Conspiracy Commentaries: Conversations ft. Jos Douma // on “Toward Integration of Life and Faith” by Dallas Willard
Jun 14, 2022
auto_awesome
Jos Douma, a seasoned pastor from the Netherlands, discusses with Michael Stewart Robb the role of preaching in finding Christlikeness, the importance of silence and meditation, and the significance of experiencing grace and learning to love your enemy. They also explore the importance of silence in spiritual practice and delve into the symbolism of Sabbath and soul work in Christianity.
The church should prioritize the practice of silence and contemplation to cultivate Christ-like qualities and love for enemies.
The church needs to embrace the contemplative stream of Christianity and incorporate silence, solitude, and spiritual disciplines to facilitate spiritual growth and connectedness in a changing society.
Deep dives
The Importance of Silence and spirituality in Christianity
Silence and spirituality play a crucial role in living a Christ-like life. The church should emphasize the practice of silence and contemplation, which are often overlooked in modern Christian communities. Learning to be silent and to let go can lead to an increased ability to love one's enemies and exhibit Christ-like qualities. The church should offer courses and seminars on silence and spiritual practices like lectio divina, centering prayer, and mindful meditation. By teaching these practices, the church can help Christians experience the abundance of the kingdom of God and live a life of obedience and abundance.
The Disconnect between Spirituality and the Church
While there is a growing interest in spirituality outside of the church, many people are not finding the same connection within traditional church settings. The church needs to recognize and embrace the contemplative stream of Christianity, which focuses on silence, solitude, and spiritual disciplines. By incorporating these practices, the church can provide a space for individuals to encounter God on a deeper level and experience spiritual growth. The church should also be mindful of the changing dynamics in society, where community and worship are becoming increasingly important for individuals seeking a sense of connectedness.
Living in the Kingdom and Practicing Christ-likeness
The concept of Christ-likeness is often overlooked in Christian teachings, with an emphasis on sin management and moralistic claims. However, followers of Christ are called to live a life of abundance and to embody His teachings in their daily lives. This includes loving one's enemies, practicing forgiveness, and embracing the teachings of Jesus. The church should offer courses and sermons that focus on practical aspects of living in the kingdom of God, helping individuals understand and practice Christ-likeness in their relationships and daily interactions.
The Role of the Pulpit and Preaching in the Church
While the pulpit and preaching have been traditionally central in churches, their role is evolving in today's society. With access to various forms of media and information, people can now find teaching and sermons from different sources. The pulpit is still significant, but it is no longer the sole provider of spiritual guidance. The church should recognize that teaching, community, worship, and comfort are all important aspects of church life. The sermons should aim to inspire, encourage, and offer new insights into living with Christ, rather than being solely focused on discipleship and moral obligations.
After his critiques of the reigning gospels of left and right, Dallas Willard attempts to put things back together, to put faith back together with life. Jos Douma, a seasoned pastor from the Netherlands, has been ministering along very similar lines as Dallas. Michael Stewart Robb and Jos discuss the role of preaching in finding Christlikeness, as well as the role of silence and meditation. BE INFORMED and PRAY for us better by signing up for the Sanctus newsletter: https://sanctus.institute
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode