Letter to the Editor
Posted on February 23rd, 2005 by catalyst into the Uncategorized categoryHere is a good letter to the editor in the most recent Willamette Week.
Pomo Christianity
Thanks for taking time for the Donald Miller cover story (”Confessions of a Dangerous Mind,” WW, Feb. 2. 2005). I was surprised to not hear a mention of one word, though: postmodernism. Books like Miller’s are selling to young people at evangelical colleges who are looking for a broader vision of Christianity.
On campus, the question of whether their ideas are “heretical” or “honest” revolve around the notion of our society’s transition from modernity to postmodernity. Christian theology (and politics!) is too often rooted in a modern conception of the world that leads to fundamentalist thinking. But writers like Miller understand that the message of Christ is bigger than modernity.
Mainstream conservative evangelicals feel threatened and see “Post-Modernity” as a force to be battled, believing that questioning of fundamentalism (a thoroughly modern concept) will lead to aimless belief. Authors like Miller are popular in Portland and other “blue states” (read: postmodern states) because of new, fresh thinking about something old and powerful (the story of Christianity).
Dave Dyk
Northeast Irving Street
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February 24th, 2005 at 4:48 pm
I really didn’t read this one but i hate seeing that no one commented.
Peace Shalom
February 25th, 2005 at 9:20 am
It is a kind of complicated letter. Basically, I think the author is revealing a new trend in Christianity. A trend where individuals are more focused on Christ’s message of compassion and acceptance, then the message of materialism and success which many of today’s Evangelical churches preach.
Young people are rebelling against the popular notion of what it means to be a Christian.
Christianity isn’t about going to church, tithing and not sinning. (whatever that means)…. Christianity is about treating other people with grace.
good times…
February 25th, 2005 at 12:39 pm
Yeah,
I really didn’t read that last comment, but i hate seeing that no one responds.
February 25th, 2005 at 2:23 pm
I am not a member of CBC, but I do attend Gen Unleashed every year. We don’t leave taking everything for granted, and there are some areas that I don’t necessarily agree with. However, this blog really does tear down the body of Christ. Do you not feel something every time you are so critical? In the Bible we are called to be uplifting. There are times that you can just pray about issues and leave them to God. You aren’t doing anything good for the Body as a whole. Instead, people are going to come in here and validate why they aren’t serving God. Are you even a Christian yourself?
February 25th, 2005 at 2:32 pm
You know I want badly to believe this is a real comment. But I’m almost positive this is the Pope just trying to stir people up.
Side thought, if the real Pope dies, and they replace with someone not named John-Paul. Then does Johnpaul Morton have to change his Blogger Identity?
I say yes.
February 25th, 2005 at 4:31 pm
Now your talking in my language. I have a hard enough time just tring to read every thing you guys write so gimmie a break.
It must of been that water we had out east when we where younger.
You’re right that what christianity should be about.
Peace Shalom
February 25th, 2005 at 5:34 pm
The problem is, and I’ve said this before, every time anyone has an issue with “The Church” they are told to keep their mouth shut. This is how churches get off track in their teaching; they don’t have anyone willing to correct them.
“In the Bible we are called to be uplifting”. Does this mean that when people are misinterpreting the Bible that we should smile and say “Great word today pastor”?
Suppose for just a second that you grew up in a Muslim community and you applied the same rules to yourself as you are asking us to follow. Well, you might just end up hi-jacking a plane and flying it into the world trade center building; and all because you were taught to be uplifting and never to question authority. Wouldn’t that suck when you spent eternity burning in hell?
So, instead of being so defensive because CBC put on such a great light show at their conference and didn’t charge you for parking, why not stop and ask yourself if what we are saying is true. If it isn’t true then STOP READING RIGHT NOW.
However, since it is true (and that is why you are still reading it after all) why don’t you pray for the megachurches, and I’ll continue blogging.
Was that as uplifting for you as it was for me? ‘Cause I feel great.