Part 96. Time for a break

Dear reader. I have reached the point at which I believe my posts are becoming repetitive. I intend to take a break. I shall continue to put posts other than from this blog on the following Facebook platforms:

John Hopkinson Theology Page

Theology of Social Justice (a group)

Part 95. Action stations

William Booth stated:

"All the social activity of the Army is the outcome of the spiritual life of its members. All social service must be based on the spiritual, or it will amount to little in the end."

Prayer has to be translated into action. We pray to be given the strength to take action. We seek transformation in society, we seek social justice, we seek structural change to combat the causes of deprivation and marginalisation. But we don't achieve anything by sitting in our buildings. We have to go out into the world and press for action. Are you ready for action?

Part 94. Tackling the cost of living crisis

 In the UK many individuals and families on low incomes are suffering serious financial issues as a result of rampant inflation exacerbated by the huge increase in energy costs. The demands being faced by foodbanks is immense, some are having to plead for donations. As the cost of domestic items has risen it has not been met by increases in income. More people are falling into debt. The predatory loansharks are circling the pool of financial poverty seeking victims. Is it any wonder that the problems in areas of multiple deprivation are increasing.

Faith communities are providing resources to mitigate the worst effects of the crisis, foodbanks, warm areas, subsidised or free meals etc, but this provision is reaching only a small percentage of those in need. But why are churches having to shoulder the burden and responsibility for this work? There is a responsibility on the state to provide a safety net. Christians should be demanding action by politicians over and above the little that has been done so far. 

A society should be judged by what it does for the marginalised, deprived and poor. The radical message of Jesus was to love the downtrodden in our midst and to transform our society. Collectively Christians are not making a good job of following Jesus. We must be more strident.

Part 93. Love is all

I am saddened by the vitriolic comments made by supposed Christians who hold to a conservative literalist understanding of scripture aimed at proponents of progressive or liberal interpretation. The bigotry and sheer nastiness on display is uncalled for and is not Christian. By all means debate robustly differences of opinion but do it in love, not in hatred.

Part 92. A few 'laws"

In Part 91 I expressed concern at how discussion is conducted on social media. I have come across the following 'laws' which you may find of interest. All are easy to find on a search engine.

Brandini's Law.

Gish Gallop. 

Poe's Law.

Hitchens's Razor.

All are is use on theology social media sites and are destructive of rational debate.

Part 91. Getting along with people.

I am a placid person not prone to shows of anger or outrage although probably seething within. I may voice opposition to ideas but I do not launch into hysterical rants, nor do I make personal attacks or use intemperate language. Well, I don't think I do.

The meaning and application of scripture is open to debate. Sadly differences of opinion on matters of interpretation expressed on social media often descend into vituperation. Individuals become obsessed with the certainty that their opinion is the only valid one and close their minds to discussion. 

I refuse to engage in such social media debate. My preference is to state my own opinions based on a variety of sources and welcome constructive engagement.

Part 90. Divisive doctrine.

In 1976 a Church of England report stated that Christians' loyalty is to God through Jesus, not to any exact doctrinal formulations. In other words doctrine should follow understanding. Church doctrine should not be the lens through which we interpret scripture. Enforcement of doctrine by the gatekeepers acts as a barrier in some churches to developing our understanding and application of our faith.

The false emphasis placed on rigid adherence to doctrine is apparent in the treatment of officers in The Salvation Army and in the current disagreement in the Anglican Communion over blessings of individuals in same sex marriages by the Church of England.

Without research I would be hard pressed to express the doctrinal differences between Methodists, Baptists, The Salvation Army, the United Reformed Church etc never mind the divisions within some denominations.

Part 89. Following Jesus

So, you follow Jesus? Or do you adhere to the doctine, rules and regulations of a denomination and follow these as a priority? Or does the theory of a theologian guide your faith? Or do the words of Paul mean more to you than those ascribed to Jesus? Whilst I consider obeying the Great Commandments and the call of Jesus to follow him has to be my priority I recognise the influence of doctrine and theology, but these should be secondary considerations.

To follow Jesus should mean to have a transformed personal life and outlook on social justice issues. It is a huge challenge and we need to pray for strength to achieve the demands of our faith.

Part 88. Anglican split.

Today's Daily Telegraph has a report that as early as next Monday (20th February) the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches will formally disassociate from the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Church of England. The two latter, according to GSFA spokespersons, have shown "deviant, revisionist action" , "heresy", "wilful disobedience to God's word" and brought Jesus into "disrepute". Phew.

It is all part of the ongoing battle in a number of denominations between on the one hand conservative/ evangelical/ literalist/ fundamentalist theology and on the other liberal/ progressive/ inclusive and transformative theology. One embracing narrow exclusive legalism, the other inclusive love. Never the twain shall meet? 

Part 87. Musings

Hello friends. When I commenced writing posts setting out my views on faith and theology I had no preconceived plan other than to explore my understanding and have it tested by public exposure. I make no claim to original thought or intellectual depth. My musings are my personal views and I have no desire to influence anyone or promote a specific theological view. 

Along the way I have espoused the cause of banning conversion therapy. I support the campaigns for full inclusion for LBGTQ+ communities in The Salvation Army and the Church of England. I admit to being taken aback by the virulent opposition to full inclusion by conservative fundamentalists driven by literalist biblical interpretation, dodgy science and, to be blunt, latent or patent homophobia. 

Christians should embrace and participate in social responsibility issues, both by direct support but also in pressing for changes to end the causes of poverty deprivation and marginalisation. 

