The Beautiful Heresy- Christian Universalism

This is wrong on so many levels. If I hadn't checked this out, I would have sworn this was a story by The Onion.

The Left Behind empire, built around the series of books, is hitting a new low with a violent video game scheduled for release this fall. Worse than that, there appears to be a tie-in with megachurch Pastor and author of Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren and the empire he is building.

This is straight out of bizarro world. This is a pretty long article, but I believe worth your time. Don't get me wrong, I like a good violent video game as much as the next guy. My problem with this is not that a violent video game is being released. Read it and see what you think about it.

Read About "Left Behind Eternal Forces"

Peace,
Brian

Peace,
Brian

So, will I attend again?  Probably.  I'll let you know if I do.

Peace,
Brian

Here is a bit of a dialog my friend Rhonda and I had recently on whether we should remain in the organized "church" or not.  The conversation might be a little hard to follow since email message boards are not exactly linear as we cut and paste each others'posts. But, I've tried to organize it so that it makes sense.  I think you'll get the major points.

[Rhonda] Hi Rob and Brian,

I think that the world would be much better off without Organized Religion--Christian or otherwise.
I'm a Christian, but I have no use and see no worth in the institutions (whether small or large) that have been created in the name of Christ.  I don't believe for a second that they are created by God, but by men who believe they represent God.

In the first century, God judged the Institution centered in Jerusalem because He didn't create it--the
people did, and it WAS corrupt to the core.  The Apostle Paul stressed that people were to be God's "temple"--not buildings and structures.  Yet for the past 2000 years, "Christians" have built "temples" for themselves,with hierarchies patterned after OC Jerusalem, like the people did with the Tower of Babel--trying to build a city for themselves--a skyscraper that would reach heaven.  These "orgs" as
has been the case of Religion since the beginning go to bed with "the kings of the earth" to promote whatever political agendas they have in mind, whether good or bad.  I think it stinks to high heaven as much today as it always has. 

The Church of the first century was a Spiritual entity of people who entered into a NC relationship
with God--and to enter into it, one had to be willing to drink the cup that Christ drank--as living sacrifices, whose purpose and allegiance weren't to anything regarding this world--but to the KOG which was "no part of this world."

The identifying mark that distinguished "true" from the "false" was Christian neutrality--they
didn't get caught up in the politics of the world--and the "true" Christians heeded the call to "get out of her, my people."—rhonda

Brian, we can organize to accomplish things--that's way different than a "church". 


[Brian] Rhonda, I don't think you're far from the truth.  But, I think Rob also raised a good point in his earlier post.  When we come together, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.  We need organizations to accomplish big things.  Maybe the church's focus should shift from trying to win converts to doing "good" (feeding the poor, clothing the naked, etc.).

Peace,
Brian

[Rhonda]
What qualifies your minister to be paid for his Service? 

[Brian]  My minister is paid for his service because he gives a great deal of his time and energy to run an organization of several thousand people.  He has living expenses- like anyone else.  Children to put through college, a household to maintain, etc.  He should be paid for his time.  His "qualifications" are that he does a great job.  That's why he was given the job.  And, he continues to do a fine job.

[Rhonda] How much $ is spent on the building?

[Brian] Thousands.  Don't know the actual number.  But, we have about 5,000 people attending
on the weekends.  We run several ministries out of the buildings and we provide facilities for a number of activities from various organizations in the city.  It takes money to keep up such a facility.

[Rhonda] Why are buildings needed to "meet" at such great expense?

[Brian] See above.  We run classes out of the building, have a gym for recreation, have meeting
rooms, have weddings, funerals, concerts, etc.  You can't have a facility to do all of that for free or without a staff of people to take care of it.

[Rhonda] How "big" was the first century group of Christians and what was their goal, their purpose?
 

[Brian] Rhonda, I don't believe the first century church was necessarily perfect.  But, even if it
was, there are a ton of differences between them and us.  I don't know of too many modern day people willing to live in communes like the first century church.  But, their goal and purpose seemed to be to
spread the word of the risen Christ and to make a real difference in their community.  I'd say the goals of the church I attend are not too far from theirs.

[Rhonda] And most importantly, do they spread the Gospel?  Do they actually represent Christ in what
they teach and say?

