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Greg Smith

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A Call to Move Beyond “Common Christianity” (#0115)

2010/07/14 By Greg

Two Competing Views

Author, theologian and progressive Christian thinker Marcus Borg suggests that there is often a disconnect between what pastors learn in mainline seminaries and what many Christians believe.  In a recent Washington Post article, he explains the two conflicting views. 

To summarize the beliefs of most Christians, Borg creates a term: “common Christianity,” which he explains to mean:

. .  .what most Christians took-for-granted until a generation or two ago – and perhaps about half (or more) of American Christians still assume to be the heart of Christianity. This “common understanding” sees the afterlife as the central issue that Christianity addresses. Our problem is that we are sinners and deserve to punished, indeed condemned. This is where Jesus comes in: his death was the payment for our sins, and those who believe this will be forgiven and thus go to heaven.

In contrast, pastors are trained to focus on something different.  Instead of providing a competing label, he simply explains:

It is about transformation this side of death – the transformation of ourselves and of the world.

So What?

Pastors and congregants have something important to learn from one another: Christianity is richer than it first appears.  Borg suggests that clergy engage parishioners in “theological re-education” rather than accepting the dichotomy as normative.  Additionally, he offers a personal impression of the current state of affairs:

. . . the timidity – apprehension, fearfulness – of some mainline Protestant and Catholic clergy to convey their richer understandings of the Bible and Christianity has contributed to the decline of Christianity in our time.

Do you believe that clergy oversimplifying theological matters in their teaching and preaching has led to a decline in Christianity over the last generation? Why or why not?

For clergy: what can you learn from “common Christianity” that will enhance your understanding of God’s reign/realm in the already-not-yetness of the moment and in the completeness yet to come?

For all other disciples of Jesus: what can you learn from a Christianity that focuses primarily on this life rather than a life that is yet to come? 

Note: For my review of Marcus Borg’s latest book and additional information about him, click here.

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Greg Smith

Greg is a follower of the Way of Jesus who strives to make the world a better place for all people. Currently, he serves as Chief Executive Officer of White Rock Center of Hope and as Interim Senior Pastor of Advent Lutheran Church. He has served ten congregations, taught religion to undergraduates for eight years, and helped three organizations provide quality healthcare to underserved populations. (Read More)

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