Life as a renewed Southern Baptist

Hello to all,
I have been thinking lately of the denominational rift in protestant America, and for that matter, the world at large. Recently, for about the past 4 months, I seemed to have taken on a really negative view of Southern Baptists, my home denomination where I received Christ and through which I have continued to pursue. As shallow as it may be, I have come to believe that my reservations were founded upon media stereotyes and my somewhat overtly cynical attitude as a result of having been raised Southern Baptist and attending a Southern Baptist College. As a result, I was certain that I would head to a non-denominational seminary that was against the likes of sectarian division and theology, but now I am not sure where I will be headed. Through epiphanies and common sense, I realized that one can be associated with something, but necessarily dead set in core beliefs. Stereotypes are not necessarily true, and (and I hate to use this word), but sometimes bringing a different agenda to the table allows for a re-working of long held beliefs. I have come to see that there is reason to be proud of my Southern Baptist roots. Despite the avid right-wing zealout attack dogs, Southern Baptists have long held devotion to conservative ideals (infallibility, authority, and inerrancy of scripture). I am first a Christian, second an evangelical, third a Southern Baptist.

Secondly, On Sunday, my roommate Chris and I attended New Life Church here in Colorado Springs. This would be the mega-church of Ted Haggard, the President of the National Association of Evangelicals, amongst other professional organizations he has chartered or partnershiped with. Does anyone out there in the blogosphere question the motives of our well known Christian leaders? Sometimes the spirit of business entrepreneuralism bleeds through to certain aspects of the sacred. Without being highly critical I am certain that I will never be attending this church again. There are many reasons, from the rock-concert style worship abounding with elaborate lighting to heavily misguided theology (an emphasis on SELF, rather than on the suffiency of Christ). I find the coinciding of my visit to New Life and our ever-timely lesson on evangelical anti-intellectualism very providential. We can talk more later.

Books I would recommend after having read a great deal of them through Focus:
Love God with all your Mind by J.P. Moreland….seriously, everyone needs to read this.
The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind by Mark Noll
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
How Now Shall We Live? By Chuck Colson and Nancy Pearcy

On my next blog, I will try to give an adequate update of my time at Focus thus far and a few ponderings on Christian Intellectualism.

Solitude and silence,
Andrew

So long, Oh So long

Greetings,
To the few of you out there in the blogosphere who actually read this blog, I apologize for my recent missin-in-action. Real quick, Focus is great, challenging, and stimulating. I do not have much time to blog between the 500+ pages we read a week along with fulfilling a minimum of 8 hours of practicum. I will try to be posting more often. If anything, give my cell a call, 217-370-7754. I would love to talk about my adventures so. Oh, and let me emphasize, there have been some adventures. On a great note, the Lord is really working in my life by bringing up some junk. Oh the flames of Heaven can be so refining! I have plenty of pictures, for the lack of time, and the duration it takes to load on this blog from my rather slow internet connection, I doubt I will be posting any pictures, that is, unless I have some freetime. Be blessed and covered in the dust of your rabbi!

Andrew

Movin’ in

Greetings,
I am getting ready to move into my apartment in anout 2 hours. I am not so much nervous as I am anxious. I am sure the first few days will be spent explaining to people the extent of my accident, which needless to say is probably necessary, but overly tiring and emotionally unsettling.

Here is my new address along with other various ways to contact me:

Andrew Walker
2525 Raywood View
Apt. #914
Colorado Springs, CO
80920

andrew_walker785@hotmail.com
unfinishedfaith@gmail.com
AIM: marshill47
Cell:217-370-7754

I leave you with some words from Dallas Willard, author of The Divine Conspiracy:
God’s desire for us is that we should live in him. He sends among us the Way to himself. That shows what, in his heart of hearts, God is really like-indeed, what reality is really like. In its deepest nature and meaning our universe is a community of boundless and competent love.

Life was in him, life that made sense of human existence-John 1:4

Weed Central.

Just a real quick few ramblings

I have heard that Colorado Springs is known for its rampant use of Marijuana (especially at Colorado College). Thus, after last night’s experience, I think I had my first encounter with Springs’ expansixe “high” population.

Last night, Jesse and I were in downtown Colorado, Springs and we visited this privately owned used-CD music store. First off, when we walked in, the sweet stringent smell of incense overwhelmed us (perhaps to cover up another sweet stringent smell if you know what I am talking about). Secondly, as we walked down the aisle there was a large selection of Bongs and other miscellaneous hobby items (porn videos, amongst other things). Needless to say, Jesse and I were not aware the environment before we walked in and were rather readily encouraged to leave. Jesse bought “Starsky and Hutch” on DVD and we were going up to the counter to purchase it, I noticed their large collection of incense and incense holders. I was curious to know how much the holders cost so I asked the nearest employee how much they were and she replied, “$2.50.” I remarked, “well thanks, I was just wanting to price them.” She responded back in this hazy voiced glazed over look, “Yeah man, totally, right on. COOOOL!” I know my descriptions do not do this story justice, but her inebriated reply made the trip into the store worth it.