[Brian] I assume you're asking about the church I attend.  And, the answers are yes and yes.  While not perfect, I think they do an admirable job of spreading the gospel and in representing Christ through their charity and outpouring of love.

[Rhonda] Does your church need a GYM?  "For bodily training is beneficial for a little; but godly devotion is beneficial for all things; as it holds promise of the life now and that which is to come." 1 Tim 4:8
 
Because it sounds like a fine community center.  A great place for people to meet each other; a great social meeting place--everything you need is there, even a gym--right? 

[Brian] Our church is a community center.  You got the point!  It's called Vineyard Community
Church.  It's intended to be a community center.  So, yes, it does need a gym. My kids take physical education there when their home school co-op meets.  While my wife and I were there teaching
classes on Saturday (premarital counseling), there were kids playing in the gym.  They show movies in the gym and that's where the high school and middle school kids meet for their "Sunday School".
Yep, we need a gym. 
 
[Rhonda] For your minister, I'd say its a great job, if you can get it--what's his salary?  Pretty far away from Paul, who was a tentmaker to support his full time ministry.  I'm sorry, Brian.  Can I say that
politics there has a great deal to do with one's standing in the community? 


[Brian] I don't know Dave's salary.  But, I'd guess from looking at his house, etc. that it's probably comparable to what I was making in the corporate world (well, probably less than I was making).  But, he's essentially the CEO of an organization with a staff of dozens that services thousands and has a multimillion dollar budget.  I don't think his salary is out of line with his responsibilities.  I'd guess if Dave were doing the same work in the corporate world, he'd be making a lot more money.

[Rhonda] Yes, its very far from what the first century church was all about.  God bless you there, Brian, but this is one reason I feel so strongly that Religion is a snare and a racket.  I love you--but I won't be anything other than honest--this is as far away from Christ as the man in the moon is.  IF perchance this church introduces some folks to Jesus Christ, that's great--but they'll have to leave to actually get to know him.  Or here's a novel idea; they might actually have to open the pages of their NT up (when they get off the treadmill) and read what he said for themselves.  But that might be too much effort.  I'm sorry--but this stuff REALLY gets under my skin.

[Brian] Leave the church to meet people?  That's so ironic you mention it. Here you go, Rhonda.
Click this link and scroll down a little to view one of the T-shirts the volunteers wear:

http://www.servantevangelism.com/index.htm

Oh, BTW, there are no treadmills in the gym.  It's just a gymnasium, not a work-out facility. No
spa.  I don't even know if there are showers.  It's not really for the members (well not the adults anyway).  It's so we can bring people IN.

[Rhonda wrote this referring to a Sunday School lesson taught to my six year old]

"This side is white; it represents God. "This side is black; it represents evil." 

That's really deep stuff, isn't it?  That's the way to teach children about their Creator--especially black children.  WHAT is it, dear brother, that keeps you there?  --rhonda

[Brian] Lastly, the black white thing.  Yep.  That was a mistake. A BIG MISTAKE and I let them know about it and got an apology.  The staff's theology is not perfect (neither is Dave's for that matter).  But, they do at least try. 

I almost wrote this last night but held back for the sake of the newbies.  I hope no one here takes
this personally (including Rhonda).  But, it's awfully easy to stand outside of an organization (any organization) and throw stones at it.  No single person is perfect and when you bring two or more
two together potential for good or for evil is magnified (as Rob pointed out).  But, I think many people use the shortfallings of the church as an excuse not to join and to their part.  We can do more as teams than we can as individuals and this rugged individualism that is so deeply ingrained in the American psyche can be taken too far.  As members of communities we have responsibilities to each other.  Does that mean everybody needs to join a "church"?  Absolutely not.  But, if you're not in a church (not you
personally Rhonda), maybe you should be asking yourself where can you serve your community?  Are you volunteering at a food bank?  Are you helping at a local job training center?  What are you
doing to give back?  The church I attend actually affords me the opportunity to serve my community (bringing me back around to my first point)- our church is a community center.

Love you, Rhonda.  And I appreciate your honesty!  And I'll let you in on a little secret.  Honestly, I've been eyeing a book called "How to Leave the Church without Leaving God" for several months now.  But, when you make me sit down and think about why I attend the church I do, it just makes me want to make it even a better place.

