 years I’m happy to be a follower of Christ, I know there has to be away to bring the others with me. Maybe a joining together is too much of a dream, if so surely coexistence must be possible. Time will tell
Amen, brother Leif.
seriously.
Hello Anonymous --wish I could know some more about you! Wow, thanks for the encouraging, though struggly, short bio. I'd love to talk some more with you about how you are keeping these two dimensions together --write me a personal email at bleedingpurple@gmail.com if you get the chance. Thanks
THanks Jake! I know you were serious...well, I was pretty sure at least (;
-Leif
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