Saturday, December 15, 2007

Depression

I've just finished reading some 42 posts from two separate mailing list (HoBD and Magdalen). The people who post on the lists are, in general, good people. They are caring people, good Episcopalians who are committed to what they see as the good of the church.

But most of them are not Christians. They think of themselves as Christians, but they are not. I know that the critique of the statement I just made is "who are you to judge"? I am a Christian. And I do not damn anyone. But part of being a follower of Christ is knowing who, based upon their words and actions, are also fellow followers.

My criteria: If you can say the Apostles and the Nicene Creed without reservation, without quibble or redefinition and mean them and practice them, then you are a Christian. It's the historic test. It's the traditional test. And not many of the leadership appear to qualify.

And so I'm depressed. I'd love to read a post affirming Christ's resurrection in real, historic and physical terms. I'd love to read an acknowledgment of what it truly means to be a sinner in a sinful world and therefore redeemed by the God's sacrifice. I'd like to know that the people I'm reading consider Rowan Williams' theology to be other than 'magical nonsense'.

6 comments:

Alice C. Linsley said...

I fully understand how depressing it is, but God will not be mocked. All things will be revealed, including my own sin, on the day of Christ's appearing. Keeps me humble to remember that!

For something different, please visit my blog here: http://jandyongenesis.blogspot.com

Best wishes!

Andrew said...

For every thing there is a purpose under heaven. Presumably, this also means a time for the Church to learn humility. It's just not yet that time.

My personal belief is that history is about to bring the conflict between Christianity and Islam into very sharp focus. The warnings have been repeated, but by most Americans, ignored.

Alice C. Linsley said...

Yes, Americans are out of touch with much of reality. May God have mercy on us.

Anonymous said...

Youre right...."By their fruits you shall know them." All I see coming from815 is rotten fruit.

mousestalker said...

Alice, I already enjoy your blog a great deal, as well as the posts you made over at Brad Drell's place. Thank you.

Alice C. Linsley said...

My, goodness! I wondered if anyone but my closest friends were reading Just Genesis. You are certainly welcome.

May this Christmas be blessed for you and your family.