I was reading the blog of a (liberal) minister recently who gave what I thought to be a unique and interesting perspective.
He said that there are only two ways that a church can deal with the tradition/change tension without losing identity and sanity. They can either base their identity around their doctrine and let old-fashioned trappings (organ, ministerial dress etc.) go, or they can let go of doctrine and be forced to maintain the traditional liturgical stuff for the sake of having something to cling to.
He was opting for the latter.
If he's correct, you'd assume that (many of) the most liberal churches, or at least the liberal churches that will survive as both liberals and churches, are very traditional in the smells and bells sense.
What they deserve?
ReplyDeleteThe trouble with being vaguely evangelical is the high probability of this combination arising.
Harsh. But true.
ReplyDeleteVaguely evangelical, though, by poor teaching over many years. Want to move North?
My recent experience: confused parishioners, empty pews, and frustrated RE teachers from nearby churches.
ReplyDeleteI was reading the blog of a (liberal) minister recently who gave what I thought to be a unique and interesting perspective.
ReplyDeleteHe said that there are only two ways that a church can deal with the tradition/change tension without losing identity and sanity. They can either base their identity around their doctrine and let old-fashioned trappings (organ, ministerial dress etc.) go, or they can let go of doctrine and be forced to maintain the traditional liturgical stuff for the sake of having something to cling to.
He was opting for the latter.
If he's correct, you'd assume that (many of) the most liberal churches, or at least the liberal churches that will survive as both liberals and churches, are very traditional in the smells and bells sense.