[Brian- as part of this thread but to another member of our board]

Terri,

Obviously, you are free to see things as you wish.  And, people can look at a glass as half full
or half empty.  But, let me address your concerns in this particular case.

My grandfather was a minister and his relationship with my father has impacted my father's relationship with me.  There are also other pastors in my family and my father has served his whole life as a lay person.  So, let's just suffice it to say I know a little something about this stuff, too.

Why do you think Dave's job is "bondage"?  Are there unpleasant aspects of it?  Of course.  No organization (and a church is an organization) is perfect.  But, I know Dave fairly well (amazing given how large our church is).  He is full of joy and on fire for Jesus.  I don't mean that in the trite way a lot of Christians spew it out. Dave really, really is in love with his mission here on earth and takes it
very, very seriously.  He wants to introduce everyone in the city of Cincinnati to a relationship with Jesus.  Not grow the church, not build bigger monuments to himself or to God.  He wants to reach people.

Are most churches social clubs?  Absolutely.  Most are there just to pat their members on the back and tell them how good (or how evil) they are.  And, they talk about how the rest of the world is going to hell.  They meet for an hour, sing some songs, hear a pep talk (or a fire and brimstone sermon) and leave for the week having fulfilled their obligation.  Anyone following along will probably realize by now that the church I attend is not one of those places.  I see people whose lives are truly changed in many, many ways.  I've been church seeking all my life in several cities across the midwest and never run into any place like the church I attend.  I am continually challenged to step and do more- not by the words from the pulpit but by the actions of those around me.  The Bible says "To whom much is given, much is required." 
 
I agree with you that the system is broken and at one time I completely dropped out.  When I came
back it was to a church that was just about as broken as any other.  But, one day something said to me that old saying from the 60s. If you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem.  By
dropping out, I assured that one less person who was interested in changing the church was there to have an influence.  So, I went back not seeing what I could get out of the church but what I could put
into it. 
 
As I said in an earlier post this morning, I'm not trying to tell everyone to go to church every Sunday.
But, I do encourage people to ask themselves what they are doing to contribute to the kingdom.  If you can do it in a church- great. I have the awesome privilege of being able to do that.

Terri,

With great love and respect I think the experiences of your youth have (temporarily at least) blinded
you to what it is I am saying.  I think Rhonda's missing the point, too.

I am not advocating working to get into God's good graces.  I'm not saying that you taking care of your family isn't enough "community service".  I'm saying that many people could easily do more to help their fellow man and we should do all we can.  If it's in a church setting, even better.  This is something we should do as just responsible human beings, let alone being Christians.

And my pastor is much more than just the CEO of a company.  That is a role that he has to fill,
yes.  But, it's so much more... Oh, and as I said, I have more than a little experience with PKs (preacher's kids).  Not first hand.  My father didn't feel worthy to go into the ministry because he didn't think he could fill my grandfather's shoes.  His relationship with his father was complicated and frankly, I think it screwed up our relationship.  But, I don't blame the church for that.  And, I have aunts/uncles and cousins who are PKs or full time preachers.  I've seen pastor burnout up close and
personal.  My grandfather actually did a pretty good job balancing family and the church, given the times- better than most.  But, I won't bore you with the details.

I'm sorry if you think I'm trying to lay a guilt trip on you.  That's the last thing I want to do.  But, when people criticize my involvement in my church and criticize our role in the community and the motivation of our pastor, I think I have an obligation to speak up.

I grew up in a big church and swore I'd never attend one.  I hate big churches.  But, I see our church as a community center, a beacon on a hill.  It's not just a church.

I think what Rhonda is advocating is tantamount to anarchy.  A body needs its parts to work
together.  What good is a hand without an eye to guide it or a mouth without a stomach to digest the food.  To be a part of the body of Christ, we have to function with other parts.  Ministers have needs and have to be paid.   

OK.  Enough said.  When I find myself saying the same things over again, it's time to stop.  I'll jump back in if there's something new to say. 
 
[Rhonda] Why is it that this "Beacon on a Hill" is "leader" and you must "follow"?  Isn't the "body" that you speak of those who understand God's Universal Plan?  The only "Leader" I can think of is Jesus Christ--the head.

