We Live In Interesting Times

It is a very exciting time to be alive!!!

We are living through a HUGE change in the way we do church. Some of the issues that are being debated today have the potential to RADICALLY change Christian theology and practice.

These changes could be positive or negative depending on the issue and how one views things – only time will tell. Either way, we are seeing the scholarly and seminary debates of the past few decades moving into the life of the local church via both the pulpit and pew.

One of the biggest changes affecting the Church today is how one looks at the New Testament – specially, how one looks at the letters of Paul.

Ever since the Reformation the Protestant church as tended to see Paul’s words about the works of the law as a polemic again an earn-your-way-to-heaven mindset. However, over the last few decades we have come to a better understanding of 1st century Judaism and have discovered that it was NOT a work based religion at all.

1st century Jews knew that they were God’s people as God chose their ancestor Abraham and delivered them from Egypt. No, the Torah was not a way for them to earn salvation – it was a way in which they were to live as the people of God.

See the shift?

It is a huge one as it has the potential to radically change the way in which you read both the Gospels and the letters of Paul. One’s view on justification and the atonement is one such shifting point, as I mentioned a year ago.

If you are still reeling for this shift, I would recommend reading Scot McKnight short blog post summarizing the basic presumptions used by the New Perspective on Paul movement. Scott also outlines the differences between the three premier New Perspective on Paul leaders (Ed Sanders, Jimmy Dunn, and NT Wright).

Other changes happening right now include a theological shift within the Southern Baptist Convention and a nasty battle within the Episcopal/Anglican church. Seeing how both of these groups are active and influential around the world, these changes have the potential to radically shape the face of Christianity as we know it.

Exciting times and we get to be a part of it.

Come Lord Jesus, guide Your church!