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Post by Josh on Dec 27, 2008 19:41:02 GMT -8
Meghan,
Is it necessarily bad if something is "from our culture/tradition" as opposed to from the Bible? Why do you want to distinguish the two? (for what reason?)
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Post by meghan on Dec 27, 2008 19:43:48 GMT -8
Those are the things I'm trying to figure out, Pastor Josh.
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Post by Josh on Dec 27, 2008 19:55:47 GMT -8
Personally, I tend toward sympathizing with tradition as long as it doesn't compromise the gospel*. A lot of traditions we have are either directly inspired by the Christian faith of our ancestors OR are little hints of truth and beauty that God has planted around the world in all cultures.
That's me. But I think there's a verse that might be helpful in sorting the question out:
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
If the tradition is true or noble or right or pure or lovely or admirable there may be parts of it that can be put to good use for the Kingdom.
My two cents.
*or as long as the tradition doesn't become arrogant and demand that it is the only valid expression.
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Post by Josh on Dec 27, 2008 20:42:00 GMT -8
bump
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Post by moritz on Dec 29, 2008 13:15:08 GMT -8
Has anybody thought of our economy this Christmas?
I sympathize heavily with all of you who want to focus more on values and the story behind the festivity. I'm annoyed by the way capitalism exploits Christmas (and that although I don't believe in Jesus). Boycotting the commerce and consumption machienery is a good thing I would say*. But this year we celebrated Christmas in the advent of a worldwide economic crisis.** In times like these consumption is more important than ever. And the Christmas business has become a cornerstone of our economic system. Initiatives like the Christmas conspiracy can become fatal boomerangs for our very own jobs and our financial stability. Perhaps in the long run it is a good thing that the economy is going south. It might have a cleaning effect on capitalism. Or maybe it won't. I'm having troubles expressing what I mean. I have mixed feelings. I hope someone understood what I wanted to say.
*That doesn't have to go so far that one doesn't make any gifts at all. With a boycott of the consumption machinery I mean a greater deal of awareness and a resistence against the pressure. **No, I don't use the word advent as an analogy to the advent of the birth of Christ. I use the word to emphasize that this crisis has only just begun.
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Post by Josh on Dec 29, 2008 14:20:36 GMT -8
I hear what you're saying. The two principles are in tension with each other. I guess perhaps a middle ground is best for the moment?
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