Did Paul follow any man--even the Jerusalem Apostles?  No, he followed Christ.  And he didn't go and follow the status quo--ever--he didn't attend synagogue to join with the Jews in their worship--he went to teach them what he knew--to publish Jesus Christ (and his plan of salvation) to them.  When he spoke at the Aereopolis (sp?) he didn't join with the Greeks in their worship of the gods--but published to them the Truth of the "Unknown God" which was brilliant--because he could commend them on being religious people who knew there was possibly "a god" they didn't know,  He seized that opportunity and told them about the Father and His Son.

[Brian] I'm sorry.  I really don't understand your question.  I didn't refer to Dave as a "beacon on a hill", I referred to our church/community center as a beacon on a hill.  I don't follow Dave.  Dave is the leader of the staff of the church and he does most of the speaking on Sunday morning.  Dave sets the direction for the church (along with the staff and the board of directors), as a body because when you have 5,000 people per weekend gathering you can't take a vote to determine every move you're going to make. 

Rhonda, you can argue this until you're blue in the face (and maybe you will).  But, it's simple logic that organizations (people working together) can accomplish more than individuals (people working alone).  It's in your Bible that says we should not forsake the gathering of ourselves together.
Paul talks about the parts of the body.  Body parts don't work well independently.  I really don't understand your problem with this.

[Rhonda] Annie asked some time ago, quoting scripture: "How can two walk together without agreement?"  Two cannot walk together UNLESS one compromises. The "churches" are full of "compromising" people who just keep their mouths shut and go with the flow.  My "eye" tells my
foot "tread there" or "don't tread there" depending on what path I'm on.  These body parts protect me unless I compromise, like a woman whose "eye" tells her "brain"--don't get on that elevator with that man--and she just goes ahead anyway, because that might hurt the man's feelings.—rhonda

[Brian] It's fine to say that Jesus is our only leader.  But, Paul (who you like to hold up as an example) tells the husband to be the head of the household and tells slaves to obey their masters (organization).  When we tried to create the website here and had no leader, how well did that work?  Nobody took the lead and look where we are.

No, Paul didn't follow any man.  But, how many men followed Paul? Thousands! To say that two
cannot walk together without compromise is a little strange, too.  Is compromise really such a bad thing?  Actually, in our marriage classes we teach there are more alternatives than compromise.  There are at least four alternatives when two people disagree- compromise, capitulation, co-existence and cooperation.  But, you're right in this sense, if two or more are gathered together not everyone can get
his way 100% of the time.  Marriages are full of compromising people, too Rhonda. But, I see you decided to enter into that institution.  Families have to compromise, also. Now that you are
no longer working solely by yourself, I assume you have to compromise. 


[Rhonda]
I wasn't talking about Dave, but the Center itself, the Beacon on a Hill--and of course, Brian, if you
are in agreement with its purpose you can walk with it.  Any compromises made are small ones--ones that are easily given for the greater purpose.  This is like a marriage, yes, an arrangement, an agreement on the big picture. This is what I meant by two walking together.  If two are not in agreement (about the big picture) then they cannot walk together without someone compromising something big.  My question to you is about the big picture--are you in agreement on the goal, purpose and teachings of your church?  If so--are you compromising your own beliefs and goals in any way?
If so, does this cause any crisis at all inside yourself?  If not--then I can say, "God bless you" and be happy for you where you are, because you're more than willing to compromise small things for
the big things (and that's a good thing).  :)

[Brian] The question is "What is a big thing?"  I'm working on a post for my blog called "Should I
Stay or Should I Go?"  Thanks for your contribution! Ironically (well, I don't really believe in irony anymore, this was planned), I just picked up a book called "Finding Jesus, Discovering Self". The
first chapter is about leaving home.  For me, home could be the church or could even be Christianity. 

