William Wilberforce as Evangelical Leftist?
Good challenge — > “How many evangelicals–or any of the rest of us–recognize that the long haul is the only way to get things done politically? Yes, things do eventually come to exciting crises, but the way those crises “break” has a lot to do with the processes that precede them that determine both the shape and outcome of those crises.”
The Dream of Pastoral Leadership
I’m starting to slowly get this .. “Most contemporary accounts of leadership imply that the leader is the one who asks questions, moves toward answers, and clarifies where we are and what we are doing. However, Lewis Parks and Bruce Birch note that the Christian leader may be the one who helps us live with mystery, to follow the Dream, to find meaning and direction, even when our final destination is left up to God”
Some Reasons Why the Lone “Senior Pastor” Might Not Make Sense Anymore
I have reasons why I don’t see myself as a “senior pastor” 😛
Prayer Regarding Critics and Enemies by Serbian Orthodox Bishop
I think Brian McLaren was the one who brought this prayer to my attention. Apparently, it’s re-emerging in the blogosphere again. which is a good things.
Jesus and the Eyewitnesses – Outline of forthcoming posts
I need to sit down one day with a cup of coffee (and some chips) and catch up with all these excellent posts.
DashHouse on the Evolving Church Conference
Some excellent blogging here which I would like to follow.
A DIFFERENT SORT OF CHURCH LEADER by John Buckeridge
I confess, I havent’ read any Rob Bell books … I’ve seen his Nooma videos at local bookstores, and interestingly his name came out when I met a friend at a Buddhist wake last week … apparently, there are people in Malaysia reading him and influenced by him. So, I decided to read this interview.
Reading the first link is why I believe the moniker “Evangelical Left” is such a misnomer. There’s no endorsement of the “Left” or “Right”; “Progressivism” or “Conservatism”; or any other such dichotomies in the message of Christ. The Gospel transcends such constructs (which is enveloped by a particular cultural reality as well – but that discussion’s for another day).
What I believe Wilberforce tried to do was to embody a normal Christian life based on what he felt Jesus taught and the grace that empowered him to live what the Bible taught (hehehe .. good lesson from Catechism .. even if I did miss this part).
May we who claim to serve and follow Christ in Malaysia see our part in embodying the full Gospel even as we stare systemic challenges (some to a similiar extent as what Wilberforce himself fought against) right in the face and seek to redeem this reality for the Kingdom of God.
Bob, isn’t it true so many of us are busying trying to fit people into “left” or “right” boxes so we feel a sense of control and inner pride for being able to size people up. Lord have mercy.
And in that process, lose the needed energy to ACTUALLY relook at the issues at hand, reexamine ourselves and resolve to “embody” the Gospel while seeking to “redeem” realities which still can be redeemed.