Jesus had a superlatively developed consciousness. Today, Christianity typically resists human cognitive development, thereby courting its eventual irrelevance.
Little did I know - tho I often suspected - what was brewing in the minds of some of those singing from the seats behind me. I enjoy the thoughts you share, Peter.
I so agree with everything you’ve written. I have not attended church in decades because it is so out of step with the current world and our understanding of “reality.” I had too much dissonance when sitting through sermons on the “whores of the Bible” (the actual title the preacher gave) or seriously conservative political rhetoric that conflicted with Jesus’ message. I simply stopped going after visiting several churches for my spiritual health and sanity. I WOULD attend a church where you lead the lesson.
Hi Kelli, it’s nice to hear from you. Jenny and I got to the point where we couldn’t stand to be in church either—and I was a music director and she a hospital chaplain! We finally settled on the Episcopal Church because they offered permission and encouragement to live in the questions rather than having all the answers. We figured if we were going to understand it all metaphorically we should go with a denomination that treasures the stories and makes a good fuss over them with all the smells and bells. That was 2002. There are lots of progressive Christians out there who are thoughtful about it and trying to live by what Jesus actually taught. Hope you are well. It’s nice to keep up with you on Facebook.
Little did I know - tho I often suspected - what was brewing in the minds of some of those singing from the seats behind me. I enjoy the thoughts you share, Peter.
Thank you, Ed. That means a lot. Those thoughts have been a long time brewing. Best to Patty.
I so agree with everything you’ve written. I have not attended church in decades because it is so out of step with the current world and our understanding of “reality.” I had too much dissonance when sitting through sermons on the “whores of the Bible” (the actual title the preacher gave) or seriously conservative political rhetoric that conflicted with Jesus’ message. I simply stopped going after visiting several churches for my spiritual health and sanity. I WOULD attend a church where you lead the lesson.
Hi Kelli, it’s nice to hear from you. Jenny and I got to the point where we couldn’t stand to be in church either—and I was a music director and she a hospital chaplain! We finally settled on the Episcopal Church because they offered permission and encouragement to live in the questions rather than having all the answers. We figured if we were going to understand it all metaphorically we should go with a denomination that treasures the stories and makes a good fuss over them with all the smells and bells. That was 2002. There are lots of progressive Christians out there who are thoughtful about it and trying to live by what Jesus actually taught. Hope you are well. It’s nice to keep up with you on Facebook.