I am absolutely in agreement with the goals, purpose and MOST of the teachings of my church. It is not a fire and brimstone church. In the 8 years I've been there I can honestly say I don't remember hearing a mention of hell or ET from the pulpit (and I think I'd remember).  The founding pastor (I've been told) is a universalist.  But, that's only a rumor.  When I questioned Dave about it, he wouldn't go so far as to say he's a universalist (which would probably have been stupid of him to do- look
at Carlton Pearson).  But, he's open to new revelations on hell.  So, from my POV, this is not too major a thing- at present.  Now, let's examine what I have in common with the church.  We do so many ministries I can't even name them, Rhonda.  The gym seems to have caught your attention.  I get
the feeling you're picturing people on treadmills, lifting weights and stuff.  Nah.  The gym is used mostly by kids.  It's a basketball court with a stage. We bring in people who are burned out on
other churches.  We help alcoholics, poor people, sex addicts, the divorced and on and on and on.  The Vineyard is known in Cincinnati as a place with loving people who would do anything for a
stranger.  That's why I'm there.

[Rhonda] If big compromises are being made; when one cannot be, say or do what he really believes in
for the sake of unity, this is where a crisis comes in.  For instance, many marriages fail because both enter in without having the same big picture in mind--and one is asked to compromise his/her true
self for the sake of unity.  If any church or group requires this kind of compromise from people then a crisis of conscience develops.  Just as no wife is happy if she's compromising her true self for the sake of her husband's will--can't speak her mind or convictions without being ostracized--no person is happy in that arrangement anywhere, because he/she isn't free.  Many women do for the sake of peace, the sake of unity, or perhaps the sake of what she feels is God's will that she compromise herself totally, and so do many people in their church relationship.  And breaking church/group ties can be just as difficult and emotionally wrenching as breaking marriage ties; leaving a group is often viewed by the group as abandonment; they take it personally--and some go so far as to believe when you leave them, you're leaving God.  :)

[Brian] Can be is the operative phrase there, Rhonda.  My church is not God and they don't try to
convince anyone they are.  Do you know we do anonymous missions?  We'll give our resources (including people) to do missions with other churches and take NO CREDIT.  Our name isn't
on anything involved with those missions.  I have been pretty open about my universalism, sharing it with the Senior Pastor and with one of the pastors on staff.  I've sent links to my blog to that pastor.  So, I'm not making any compromises that are causing conflict in my soul.

[Rhonda] As for not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together--in the first century there was no
other way to meet than face to face.  I'm meeting with people all the time--of many different faiths--around the clock--and the purpose is to incite one another to love and fine works--and the biggest work
of all is spreading the Good News of UR (as I see it.)  This has made all the difference in my own life's searchings for God--and I think this message is life-changing--because when spiritual needs are being met, everything else becomes good as well--even hardships, trials, and all the problems that come in life.  I have many brethren that I actually talk with, pray with; much more intimate without all the church functions that come into play in church-going.  Its how I worship God--I don't see how "worship" must be sitting in physical pew somewhere being led by someone, or in my local town--I can visit any person in any place better with this miracle:  the internet.  I'm not alone--I have my own "group" around me, family, neighbors--I don't have to have a local church family--my internet
"church family" is huge.

[Brian] Rhonda, when did I say you have to go sit in a "pew" (we don't have them, BTW)?  Yes, this is
a gathering.  And, like it or not, we're dangerously close to an organization. We almost even built something together. One might even call us a (gasp) church.

Great post.  Now we're getting somewhere ;-)

[Rhonda] I'm sure your church has many wonderful people in it (it has you, doesn't it?) and that Dave's a great man.  I have nothing personal to criticize him about--or your church (or any church) for that matter.  I sensed from you Brian a crisis of conscience going on.  Which was why I asked the questions and put the challenges out there.  Your responses tell me if one is actually going on or not.  If you've come out even more convicted of what your church does and stands for--and whatever compromises you make are worth the big picture to you--then I'm fine with it, Brian, and happy for you.  Bless ya--rhonda

[Brian] Cool.  I appreciate it.  My crisis of conscience really has more to do with remaining a Christian than attending the Vineyard.  Would I prefer a place just like the Vineyard that openly preaches universalism?  Sure. But, there are a lot of things I would like that aren't going to happen, we have to do the best with what we are given.

---

As I was pondering this, this old song from the Clash came to mind. "Should I Stay or Should I Go?"
It's been stuck in my head for about a week now.  And, if you're old enough to remember it and you're not careful, it's probably going to get stuck in yours.  The lyrics pretty accurately sum up what I've been feeling about the church for a while and maybe even about Christianity.  One day it's fine, the next it's black.  If I go there will be trouble.  If I stay it will be double. 