NOTE: I like incense purely for the scent and I find them enjoyable when it is able to overwhelm the stale stink of a 20 year old’ dorm room. I do not enjoy or use incense in order to cover up other recreational respiratory activities….cough, cough, cough.

Also, one quick idea for your day that I apparently thought of but forgot. Thanks to Mike K, my memory is refreshed. If you can, spend about 15 minutes trying to do exactly opposite of what our conscience tells us to do. I find that our perverted self-will counteracts the spirit’s will. So, really, and I know this is rather generalized reductionist thinking, do the opposite of what your nature would normally do, and I think within this battle, we become a little more like Jesus.

Day 2

Today was my first trip to Pulpit Rock Church here in Springs. It was a pleasant experience with some amazing preaching presented in such a way that truth was evident in a non-combative or non-hostile way. I am not opposed to sermons that come down hard on absolute truth. I believe in absolute truth and I do stray from the idea of it. I do stray away from the likes of certain retrograde evangelicals that preach destruction and damnation upon our supposedly “godless” nation.

The preacher, Armin Sommer is a graduate of the highly respected Denver Seminary. Known for its strong evangelical roots and world class biblical/theological studies program, I was excited to hear an alumn take the stage. It’s odd, for some reason I am always interested in the presentation of sermons, to which I prefer to call “teachings.” I have a felt need to give the sermon notes to today’s lesson.

This is my own question: For the Christians that read this (and I need this question as much as the rest of you ), how much of your biblical worldview is formed by pop-theology? That is a vague question, but from being inside the academic realm, it is evident that America (and subconsciously, myself) subscribe to certain theologies that we adhere to. Now, this in itself is not a bad thing, but to swallow uncritically and ignorantly is dangerous. For the non-Christians that read this blog, and better yet, for the Christians that read this also; how much of your worldview is formed by the media? I really want to shatter stereotypes that the media presents. Being a 20 year old, somewhat progressive evangelical (oddly, wikpedia.com would define me under the evangelical “left”), I am aware of the stereotypes surrounding my identity and to be honest, am very sick of them. For instance, I am attending the Focus on the Family Institute. If you did not know me, how would you identify me knowing that information.

Okay, on to the brief sermon notes that lead into a bold discussion of false teachers.
The scripture was out of Jude (a great book). First, we need to live what we believe. For if we have nothing that undergirds our presence, what is the point of living? Secondly, let’s be honest in a general understanding: some worldviews do not work. I am not going to individually name them, but you could arrive at your own conclusions. Third, we have to “contend” for our faith against a worldview that preaches rampant nothingness. Tolerance is a good thing, but being everything to everyone doesn’t work. Convictions are necessary. In fact, to go against convictions is neither right or safe (qtd. by Martin Luther).

Secondly, within the church there is a pervading doctrine called “Moralistic Therapeutic Deism,” which basically means that there is a God, we believe in this God, we do good, and then this God will make us happy. AKA: Health and wealth theology. My observation is this: Is God’s goal for us to be happy or holy?

Thirdly, according to George Barna, Christians are dangerously biblically illiterate. We do not know God’s own truth.

False Teachers:
Pervert Grace into Liscense (in fact making Grace a legal right (Gal. 5:13)
Perceive themselves as their own authority.
Delusions of power (powertrips)
Self-centered with little substance
Pollute their own body

Need more info: Read the entire book of Jude, which is only one chapter.

Anyway, I apologize for this blog’s akwardness and unorganization.

Grace and Peace,
Andrew

Next blog: Thoughts on the Emerging Church and Evangelical and Mainline Disunity.

I have arrived

Greetings to all my midwest friends,
First off, I just want to say that I envy none of you. Secondly, the mountains are absolutely gorgeous. As I write, I am getting ready to hang out with my good friend Jesse Heaton who attends Colorado College. After 450 miles on interstate 70 in MO and KS, we arrived in Springs about 9:30 this morning after spending a luxurious evening in Colby, KS. I have taken plenty of pictures so far, unfortunately, my USB cable for my camera is heavily packed away until Tuesday. Be patient and I will soon have pictures up. Briefly though, today I got a grand tour of Springs, took a behind the scenes tour of Focus on the Family, and visited the mega Church, New Life Church. Other than that, just a relaxing day spent with the Johnstons! Grace and Peace be upon you all.

Andrew

What do we represent?

