Rebuilding Our Spiritual Home
Bob Wickizer
Jeremiah 1:4-10
Who among us is not capable of being envious, boastful, arrogant or rude? Who among us is willing to admit that they do not know everything; that they do not know the whole truth? Who among us is kind?
If you can find a child who has not reached the age of cynicism and self-awareness then you will find a person who fills Paul's definition of love. I think that is part of what adults love about children - that they are fully alive and human while most adults are the opposite. While I love the Episcopal / Anglican Church and I love its inclusiveness and focus on justice I have been led like a horse being led unwillingly by its bridle, to the conclusion that a lot of what the Episcopal Church does not only hinders growth but actually damages our people.
How do we damage people?
Adult focus - We assume that church is for adults and that children cannot comprehend the love and mercy of God. We do this in spite of Jesus telling us that no one can enter the Kingdom of God except as a little child. We condescend to tell children about God when in fact we should be listening to them. ''Let the little children come unto me'' Jesus said.
By not leaving any footprints - Many in our churches have converted Sunday morning from a time of spiritual refreshment and a reminder to bring others to Christ into a feel-good cherished tradition with friends and family. When our friends quit attending church then we fall away with them. Church for many is no longer a place where lives are changed and people are made whole but instead it becomes a place where they look for their friends and reminders of days gone by. People quit attending church and their children go with them.
By assuming that children will follow in our footsteps - However we managed to arrive at adulthood, we often retroject the idea that the church was there for us when we were growing up. We assume that our own children will follow in our ...
Bob Wickizer
Jeremiah 1:4-10
Who among us is not capable of being envious, boastful, arrogant or rude? Who among us is willing to admit that they do not know everything; that they do not know the whole truth? Who among us is kind?
If you can find a child who has not reached the age of cynicism and self-awareness then you will find a person who fills Paul's definition of love. I think that is part of what adults love about children - that they are fully alive and human while most adults are the opposite. While I love the Episcopal / Anglican Church and I love its inclusiveness and focus on justice I have been led like a horse being led unwillingly by its bridle, to the conclusion that a lot of what the Episcopal Church does not only hinders growth but actually damages our people.
How do we damage people?
Adult focus - We assume that church is for adults and that children cannot comprehend the love and mercy of God. We do this in spite of Jesus telling us that no one can enter the Kingdom of God except as a little child. We condescend to tell children about God when in fact we should be listening to them. ''Let the little children come unto me'' Jesus said.
By not leaving any footprints - Many in our churches have converted Sunday morning from a time of spiritual refreshment and a reminder to bring others to Christ into a feel-good cherished tradition with friends and family. When our friends quit attending church then we fall away with them. Church for many is no longer a place where lives are changed and people are made whole but instead it becomes a place where they look for their friends and reminders of days gone by. People quit attending church and their children go with them.
By assuming that children will follow in our footsteps - However we managed to arrive at adulthood, we often retroject the idea that the church was there for us when we were growing up. We assume that our own children will follow in our ...
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