Some Background

I should let you that in many ways I am a black and white thinker.  I tend to take the smallest thing that has gone wrong and turn it into something major.  If I have a toothache, surely I will need a root canal. If I have a headache, it must be a stroke.  But, when it comes to understanding that no relationship in this world will ever be perfect, I think I've got a pretty good handle on that.  My wife and I have a fantastic relationship. It's not perfect and that's fine.  We work at it and make it better day-by-day (been doing that for 15 years now).  That's what marriage is all about.  My best friend and I have a
great relationship.  It's not perfect.  But, I still talk to him and I don't go out and look for a new best friend that will be 100% compatible with me.  That guy doesn't exist.  Honestly, I'm not even 100% compatible with myself. There are things about me that I really just don't like.   I can't chuck in the relationship with myself.  So, what can I expect from relationships with others other than something at least a little less than perfect?  Many Christians seem to apply an impossible standard to "church shopping".  They expect the fallible members of the church to behave as if each of them is Jesus
Christ himself.  They want perfect doctrine (perfect from their POV that is).  If things aren't perfect, they move on to the next church or declare the entire system corrupt and drop out.  Among the Universalists I hang out with on-line, many of them are "unchurched".  They have dropped out of churches because they can't find one that meets their standards.  This is not a criticism.  It's simply an
observation.

Christian Universalists seem to have a difficult time finding a place to fit in.  I dropped out of church for several years (beginning about 25 years ago).  I just lost the motivation to go.  I couldn't see what good attending church was doing for me or what the church was doing to contribute to anyone other than the people sitting in the pews every week.  So, if I preferred to play golf on a Sunday morning. That's what I did.  For me, that was the best decision at the time and I have no regrets about what I did.  When I did return to the church, it was with a new attitude.  I first came back because I hoped maybe I could (in some small way) make a difference there.  Then, when I moved to Cincinnati almost 9 years ago, I found the Vineyard and church became a whole new things for me.  The church I attend is a dynamic, joyful and highly impactful place.  Even though thousands of people attend (probably in the 10,000 range, I'm guessing), I actually am on a first name basis with the Senior Pastor and know several of the pastors on staff.  If they are not sincere about their mission to make Cincinnati a better
place, to serve God and their love for Jesus, they collectively and individually deserve an Oscar.  I know many people are skeptical about paid ministers and I've seen my share of phonies and share some of that skepticism. But, because there are a lot of not-so-great and even downright crooked ministers doesn't mean none of them are sincere.  The Vineyard is a "community church" which really didn't mean much to me until recently when someone pointed out that a lot of what we do could be handled in a community center.  I always thought of VCC (Vineyard Community Church) as just our name.  But, the church has so many outreaches and provides so many services to the surrounding community that it really does function as a "community center".  I'll name just a few to give you an idea:  Hispanic Outreach Ministry, Divorce Support Groups, Sexual Addiction Groups, BiPolar Parents Support, Mercy Works (give away food, clothing, etc.), Job Counseling, providing facilities for meetings for local non-profits, Premarital Counseling, etc., etc., etc.  When I give my money to the Vineyard, I really feel like I'm giving money to a good cause, not just so that we can build a bigger building or pay the pastors more money.  I feel truly blessed to have found such a place. I like being a part of that.

So What's the Problem?

I've found this great place to attend; no more than attend- belong (as much as I've ever belonged anywhere). So, why the "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" drama?  I'm having trouble figuring out how to explain this.  While I do believe that in any relationship there will never be perfect compatibility, there does come a time when the two parties are better off going their separate ways. Irreconcilable differences do happen.  The trick is knowing when the relationship is salvageable and when it's time to part company.  Memories of the good times aren't enough to continue a relationship indefinitely.  If the two parties have grown far enough apart and are growing farther apart, reality should be faced.

So, where does the relationship between Christianity and Brian stand?  Where does the relationship between the church and Brian stand?

These are the questions I'm wrestling with.  And while the questions might be related, they are
certainly not one in the same.  Leaving the church does not mean turning my back on Christianity or (as some would have me believe on God).  One can leave the church without leaving God and I believe one can even have a relationship with God without being in the Christian box.

