Predestination In A Faith System

Because I grew up in a fundamentalist church, I have often avoided topics such as predestination because of the fundamentalist debate surrounding such a topic. However, as my concept of faith has transitioned over the years, I realize that such a topic is no longer that hot. If faith is a linguistic system of sorts, then it makes sense that those who have faith will be conformed to the image of the Son of God-- the linguistic system will lead anyone down the same path that Jesus took. Those who do not have faith are, of course, being conformed to the images of this world/society-- a path we know that causes and leads to destruction in so many ways in our world.

A Systemic & Semiotic Understanding of Faith

I am a big fan of semiotics and understanding our reality in a semiotic way (for an intro to semiotics click here). I am in the middle of writing my thesis for my MA- Leadership & Organizational Studies degree. Over the past 10 years, semiotics has found its way into organizational behavior/dynamics and religion. I wrote the following in my thesis recently:

Faith at a fundamental level is a shared vision of life for an individual and group. The symbols and vocabulary that are used, the methods that are employed, the rituals that it enacts, and the ways it approaches daily functions such as problem-solving and decision-making all convey a shared meaning—a shared narrative. As such, when one looks at a particular function of the organization (e.g. stewardship practices, communication strategies, methods of communal worship), the language and methods it employees give clues about the real shared vision and narrative of an organization whether it be a corporation, a church, or even an entire culture. Such an understanding of culture, faith, narrative, and shared vision and meaning sheds light on the contemporary state of affairs of Corporate American and American Christianity.

Most people do not view faith this way. They see it as some inner experience. George Lindbeck, who wrote the now classic seminary text, The Nature of Doctrine, discussed how many people see and describe their faith in an experiental-expressive way. This experiental way is very focused on thoughts, feelings, emotions, and existential orientations. As I talk with many Christians (both conservative and liberal), I find them discussing faith from the experiental-expressive view. However, faith is indeed a linguistic system. Such an understanding of faith will revolutionize every aspect of how one does ministry. The truly simple and profound conclusion from this is: most Christians do not realize that Christianity wants to make a claim on every aspect of their lives!

My Article

Well, I recently posted about an article I wrote being published. It was entitled "Doctrine as a Scripting Agent." This past week, I discovered that Youth Specialties had picked it up and was featuring it on the top of their home page. Very cool! I think it has cycled away by now... however, here is a link to it being featured in their YS Update and here is the link to the article. It was first published by the Journal of Student Ministries. Thanks to Will Penner for all of his help and work.

Studio 60

I have been watching the new hit show Studio 60. It is witty and pushes the envelope. On the first episode, it made references to the evils of the 700 club and the violence produced by Christian Fundamentalists.
In the midst of this, Josh McDowell and Ron Luce advertise Teen Mania's youth rally about War-- well at least a Battle Cry and battle plans, etc. Although I like some of what this movement stands for, there is much that is very wrong with it and that frightens me. American Christianity wants to be a force to be reckoned with. Jesus instead gave his life freely over to the powers-- he fought through weakness and humility rather than pride and power.

Jesus Camp

I just watched a preview of a documentary entitled Jesus Camp. Frightening. It amazes me that American Christianity is actually becoming this. So many evangelicals that I talk to believe that this country is coming to ruin because of secularism and liberalism. They believe that this country is ruled by godless people. And yet... these same evangelicals rule the white house, congress, the supreme court, most of the gubenatorial places in the states, etc. These same evangelicals a part of a growing movement around the country.... This definately scares me. We need a faith of love and hope rather than hate and fear. We need a faith of humility and peace rather than one focused on power and violence. We need a faith that cares about all people-- no matter what race, religion, gender, etc, rather than one of bias. Jesus Camp shows us the world of evangelical "Christian" America and where it is going wrong.

Sexuality As Christian Practice

My senior pastor and I have been in conversation about sexuality. Our conversations have revolved around teenagers and their parents because of its relevance to our context, as well as the topic of homosexuality because it is such a divisive issue in our denominiation. In our conversations, we have come to some conclusions. These conclusions are not new nor are they simplistic-- they do not solve the complex problems. However, they are very true theologically & psychologically. As well, they provide the right kind of language by which to understand ourselves as made in the image of God.
First, our job as the community of faith is to form Christians who see their "selfs" as made in the image of God and are able to understand their bodies and sexual being as a gift to be cherished, guarded, and guided. The reason for this is that sex is such a good and poweful aspect of humanity. We want our students (and all our congregants) to cherish self and cherish the other-- to revere, honor, dignify self and other. Such a practice and habit has the ultimate effect of turning sexuality into a virtue. A virtue goes beyond practice or habit to being an instictual way of living out core convictions. As such, sexuality as virtue cannot possibly injure self or other. What we are after with our young people is to help form sexual practices in them that create virtues. Indeed, sexuality is a practice of Christian virtue.

Published Article

The Journal of Student Ministries has published an article that I wrote. You can check it out here.