Post by Josh on Dec 8, 2008 18:13:59 GMT -8
I've noticed a theological flashpoint that comes up in Christian circles from time to time, especially over the last couple months of teachings at ACF.
It has to do with our role in salvation and the daily expression of our faith versus God's role.
Some emphasize the importance of our role/ actions, of our individuality itself (as distinct from God's individuality). Others focus almost exclusively on what God does and how there needs to be "less of us and more of him". Some try and do both.
I think there's a great paradox here and my concern is that it needs a careful parsing.
Has anyone noticed this?
I first thought of it when Caleb and Ed were visiting and Ed said he was uncomfortable with the idea that we are in "partnership with God". It was funny because I think I had used just that phrase a few weeks earlier-- celebrating it*.
I think this is a paradox because I think we use phrases like "in partnership" or "on our own" or "less of me, more of him" in very different senses which can appear contradictory but don't have to be.
So, I'd really like to hear your thoughts on this:
Do you tend to emphasize God's role and actions and our need to operate in His power and become one with Him?
or do you have space for the idea that God created us as autonomous individuals, celebrates our uniqueness, and invites us to partner with him?
or have you found a middle ground or way of reconciling these two?
I've got thoughts but I want some from others first.
*Ah, that's the beauty of not having "doctrine police". We get to have these kind of conversations!
It has to do with our role in salvation and the daily expression of our faith versus God's role.
Some emphasize the importance of our role/ actions, of our individuality itself (as distinct from God's individuality). Others focus almost exclusively on what God does and how there needs to be "less of us and more of him". Some try and do both.
I think there's a great paradox here and my concern is that it needs a careful parsing.
Has anyone noticed this?
I first thought of it when Caleb and Ed were visiting and Ed said he was uncomfortable with the idea that we are in "partnership with God". It was funny because I think I had used just that phrase a few weeks earlier-- celebrating it*.
I think this is a paradox because I think we use phrases like "in partnership" or "on our own" or "less of me, more of him" in very different senses which can appear contradictory but don't have to be.
So, I'd really like to hear your thoughts on this:
Do you tend to emphasize God's role and actions and our need to operate in His power and become one with Him?
or do you have space for the idea that God created us as autonomous individuals, celebrates our uniqueness, and invites us to partner with him?
or have you found a middle ground or way of reconciling these two?
I've got thoughts but I want some from others first.
*Ah, that's the beauty of not having "doctrine police". We get to have these kind of conversations!