Comments on Sojourner: Peeling Away the Layers

Charles,

You know you hit on something ther...

2008-09-15T11:01:00.000-04:00

Charles,

You know you hit on something there: sometimes conservative in this context can mean legalistic.

Ironically, I really like liturgical worship. But also like other forms of worship, including the so-called contemporary style.

But, that's the kicker, is the requirement for liturgical worship a preference, or is it a theological issue? If it is a theological issue, then on what basis? That of Scripture? Of the Lutheran Confessions (directed towards my Lutheran brothers and sisters)? Or, is it based upon Tradition?

This discussion generates many questions!

In my journey, I think good questions need to be asked about all of these matters.

And, I'm going to ask them.

I agree entirely.
I was thinking about your blo...

2008-09-14T01:08:00.000-04:00

I agree entirely.
I was thinking about your blog today and your concern about liturgical worship. I am a baptist so I don't really have to worry about it :) but I was raised catholic so I know all about it. I think that there is a lot that is good about it and that a lot of churches go to far with the 'Jesus is my homeboy' idea Their worship loses all honor and respect, but at the same time the idea that you can only worship in a set way is legalistic and most people, in that setting, don't have their hearts in it. Thankfully, I think my church has a happy medium.
Anyway I say all that to say this - Don't let someone say you are not conservative on that issue because they are redefining conservative to mean legalistic and (if I read it right) do not understand your position.

One additional thought about “do what you know is ...

2008-09-13T23:12:00.000-04:00

One additional thought about “do what you know is right...”

Here are the foundational ideas that inform my approach to figuring out what that is:

(1)-------------
“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” – Acts 17:11

(2)-------------
[Jesus is speaking:] “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me...” –John 5:39

(3)-------------
“All the prophets testify about [Jesus] that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” –Acts 10:43

(4)-------------
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” –John 1:17

(5)-------------
“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, [Jesus] explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” –Luke 24:27

Grace!
Mark

Charles, thank you for stopping by and for offeri...

2008-09-13T22:58:00.000-04:00

Charles, thank you for stopping by and for offering your encouragement. I needed to hear it.

Your thought "do what you know is right" is the key. Lately I've been doing a bunch of studying of the life of Martin Luther and I think he would have suggested the same thing...and maybe with even more colorful language.

My problem has always been (and may always be) that I'm an idealist.

:-)

***
I stopped by your blog and was immediately hooked. I'll be reading more!

Thanks again,
Mark

Who cares how people choose to label you? Your pos...

2008-09-13T00:31:00.000-04:00

Who cares how people choose to label you? Your position is always going to change (conservative - liberal - moderate) based on what they are comparing you to. Just do what you know is right and forget the labels.