Several of you commented on my last blog, referring to it as a "rant." I'll own that. But today I think I know, at least in part, why there was emotion in the response to this brother's charge of emergent/postmodern. You see, yesterday, unexpectedly, a friend of mine dropped dead from a aortic aneurysm. This friend loved Jesus and had a great, dry sense of humor. When you talked to Larry, you kept feeling a tug as he would gently pull your leg about something.
Life is brief, as Scripture so often reminds us. So when I get pulled into discussions about whether or not I'm emergent because I started my Sunday School class with a chips and salsa taste test as a way to get people thinking about their preferences and whether you get that luxury when it comes to what you will or won't believe about what God has revealed about Himself (the answer, by the way, is "no". God comes the way He has revealed Himself. No optional equipment. As I often say, I don't care what "your" god would or wouldn't do or is or isn't like. I'm concerned about what "the" God is and does. But don't get me started....), I feel like I'm wasting a lot of time and gray cells since the people who voice these "concerns", in most cases, don't really want to have those concerns addressed. They just want you to admit you're wrong and they're right. [Obviously I haven't let this go yet, eh? I'm working on it. I've even joined a group who is learning about Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.]
This is kind of a strange eulogy for my friend, Larry, but Larry was a Bible-believing, truth-telling, walk-the-talk kind of Christian who also knew how to laugh. He always took God seriously. He just didn't take himself (or me) very seriously because he understood that we are looking in a dark glass as we go through this life. Now Larry sees clearly. And I have it on good authority that he's enjoying every minute of it.
I'm grateful to have known Larry. I'm richer for the friendship and for the privilege of seeing Jesus live through him. May his tribe increase.
5 comments:
I must report that I meant 'rant' in the most endearing of ways. There is nothing wrong with passion, and it seems to run in the Schliep family...
Lana, I took it in the spirit in which I assumed it was given, which was a gracious one.
Brian, yes I got painted with a very broad brush. Most of the frustration was being talked about rather than to in the process. We may have still disagreed, but at least I'd have had the courtesy of talking through the issues and my personal and practical theology. Oh, well.
Sorry to hear of your loss Paul... but somehow it sounds like Larry was the kind of person who would be pleased with you conclusions about what is really important in life...
Hi Paul...Just got back to your blog after a brief respite in the Sierras and then a surprising "miracle" following long overdue LASIK eye surgery. Anyway, I just want to chime in to say DON'T CHANGE. Your methods, quotes, and innovative ways of showing us how relevant we can be in the world--but not of it--are what I truly enjoy about your posts, and miss on Sunday mornings!
(This is not a criticism of the new pastor at SMCC. I haven't had a chance to hear him yet, but will. He comes from my sister's church in Corona!)
Keep up the GREAT writing, Paul.
Jeanette,
Welcome back. I could never have someone cut my eyes, but I'm glad it's working out well for you. And talk about a small world. Robert was on staff at your sister's church. He is fitting right in at Margarita and is a good guy. You'll like him. :)
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