The "church" and Brian

Let's address the issues between the "church" and me.  The problem is growing incompabilities with some church "doctrines".  Most prevalent is universalism versus Eternal Conscious Torment (ECT).  Honestly, ECT is not talked about much at our church.  I don't know if that's done purposely to dodge a
potentially explosive issue or if it's just not foremost in most people's minds.  I once heard that our Founding Pastor might be a universalist (which I am repeating, but with the caveat that this is completely unsubstantiated). Even if that were true, for a pastor to admit that in most church climates is tantamount to professional suicide. See my article on Carlton Pearson (a fellow heretic).  So, if it is true, I wouldn't blame him for playing it close to the vest.  The problem is I don't know how the leadership of our church feels about this extremely (I'd even call it critical) doctrine.  If you believe in
a God who can Eternally and Consciously Torment people, you have a vastly different view of God from the loving Creator I have come to know.  This view will impact how you view other people, how you view yourself and; ultimately people will act like the god they serve.  Also, as a lay member doing ministry at the church, I don't know how much to say or not to say about how I feel about this.  When, I'm teaching, I can and do preach the party line. But, it creates an uncomfortable dynamic wondering
how various people would react if they knew about my not so secret "secret".  I have shared my views with members of the staff in person and in writing. I'm not completely hiding in the closet.   But, I
don't feel like I can completely be myself either.

Once you embrace Universalism, it's like opening Pandora's box. This is one of those cases where the slippery slope argument applies (I reluctantly admit).  You have to face some pretty scary facts.  1.) You can't read everything in our (poor) translations of the Bible literally and know exactly what was meant.  There was an agenda at play when many words were translated (words like eternal and hell).  2.) The church has changed its position on things over the millenia. What we are taught is infallible, unchanging true doctrine wasn't the prevailing doctrine say 1500 years ago. 3.) What you've been taught about the purpose of Jesus' death might have to be rethought.  Did Jesus come to die to save us from Eternal Conscious Torment?  How does God get around the fact that not everyone will have heard of or accepted Jesus in this life?  4.) If you're a Christian Universalist, you might rethink the necessity or validity of trying to recruit people from other faiths/traditions into  your particular understanding of Jesus.

Another major change for me, not directly related to Universalism is my view of "original sin" and how God views us.  Basically, I was taught that we are "evil" to the core.  Because of Adam's original
sin, we are born opposed to God and headed (suppsedly deservedly so) straight for Hell.  I've addressed this other places. So, I won't rehash the whole thing here.  But, suffice it to say I can't buy into this anymore.  I find this whole doctrine deplorable and destructive.  I love going to church on Sunday mornings and worshipping with others, singing songs to God and listening to the message. But, I'm conflicted.  Some of the songs can be "salvaged" in my mind because they express even deeper truths than perhaps even the authors realized. I'll sing them with gusto knowing I interpret
them completely differently than the guy next to me.  But, many are simply incompatible with my
new found beliefs.  The same can be said for the sermons.  I find the vast majority uplifting and even enlightening. But, parts of them make me want to run from the room screaming (or at least stick my
fingers in my ears).  Then, there is the issue of my children and what they're being taught.  I want them to be educated in "the faith".  But, I'm concerned about toxic lessons like the one referred to in my post  "Original Sin- My Fault or God's?" .  My youngest came home with another just last week about how just a little sin pollutes.  Sure, that's true.  But, a lesson like that taught to a six year old can screw
her up for life (I speak from personal experience).  I discussed this with my wife this past weekend.  She says it's our responsibility to straighten the kids out on the wrong stuff they are taught.  But, should we be sending them to learn lessons that we then have to correct?

I addressed the good things about the church I attend.  It really is a great place.  I can't imagine a much better Christian church.  If they preached Universalism, that'd go a long way toward making it a better place for me.  But, we can't have everything. So, how much is enough? What incompatibilities are intolerable?  In part 2 of this article, I'll introduce you to my friend Rhonda.  Rhonda and I were discussing this inertia we often feel that keeps us from moving forward.  We talked about the "voices" from our past that whisper (or scream) danger as we think about exploring new territory.  One thing that cults are very good at is warning the people they pull in about the dissension they'll hear from people outside the cult.  They tell you that everyone else is trying to mislead you and not to fall for the
tricks of Satan.  This is a very effective strategy for keeping people in the fold.  Even as I feel the call within my spirit to break free of some of the things I was taught, the "voices" shout "Danger Will Robinson!".  So, I wrestle with which voices are mine, which are those of the authority figures from my past and which are "Satan" luring me down the path to destruction.  Meditation helps sort the whole thing out as I try to still all of the voices and hear the still small one (actually silent) that is deep within.  But, I can tell you, the "voices" don't like it.  They don't like it at all and they fight tooth and
nail to maintain control.  

