I Survived the Christian Right
Ten Lessons I Learned on My Journey Home
Conclusion: Certain and Uncertain - As much as I defend these nine lessons, I’m not insisting I’ve suddenly arrived at absolute certain truth. What I am saying is that we must be willing to go where the evidence leads even if it goes against out long-standing tradition or personal bias. Although I believe Christians can be certain of many things (the historical Jesus, his practical and spiritual wisdom, a transcendent meaning and power in the world—God—and a new way of relating to God found in the good news of Jesus), we should hold many views lightly because most of us don’t have a clue what really was happening culturally when Jesus spoke about his coming again, or the aionios punishment of the age, or when Paul spoke of porneia or arsenokoitai, or how the Bible was compiled, copied, and made into a canon of scripture by an editorial committee in the fourth century. There will always be an element of mystery and uncertainty.[69] If we are to come to sound conclusions about the Christian faith, we must ensure we humbly attempt to follow a reasoned course and not swallow whole what others before us have said—be they conservative or liberal—without careful evaluation.
69 Schaeffer, Frank, Patience with God: Faith for People Who Don’t Like Religion (or Atheism)
8 comments:
This is a ghost from the past. Do you remember our late night swims in Lake Winnepesaukah? Do you remember that we knew every word of "Thick as a Brick" by Jethro Tull? Correct, this is Michael Smith of Santa Monica, California, and Easton, Maryland. How can I contact you more directly to continue with this dialog?
Sorry, forgot to give you my address.
eastonsmith@gmail.com
Hope to hear from you. Michael
Great to meet you at the PNWA conference. I love the title of your book. Hope you made lots of contacts! ~Karen
Michael,
Stumbled across your blog and I enjoy reading your perspective. I'm working to build a network of folks who write about subjects similar to what I write about, and assume that you will be continuing to update this blog?
I have a new book published this summer - "Peace at the Edge of Uncertainty" - and I think it's something that falls nicely into the context of what you write about. I have a second book that I'm working on now - will hopefully publish next year. Reading what you're sharing on you're blog, I'll be interested to learn more about your book when you publish it.
My website is:
http://neilhanson.com
Contact is Neil@NeilHanson.com
Michael, saw your blog sometime ago while reading Frank Schaeffer's blog and enjoyed your "Ten (Nine) Lessons I Learned on My Journey Home." Will these "lessons" be in your forthcoming book? I just posted a comment on Frank's latest blog post and appreciate your comments there. Best, Luke
Michael, your blog is refreshing. I came across it from Frank Schaeffer's blog sometime ago and enjoyed your "Ten [Nine] Lessons I Learned on My Journey Home." Are these "lesson" (possibly expanded?)in your forthcoming book that I look forward to reading? I just posted a comment on Schaeffer's latest blog post and I've appreciated your comments there. Best, Luke
Luke, yes the lessons will be expanded in the book. Whereas the nine lessons share the tip of the iceberg, the book will expose the gargantuan block of half truth much of evangelicalism teaches.
Karen, thanks for commenting! Great to meet you and good luck with your book.
Thanks, Michael, for your note. Frank Schaeffer was kind to sign his books I purchased from him, and I was wondering if it's possible to purchase a signed copy of your book when it's released. (Sorry for the duplication in my previous message--I thought the first try was unsuccessful.)
Best, Luke
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