Part 86. A dose of literalism

I have a Facebook group named Progressive Theology and a Facebook page: John Hopkinson Theology. Items from this blog are posted to both. Whilst I dislike labels as they carry with them baggage, nevertheless they are a useful shorthand.  

I read articles and comments by self-confessed literalists and fundamentalists and recently debates between adherents of Calvinism and Lutheranism. It is unedifying yet fascinating. One Facebook group I commend for sheer barminess is:

'Sounds like progressive "Christianity," but ok .'

It is an eye-opener illustrating all that is wrong with biblical literalism and legalism.

Part 85. Scripture comments (2)

Further reading of the Tyndale New Testament Commentaries has been on the subject of Jesus fulfilling the law and the relationship between the law and the new covenant.

The conclusion I draw is that we must read the law of the Old Testament through the lens of the principle of love as stated by Jesus. Using this methodology renders, for Christians, rules and regulations contradictory to the Great Commandents, either explicitly or implicitly, redundant or overuled. Sadly bible literalists and fundamentalists eschew this approach on a selective basis. They place legalism, sometimes Pharisitical in zealous application, before the all-embracing principle of love.

Part 84. Scripture comments (1)

Thirty years ago I purchased bible commentaries in the Tyndale New Testament series. Recently I began reading them again. One author states that it is fashionable to place the Great Commandment beside the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) as denoting the social responsibility of the church alongside its evangelistic responsibility. The author argues that the second Great Commandment stems from the first and if we fail to recognise this we are left with a 'shallow humanitarianism'. 

I prefer to link the second Great Commandment with the injunction of Jesus to 'follow me'. Bonhoeffer makes the point of the centrality of prayer in his costly grace. We have noted previously that we do not pray to God to effect social justice: we pray to God for strength and guidance to go out and effect change.

Part 83. And so to other issues.

My Facebook page: John Hopkinson Theology and my Facebook group: Progressive Theology have focussed recently on the arguments within the Church of England regarding same-sex blessings and marriage. Doubtless an issue I shall return to, as well as the debate on full inclusion within The Salvation Army. The issue of banning conversion therapy will come to the forefront in 2023.

In all this we must not lose sight of other ongoing social justice issues and how Christians respond. The debates on sexual inclusion and understanding must not deflect us from consideration of other pressing problems in society.

Part 82. Church of England mudge and fudge.

Not for the first time the Church of England in seeking unity has managed to upset many. It will continue to refuse to marry same-sex couples but intends to give them a blessing. The conservatives think this may be the thin end of the wedge whilst liberals, whilst welcoming blessings, are very upset that so little progress has been made towards full inclusion.

Individual priests will be permitted to refuse to give blessings. The forms of words to be used have still to be decided! It is a sorry mess.

Part 81. Neighbours

"Neighbour is not a geographic term. It is a moral concept."

But is it? Jesus tells us to love our neighbour. Love is an abstract term but shows itself in words and action. A neighbour may be one of geography or interest and be construed broadly. However love is directed at individuals, not at moral concepts.

Part 80. it's my opinion!

As I stated at the outset this blog consists of my personal opinions. It is not an academic study, nor is it the intention to influence the reader favourably towards a particular theological idea.

I have promoted the principle of churches' social responsibility and the underlying theology for many years, so I believe I can claim to have put theory into practice. In particular I have been a director and/or trustee of a number of faith based or secular organisations providing services and support to a range of communities.

Part 79. Basic questions

"Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car." Discuss. 

So what is it that 'makes' a person a Christian? It is not going through some form of initiation ceremony, nor is it 

any outward claim or manifestation. External trappings such as badges or uniforms do not make you a Christian. Becoming a Christian is an internal process of accepting the gift of God, accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour. It is only then that external signs are meaningful. 

 

Is becoming a Christian a mental process, a psychological change? In other words a mental acceptance and belief: faith? But what of individuals who lack mental capacity?

On becoming Christian a person should obey the two Great Commandments and the instruction of Jesus to "follow me". But how many professing faith do so?

More questions than answers.

Part 78. Head in the sands time.

The same sex marriage issue will dominate the February 2023 Church of England General Synod. The troops are gathering and one hopes the theological arguments will be conducted in a calm, measured and thoughtful fashion. Sadly those seeking change will not win any vote, so the question is, what next? Stay to fight another day or leave? Painful decision.

In May this year the High Council of The Salvation Army meets to elect a new General. The Army is a top down organisation, not noted for any democratic process involving the lower ranks. For those seeking full inclusion for gay people who becomes General is important. Will that person be pro-inclusion? Will the new General be able to hold the line or will some territories leave?    

Brave leadership will be required in both churches and decisive action. Head in the sands, dithering, complacency will not do. Both churches are losing members in the UK. Young people in particular are not buying into exclusionist churches. Progressive theology should be embraced and literalist approaches ditched. It won't happen though will it?

Part 77. A right mess

Bishops of the Church of England have recommended that individuals in same sex marriages (but not the marriage) may receive a blessing. Gay marriage in church is a no-go area. Cue near hysteria as some bishops in the Anglican Communion threaten to leave. Veiled threats made that Parliament may legislate to force change. The Archbishop of Canterbury is reported as stating he would prefer disestablishment rather than breaking up the Communion. What a total shambles. Meanwhile the Church is losing attendees at an alarming rate.

The General of The Salvation Army is in India stating that the Army's stance of being nice to gay people but not permitting them to be officers if they are in a same sex relationship will continue. Another fine mess.