Thursday, June 16, 2005

So this is me according to the quiz on Quizfarm :


You are Emergent/Postmodern in your theology. You feel alienated from older forms of church, you don't think they connect to modern culture very well. No one knows the whole truth about God, and we have much to learn from each other, and so learning takes place in dialogue. Evangelism should take place in relationships rather than through crusades and altar-calls. People are interested in spirituality and want to ask questions, so the church should help them to do this.

Emergent/Postmodern


75%

Classical Liberal


68%

Modern Liberal


64%

Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan


61%

Neo orthodox


57%

Charismatic/Pentecostal


36%

Roman Catholic


36%

Fundamentalist


25%

Reformed Evangelical


18%

To be expected I suppose, but "Classic Liberal 68%" ??????

Love your enemy

I saw the TV programme "Big Ideas that changed the world" where Desmond Tutu spoke about Christianity. He majored on "Love your enemy" as being particularly distinctive and how this aspect of his faith helped him cope with his struggle with apartheid. He spoke simply and passionately and came across as one who has suffered and overcome by virtue of his unswerving following of Jesus Christ and his principles.
I find it interesting to remember that apartheid was in force during the first half of my life and it wasn't that long ago that segregation was in force in the USA. Now, of course, things are very different in the UK and there's almost a fear of noticing that someone is different. Whilst I'm glad that discrimination no longer exists (or is supposed not to) I'm disappointed that we have become afraid of celebrating our differences. When I visit another country I like to experience the culture and enjoy finding the differences. It is possible to experience a sense of wonder when faced with a culture that is very different from ones own. I wonder if the curse of political correctness was a reaction to something that was bad and wonder if we're ready to move beyond that to being able to celebrate our differences.