Christianity and Brian

The issues with Christianity are similar to, but not identical to the issues with the church.  While I can no longer accept "traditional" Christianity, my studies of Bible and church history have both given me hope that I can remain a Christian and, at the same time, made me wonder if I should.  The good news is the "original" Christianity has been corrupted.  So, not everything the church teaches today is necessarily "authentic" Christianity.  The Bible has been translated absolutely horribly.  Learning the original meanings of words and learning to read the Bible in historical-social context has made it much more palatable and, more importantly, believable to me.  The more I hear about the true meanings of
Jesus' teachings, the more impressed I am with Him.  But, the bad news is Christianity has been corrupted.  Yes, you read that right.  I said the good news and the bad news are one in the same.  The fact that Christianity has been corrupted make me wonder if it's really the "true faith".  I was reading another blogger's post the other day where he referenced a quote by C.S. Lewis, my favorite Christian apologist.  Lewis said all other religions are either previews of Christianity or perversions of Christianity (not a statement I would necessarily agree with).  But, as I pondered this, I thought
"Maybe Christianity is a perversion of Jesus' religion."  After all, I do not believe that Jesus' mission here on Earth was to establish a new religion.  Jesus was a Jew.

So, what can I salvage out of this perverted Christian faith?  Is my faith similar enough to Christianity to continue to use the label?  Many would say not.  I am exploring other faiths/philosophies and have found an amazing amount of similarities in some and some things in other faiths that I think Christianity has failed to adequately address.  I am particularly intrigued by Buddhism and find the Buddha's teachings (many of them anyway) to be remarkably similar to Jesus'.  I have found great wisdom in the Tao Te Ching.  And meditation (Contemplative Prayer or Centering Prayer) has been a life-saver for me.

The "Voices"

Before you get too worried, I'm not talking about literal voices in my head.  But, the "voices" are all of those "shoulds" from parents, teachers, pastors, etc. in the past.  Some of us internalize them better than others; leading to a situation where we can barely separate their voices from our own.  Honestly, this is the case with me.  So, moving forward can be particularly difficult for me.  Adding to those voices are other more recent or even current voices (from other people who would like to influence me).  Those voices tell me to chuck the whole thing. If "they" told you one thing (or many things) that are wrong, everything they told  you must be wrong.  They would like me to toss out the baby with the bath water, the bath tub, the bath room and the whole house. 

This is not an all-or-nothing proposition, in my mind.  It would be just as wrong for me to chuck everything I've been taught, ignore thousands of years of history, wisdom and tradition and try to build my own thing from scratch as it would be to uncritically accept the whole thing.  So, again, the key to me is to try to still all of the voices and listen to the Voice within.

Losing My Religion

Yes, the bottom line is I am losing my religion (another song that keeps looping in my head).  The religion of my youth is quickly fading into the past which brings a verse to mind.  This is from the Young's Literal Translation which l like best for this verse:

What's bizarre (actually, I think it's just God working or synchronicity or whatever you want to call it) is that as this article has been formulating in my mind over the past weeks, as always, my reading (books, blogs, etc.) and everything seems to be converging on one thought. God deals with each of us uniquely.  I must personally seek and find Him, not follow someone else's impression of Him.  From Henri Nouwen's Reaching Out, to Finding Jesus, Discovering Self  (two books which I'm reading in
parallel) to even a line from the sermon Sunday morning (If you were made free, by your death
with Christ, from the rules of the world, why do you put yourselves under the authority of orders? (Colossians 2:20), everything has been telling me to stop looking for God in a box, stop looking for
formulas and find my own Path.

Emergent-US:  Doctrinal Statement?

Ah, maybe there's hope for us yet!  I'm proud of Emergent not bowing to the pressure to be put into a box.

From LeRon Shults:

Peace,

Brian