Quote:
Originally Posted by MacDuff
Peter Debelak
So what you're saying is that the outside doesn't matter, that it's the inside that matters? And you are emphasizing the individual person over whatever community might arise?
MacDuff
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Dear
Socrates, er, MacDuff:
I'd prefer you say what you mean rather than the prolonged socratic method.
That is part of what I'm saying. But what "arises" is also important, but mostly as a barometer of whether our pursuit is a healthy one.
In Revelation 2-3, for example, the Spirit speaks "to the church" - that is to a community of people - but the
call to action the call to "agency" is to the individual.
That Protestantism emphasizes "individualism" in theory does not mean that impulse isn't drowned out by centuries of habituated thinking in group human structures.
I've read just about all of your posts and I glean a disdain for historical Christianity - thus the reference to my thinking being "classic Protestantism" I read as having implicit disdain. If not, say so. If so, speak out where you think my thoughts are "off." Really, I'm open.
It doesn't matter much to me whether my view resembles a particular intellectual/religious history - I don't derive the strength of my convictions by how wide-spread they are accepted. It is nice when they are accepted, but I can't derive my self-worth or conviction that way anymore. It matters to me whether my view is born out by Scripture, my own experience - and yes, vetted by an open community of fellowshp and sharpening stones of loved ones. I don't know how to do much otherwise, even if I am greatly mistaken.
Thoughts?
Grace to you,
Peter