Christendom-PostChristendom shift - Theology as doctrine
This continues the images from Charles Bayers’ book - A resurrected Church.
The images so far have been:
Christendom - Theology is seen in terms of handed down doctrine orthodoxy.
Post-Christendom - Theology is seen in terms of doing the truth, orthopraxis
Charles does not explore this shift in the same detail as the other shifts he identifies in his book. In fact, he simply quotes the liberation theologian Gutierrez to illustrate the point:
A Theology which has at its points of reference only “truths” which have been established once and for all - and not the Truth which is also the Way - can only be static and, in the long run, sterile
This is an incredible challenge for this Church. Do we contain God, when we think that God has revealed all to us already in history? How do we hold the possibility that God can speak to us now, while still holding the scriptures as important and vital in the life of faith communuities?
September 28th, 2004 at 2:25 pm
“Do we contain God, when we think that God has revealed all to us already in history?”
That is such an amazing question - would it be sidebar for me to ask whether you actually believe that all that is to be revealed HAS been revealed?
If so, what was the last revelation? Or is it simply already given and we as a church are going to discover it at the “appointed” time? Or is it that there is still more to learn that may in some way shake our foundations (because we are comfortable in who we are and our definition of Christianity).
Maybe we just relearn the same truths at a deeper level as we grow in maturity??
What do you think?
September 28th, 2004 at 2:28 pm
I think that God is still “creating” and still “revealing”.
October 7th, 2004 at 5:31 am
Hallo Elisabeth or appropriate,
Am a theology student and I was searching for info. about Postchristendoom (”Emerging Church”) is the topic and am assesing strengths and weaknesses of the “Cell groups” orientated churches. Searching, I came accross this site.Therefore considering the fact that you seem to be interested in the subject and probably have useful related info, and am supposed to finish an essay of 3500 words by Monday morning the 11th of october (rather short time), I thought it will be ok to ask you for some input. So, if found in time and available please do contribute. My mail again is oagabriel@yahoo.com. Should there be any unconvenience, please ignore the message.Whatever the answer thanks in advance.
Your sincerely.
October 7th, 2004 at 10:37 am
Hi Gabriel,
Have a look at the archives of this site.. http://www.signposts.org.au and you will find heaps on that topic. Also, you could have a look at our church web site which will also contain articles along the same lines.