disruptive grace

BBC 4 showed a fascinating program on church history last night. This was the 4th episode of the series and is covered what we now call the Great Reformation. Of course at the time it probably felt very scary, with technology changing, notions of authority changing, with theology changing, particuarly in regards to what happens post-mortem, what is means to be a Christian and more than that – what it means to be human. There was a great shift from a societal understanding to the notion of the individual.

During this time and because of the emphasis on the authority of scripture, over and above all else, many new churches and denominations were set up. Sola-scripture meant that authority had a new location (now not residing with the Pope), but it had a problem, not initially perceived, as each group interpreted the scriptures differently. This,, combined with the emphasis on the individual, lead to new denomination groupings popping up all over the place, each believing they where the only true Christians.

I am now among those who believe that a new transition is happening in the world and among believers. Thankfully this time we’re not burning anyone at the stake, only leaving nasty comments on blogs and Amazon reader reviews. The transition is being describes by many – but, Phyllis Tickle’s add a particular telling of it, which I’m taking some enjoying finding some wisdom in, see: PhyllistTickle podcast at VCC.

The Spirit is doing something very particular in this time, which seems to be drawing many different traditions together as well as exploring new territory. There also appears to be with a renewed understanding on mission, which, following in the way of Jesus, is embracing of the marginalized, seeks reconciliation (with those some would call our enemies, both religious and irreligious), and seeks justice, that is to say, a world put right (environmentally and socially). It is mission empowered by the Spirit and focus around Jesus. At least this is what I see at the moment, but often we are never able to see the full extend of these times whilst we are in them. Perhaps Newbegin is right when he suggested these issues which we need to answer: (i) what it means to be human person, (ii) the goal of human life, (iii) the capabilities and rights of governments, (iv) our vision of the future, (v) contemporary assumptions around what is involved with knowing (thanks to my brother Mark for this list). These are similar issues that radically changed from the transition from the church of the middle ages to the church of the modern era. The theology change radically then and the signs seem to suggest that the theology is changing radically now. The adventure continues. It’s a great time to be alive!