It is good to posit that Christianity has the tools for self-critique and resources to think through new challenges but many, even in evangelical spaces, believe that the Christian faith must remain a specific way with a specific hermeneutic. What the SBC convention showed me is how this creedal Christianity is not understood because there’s this notion that today’s Christianity is the superior brand. The more I read the more I’m convinced that, like Bavinck, we can be orthodox yet modern and bring afresh to the faith, new things and new ways of thinking especially as our scholarship improves.
Great post in defence of Creedal Christianity! I will never forget the mushroom illustration...
However, let us not forget that there are significant numbers of Christians in our world who have no access to historical, orthodox Christianity. I'm referring to many Majority World Christ followers who do not yet have Scripture in their language, have not had access to formal education, and who do not know any of the major world languages where they would hear about such historical traditions. Or, they have only the Bible, or portions thereof, in their language. We have spent decades among people(s) in West Africa who, having come to faith amidst great challenges and opposition, are, in many cases, oral learners awaiting the translation of Scripture into their heart language. Their geneology of faith is just beginning, precarious as it is. Let us not forget these faithful ones who walk by the Spirit without the trappings of Christian tradition, or access to it. At the same time, for those of us who have such access, let us be deeply humbled and thankful.
I think that’s one of America’s biggest and worst export is a kind of Christianity that hinges on becoming and being as the definition of faith. I know a few African missionaries who have commented on the modality of African Christianity. The lack of education is usually curtailed by creeds but if you have no access to seminaries on top of Christian’s coming to faith without the contours of creeds? It’s a recipe for disaster.
Because you pointedly fail to queer people as part of the tradition of orthodoxy, one must wonder about the content of your supposed catholicity. That being said, you may be one of the many countless victims of the church’s misunderstanding of sexuality hoisted abroad by Augustine
Fr. Carlton Kelly. Michael F.Bird has a better understanding, grasp and love of what you accuse him of regarding queer people. I known this man for many years and height and breadth of his love and acceptance of all people. A man of astoundingly knowledge and great wisdom regarding theology and the life of agape love and humility.
Thankyou Fr. Carlton Kelly for your comments, passion and love and acceptance of all people. I very much appreciate this.
It is good to posit that Christianity has the tools for self-critique and resources to think through new challenges but many, even in evangelical spaces, believe that the Christian faith must remain a specific way with a specific hermeneutic. What the SBC convention showed me is how this creedal Christianity is not understood because there’s this notion that today’s Christianity is the superior brand. The more I read the more I’m convinced that, like Bavinck, we can be orthodox yet modern and bring afresh to the faith, new things and new ways of thinking especially as our scholarship improves.
Great post in defence of Creedal Christianity! I will never forget the mushroom illustration...
However, let us not forget that there are significant numbers of Christians in our world who have no access to historical, orthodox Christianity. I'm referring to many Majority World Christ followers who do not yet have Scripture in their language, have not had access to formal education, and who do not know any of the major world languages where they would hear about such historical traditions. Or, they have only the Bible, or portions thereof, in their language. We have spent decades among people(s) in West Africa who, having come to faith amidst great challenges and opposition, are, in many cases, oral learners awaiting the translation of Scripture into their heart language. Their geneology of faith is just beginning, precarious as it is. Let us not forget these faithful ones who walk by the Spirit without the trappings of Christian tradition, or access to it. At the same time, for those of us who have such access, let us be deeply humbled and thankful.
I think that’s one of America’s biggest and worst export is a kind of Christianity that hinges on becoming and being as the definition of faith. I know a few African missionaries who have commented on the modality of African Christianity. The lack of education is usually curtailed by creeds but if you have no access to seminaries on top of Christian’s coming to faith without the contours of creeds? It’s a recipe for disaster.
Because you pointedly fail to queer people as part of the tradition of orthodoxy, one must wonder about the content of your supposed catholicity. That being said, you may be one of the many countless victims of the church’s misunderstanding of sexuality hoisted abroad by Augustine
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Fr. Carlton Kelly. Michael F.Bird has a better understanding, grasp and love of what you accuse him of regarding queer people. I known this man for many years and height and breadth of his love and acceptance of all people. A man of astoundingly knowledge and great wisdom regarding theology and the life of agape love and humility.
Thankyou Fr. Carlton Kelly for your comments, passion and love and acceptance of all people. I very much appreciate this.
Peter Sketcher