Lewis raises a few questions in the intro worth noting our thinking through. What does the word Christian mean? Is there such a thing as mere Christianity? A set of beliefs that all Christians would agree to? As I pondered this question I wondered if it were possible. Jesus, Trinity, sin, salvation.... Is there something in common between Catholics and fundamental baptists and liberal methodists or Epicopalians? Maybe the creed? What is at the heart of Christian belief? What might Lewis write about in a book of Christian 101?
6 comments:
I think that the denominations are like a party system of Christianity. To be human is to be imperfect. Righteous and unrighteous disagreements arise from these imperfections and people branch off. Ever time a new denomination is made it is because they would like to change focus to what they believe is the core of the faith and most of the time the core is love, forgiveness, and grace.
I believe that a church is either alive, dieing, or dead with the love of Christ. I believe that each denomination in any country can can be in any state. I think the "alive" churches have great leadership, great worship, and outreach as there primary goals for existence.
I think Lewis sets the table for his next chapter well here. It's also kinda sad but comforting that the problems of the past are the problems of the present. Human nature is Human nature.
Peace,
Adam
You definitely have to keep to the basics to find common ground between all of the denominations - as Lewis pointed out, even the seemingly basic concept of the birth of Jesus gets messy when you start to talk about Mary's role in it. In the Preface Lewis strips Christianity down to two simple beliefs: 1) There is one God 2) Jesus Christ is His only Son. I haven't read ahead, so I'm not sure what else Lewis would base his 101 book on; but I was encouraged by his emphatic defense of "sticking to the basics."
I definitely agree with Lewis's suggestion that denominational and socio-political differences actually prevent non-believers from considering Christianity, much less converting - I know that was definitely the case for me. It wasn't until I focused purely on the words in red that I was able to begin my journey toward accepting the Christian faith. That's where I would start if I were to write a Christianity 101 Book. Jesus's teachings transcend many cultural and even religious boundaries, which, I think, make them the natural starting point when discussing the core beliefs and tenants of Christianity.
Like previsiously stated I think most christians can agree on the "simple truths" i.e there is a god and jesus is his only son. But when you start to talk details thats when opinions start to differ. Now, I know I am not the most educated or really educated at all on christianity but I believe the blurred details are due to the fact that we are talking about events in history (like kelsey said the birth of Jesus for example). These events are recorded from different perspectives and then past down through various means and anyone who has played the game telephone knows that 9 time out of 10 the original message and the end message are not the same.
For me I look at Christianity kind of like a swim team. We have a common goal make deciples of all nations and we must work together to accomplish this goal but if in our own personal race we are not putting in the effort our faith cant grow and our team cant win. (Kind of weak i know but it works for me)
Going a little off topic. After having read the whole book the Law of Human Nature keeps coming bck to me. It reminds me of Romans 7:15 "I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate." I think Lewis talks about this in the first chapter because it is applicable to both sides of the fence (believers and non.) While both sides may not agree on what actions and ideas are "right and wrong" most can agree that we all spend a lot of time doing things we dont want to do and not enough time doing the things we should be.
I have been trying to come up with a decent answer and am still pondering why this is. Why the Law of Human Nature is as Lewis states the only one which we are free to disobey. So far I have come up with the fact that God does not want Sons and daughters who are mindless drones that just do as their told. God wants us making the concious decision to live a life style which is described as the "best way of all". The unfortunate part is this is where we all fall short. In today's society everyone wants the best. The best car, job, house, ect. If we are striving for the best and it is really as easy as living out the scripture why do we fight it every step of the way?
Aloha ke akua! (Goid is love!)
One of my favorite sections in the intro is how Lewis refers to Christianity as a house. You come in an start exploring the rooms. You have respect that we are all part of the same house. There are rules that apply to the whole house.
My journey through Christianity has taken me far and wide learning different beliefs of different denominations. I find it intriguing how many different perspectives humanity can take on one story, one book. What some churches emphasize over others.
I have found that these differences are more sharp between Christians whose faith is less mature. As you mature in faith, I think you find that the nuances don't matter as much and that the heart of the message, as challenging as it is, is the core. Also, I think as you mature in faith, you take on more of Christ and begin to see the world with more the eyes of God recognizing how God works and speaks in different and mysterious ways. I am encouraged by this and hope that my faith continues to deepen and find maturity.
I'm really excited to have an opportunity to share this study and this Lent with everyone. It is a time to connect with each other on a deeper level and as siblings, as family, get to know each other's hearts a little better.
Adam ... little shout out for pushing all of us to "be better family" a few years ago.
Admittedly, I haven't gone far from the Lutheran strain of Christian faith. That said, I have found what Sara says about maturity of faith and letting go of the little differences to be true.
I can't put a finger on what "maturity" means. It isn't just being a long-time believer or being old. I suppose it is a sense of having gone through the challenges and sorrows of life with grace and deeply absorbing the walk of Christ.
The healthiest congregations I have seen have attracted members from many different denominational and faith backgrounds who come together on common ground.
Back during my college years, the reason I wanted to explore other faiths when it was going against the core of being a Geiermann, was the need to be able to believe with all my heart and soul what I claimed my fiath to be.
In the 60s and 70s it was trendy to revolt against the norm. My decision was not free spirited, my parents were not all wrong I didn't want to be trendy. I anquished a great deal about this decision because I loved my parents and respected them for the life they provided me. How did a clerk raise 7 children and put them all through private catholic school? Only through the help of God....More now I look back on my decision with sadness in having differences with my folks. Yet I wanted my children to "fall in love with Jesus" this was the bases of my decision to reach beyond the boundaries of the catholic faith. That said, some of the most fundalmental things I found important came from my heritage.
With your dad reading the bible cover to cover, I have more respect for sin passed down from generation.
Lewis ask each of us to walk down the hall with an open mind to define what our faith is. At my age like Tevya, somethings will never change... I very much appreciate the opportunity to this open forum and if I present a little more ridgid tone please accept that it comes with age. (because if I bend too far I might break) I am praying for us and this forum:
May God bless each and every one of you and come to your heart as only God can do during this time of lent. In Christ Jesus Amen.
Lewis 101 to me is like a faith daily protein shake...I plan to ninja it daily......
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