I went to a party tonight. There was drinking. I am not upset at the drinking at all when compared to the response that people give off when they see the “religious kid” walk in the room. I sat next to a dear friend as this person proceeded to drink and then she proceeded to say, “Andrew, really, I don’t drink that much, you won’t think less of me, will you?” All through the night as beverages were consumed, that was the remark directed toward me, apologetically, yet with an undertone of embarrassment (spelled right?). This is what perplexes me, and many of you will understand my position and frustration if you read a few blogs down; the perception that when a Christian enters the rooom, the first thought of the person drinking is “oh no, they are judging me.” Is this really what Christianity represents? Has the greatest story, laid foremost in redemption, been taken captive to the idea that Christians are more focused on morality more than be being rooted in redemption and love? I was really startled. My good friend Andy actually remarked outside that he felt sorry for me in situations as was the present. By the way, it is a blessing when good non-Christian friends understand reality better than Christians themselves do. I had to constantly remind the friend drinking that I was not judging her (and please, no one leave remarks about me being a relativist). Honestly, can a Christian judge a non-Christian for drinking, when by societial norms, drinking seems the thing to do? Sure, drinking probably is not one of the better decisions a person could make, but seriously though? Above all, I really hate being prematurely labeled a judging fun-nazi? Or is that what Christ does for us?

Another story, earlier this semester I was at another party when a friend casually remarked about her studying habits that she “studies religiously.” Immediately, yet casually, the person responds back, “oh sorry, I shouldn’t throw that term around like that infront of you.” Here is the question I pose to whatever audience, if there may even be out there that reads this blog: What is the first thought that comes to mind when you hear the word Christian? Word association is vital. The word that comes to mind is above all the presupposition you have.

The next blog: Theological unrest.

Faith Out Loud.

“Faith is always personel, but never private.” Such truth spoken by Jim Wallis (God’s Politics: Why the Right is Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get it) is a topic that has been awakened in me over the past few weeks, so how timely is it that the latest 850 Words of Relevant dealt specifically with this issue. Read the article from the link above. I use the word “subversive” a lot. I love the word. It’s quiet, it’s powerful, it’s undertaking. It accomplishes and resolves. It’s unnoticed yet not ignored….Yes, that’s the phrase. This is a word that I really want to define my faith. I have come to some kind of idea that maybe all the Jesus Fishes on the back of cars, all the Christian t-shirts, all the new consumeristic Christian icons (icons…ouch, that’s a word that strikes a protestant v. catholic nerve) are perhaps not what Jesus had in mind. Jesus never exerted any power outside of that given him from above. He could have overthrown governments, but He did not. Instead, he changed the social order out of meekness. He acted exactly opposite of our most fundamental nature, that being seflessness. The more I progress in my faith, I become more attracted to the human side of Jesus (please, do not read too much into that statement. His divinity is the foundation from which other angles are directed). I digress. There is a call to let your allegiance to Christ be known. Now I believe in identifying yourself as a follower, but what if we kept our voices silent? What if the evangelical corporation of America sought to silence itself when voices from outside attack? What if the church and the resurrection was the best apologetic? Perhaps no response is a better response. What if people thought of Christians as these totally wonderful people, people who were free to love, free to be opposite, people somehow diametrically opposite of the supposed natural order? What if we realized that these freedoms were living realities, not subtle nuances? I feel that my vocality could be outdone by silent actions that would cause a stirring amongst the crowd. A personal faith is must different than a private faith. A private faith seeks for itself. A personal faith has nothing but to present itself. I think I am going to take my Jesus fish off my car.

Theologically Sexy

Just a few quick thoughts. One, my beautiful fiance’ has now left to go back to school. I am going to be a pitiful bachelor for the next 8 months until mid August. Her leaving has allowed me to rethink her importance in my life. So often, and not even to fault, but actually default, familiarity breeds unfamiliarity. Now, I am not saying that Christian and I’s presence together is numb of relationship or anything of that matter. In fact, when I am with here, there is no other place I would rather be, except with her. Her absence though, really makes one appreciate the everyday smile, handhold, and hug. Secondly, our distance-only separation is going to be a detriment to me for one reason: I think too much. My faith is grounded in a pseudo-academic foundation. Fittingly, my news resolution is to bring to God’s table my heart instead of lofty, esoteric ideas that sound good on paper, but might lack the heartfelt adoration that we all so long to have with our Creator. I want to be “in tune” with God’s song, a song that progresses and resolves. Christian’s faith is different than mine, and in ways, simpler and better. Her faith has come to real-life fruition many times. And simply because of this: she believes with all her heart in her God. I throw in complex and abstract understandings that for a time, allow me to, and I say this with humility, better “understand God.” For instance, last semester I randomly asked different people why they were a Christian. Some responded because of fear, some with uncertainty. I concluded because Jesus, above all, is the best way of life. Christian, with her innocent eyes, replied with such devotion and simplicity, “because Jesus is the only unchanging truth ever. We can trust Him no matter what.” Yeah, her answer gave me a spiritual sucker punch in the mouth. Why do I have to be complex? As a result, and I don’t know if many of you out there can say this about the women in your life, one idea comes to mind, my fiance, not only is beautiful, but is theologically sexy.

Grace and Peace,
Andrew

Next blog: A short “Year in Review”