Too Academic?

I have been getting, for me, some difficult feedback about my preaching; it is being described as too academic.  On the one hand I appreciate the criticism because it is better than someone saying "I liked your sermon."  On the other hand it tells me that I have not connected with the congregation and that, of course, would be a problem.  What really bothers me though is the sub-text I am hearing; namely, there is to be a division between the Church and the Academy.  The language and deep theological reflection that we are encouraged to used in Seminary needs to be left behind or altered for the church.  This points to one of the problems, I think, we have in the Church - not in my preaching.  I do not believe there should be any division between the Academy and the Church or between my training and my practice.  In short, the Church is not academic enough.

I don't know if I need to demonstrate this is the case or not, but one simple example.  Some of the richest theological thinking around the Trinity was done by Gregory of Nazianzus and they were sermons preached in and to the local church which he pastored.  He had more than 5 orations on the subject.  Today, this would be forbidden!  The doctrine of the Trinity is too complex and it would be too boring for people.  Deep down, I suspect, what is being said is it doesn't matter!  Who cares if people don't have an understanding of the Trinity? or the Incarnation? or any of the other matters which might be preached on.

I have spent the last 3 years having a very focused conversation on the question "what is the nature and mission of the Church?"  It has become clear to me that the Church in North America has come off the rails and most in the Church do not have any clear or biblical understanding to answer this question.  A big reason for this, I believe, is that our preaching has shifted from forming the people of God through deep biblical and theological reflection to using the Bible as a treasure trove of simple answers about how my life could become better; that is, "how can God make me happier?"

I suspect that the feedback is acurate - I am too academic or too theological, but I'm convinced I am no where near academic or theological enough.  My conviction and hope is to become more academic and theological and to encourage the Church - the men and women who are Christ followers - to be so too.

A Change of Pace

I certainly haven't given up on reading, but I am sensing right now I need to reflect on life rather than on books-hence the change in blog title!  After going full tilt for 6 years I am now slowing down again and it is creating tension in me.  What to do now?  What to do next?  These have been questions for me for quite a while but I no longer have an insane schedule to fill the space.

Of course, I know the answer already - wait.  This is a time for patience as my new church examines and gets to know me.  This is also Sarah's time to pursue her calling.  I must wait.

But my waiting cannot be a putting off until tomorrow.  I am called to be present and active today.  So I know that what comes tomorrow needs to be consistant with today.  So what shall I do today?  Good question.  I have to reflect on that.

The Lord of the Rings

I couldn't start a blog on literature and NOT start with this.  These books are my all time favorite books and I consider them an absolutely MUST READ.  I don't know how many times I have read these books but let's just say A LOT!  When the movies came out my friend John and I went to see the first one.  I was very tempted to walk out part way through and I refused to watch the next two installments.  With other books I can handle changes for time etc but with this my motto is "if you can't do it right, then don't do it."

SUMMARY
The Lord of the Rings begins with the main character of The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins.  In that adventure Bilbo came across a ring with strange powers.  In LoR's Gandalf the Grey, after pondering the ring for many years determines that it is the One ring of power which was forged by the Dark Lord himself.  In his wisdom Gandalf recognizes that events are coming to a very dangerous climax as that ancient power rises once again and the one ring has resurfaced - should the Dark Lord regain this ring he would regain a great deal of his power once thought lost.  It is now up to Gandalf to aid Bilbo's heir Frodo on a quest to deal with this ring.  The greatest warriors of middle earth come together to face the greatest threat of their time but their might seems to pale in comparison to the power seated in Mordor.  Now the whole earth rests on a fools hope.

Why I like this book
When I was a kid we didn't have a TV, so in the evening my mom read to my brother Ed and I.  So I guess my love of the book begins with a sentimental value.  I suppose my journey with reading began in high school - I wasn't very happy and I wanted to change.  One way change began for me was through English class with Mrs. Ecker (my favorite teacher of all time).  As I began reading books for my english courses I found myself being engaged and shaped by what I read - it was exciting and my passion for reading was reignited.  Once I realized the power of reading I picked up the book I had been read as a child - Lord of the Rings - and I started reading, not just to my self, but to my friend John as well.  This book was not just exciting - it was inspiring.  Could I become wise like Gandalf?  Brave like Fordo?  Faithful like Sam?  Mighty like Aragorn?  This book also hints to the presence of God.  As Tolkein was Catholic it is not surprising, but Gandalf's statement to Frodo "maybe someone or something meant for you to have it" (approximate quotes will be used) continues to force the reader to think on a character which is far more behind the scences.

If you haven't read these books you MUST - you'll be a better person if you do (this is my foundational conviction with books I consider a must read - I guess this is one of the reasons I think people should read).

Beginning the Journey

I have often toyed with the idea of writing, but I have always put it off for one reason or the other.  I have also repeatedly tried and failed to journal - a discipline often commended to me.  Even more recently I have been wanting to write in response to or about things I have been reading.

I am a reader.  Over the last number of years my capacity and my desire to read have grown, which I consider a very good thing.  I also have a growing concern about the next or future generation's desire and ability to read and write.

So this blog brings these things together for me.  It gives me the challenge of reading good books; both ancient and contemporary.  It allows me to write about and in response to what I have read.  And hopefully, it encourages and inspires others to pick up a book and read it.