Breaking out of spiritual echo chambers, exploring spiritual formation and theology, embracing interfaith dialogue and humility, expanding spiritual perspectives, gaining clarity through different lenses
Engaging with other traditions and perspectives requires humility and openness to learning from other believers who are committed to the faith.
Expanding our resource list beyond books and academia is crucial in order to access a wider range of perspectives and insights.
Deep dives
Different traditions emphasize different core values
Every denomination and tradition has a different view on what it means to be a spiritually formed person. Each tradition has its own set of core values and focuses on different aspects of the faith. While some may emphasize ecstatic gifts, others prioritize expositing scripture, and still, others focus on practical dimensions like service and community participation. It is important to recognize that these different emphases are valuable and can offer unique perspectives on maturity and spirituality.
The importance of self-awareness in engaging with different traditions
To avoid being stuck in a spiritual echo chamber, self-awareness is key. Recognizing that our own theological and cultural perspectives are shaped by our tradition and background helps us understand the limitations and biases we bring to the table. Engaging with other traditions and perspectives requires humility and openness to learning from other believers who are committed to the faith. It's not about compromising our convictions, but rather adapting our understanding and collaborating with others to benefit from the rich diversity within the body of Christ.
The value of oral tradition and ecclesial culture
Expanding our resource list beyond books and academia is crucial. By recognizing that theology can be expressed through oral traditions and ecclesial cultures, we can access a wider range of perspectives and insights. Just as the Jewish community and the Black Church have rich oral traditions, we should consider the theological contributions found outside of traditional literary formats. Looking to confessions, creeds, and ecclesial statements from different cultures and places can deepen our understanding of the faith and help us challenge our own perspectives.
Seeking a biblical anthropology and wider perspectives
A spiritually formed person encompasses more than just theological knowledge. It involves a deeper understanding of what it means to be human and embracing the fullness of the Christian faith. Rather than limiting ourselves to one perspective, it is essential to appreciate the different emphases and contributions of different traditions. Recognizing that no single tradition can fully capture the entirety of God's truth, we can humbly seek wisdom and insight from a broader range of perspectives, valuing the contributions of each tradition in the pursuit of a biblically grounded and mature faith.
"It's almost like when I was a young seminarian I had the view that Jesus was building his church through the apostolic age, a little bit through Augustine, and then he just kind of stopped for a thousand years and then he started during the Reformation.
I look at my bookshelf and I see a lot of one side of the church, and one cultural expression of that theology. I feel stuck stuck there."
This week, Glenn's thinking about the catholicity of the church, and in particular how he can break out of the box his own spiritual tradition has made him accustomed to.
So how can Glenn incorporate wisdom from across the diverse Church? He, Russ and Duke spend time wrestling with this question, exploring the values and limitations of different traditions, and where pastors can look beyond just books to find fresh perspectives.
