(Hat tip to Thursday's Musings)
Showing posts with label Cross vs Glory Theology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cross vs Glory Theology. Show all posts
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Decision Paradigm
Candy at Keeping the Home last Friday posted "Do you feel depressed, lost, or confused." There were numerous doctrine issues in the post I could comment on, but the comment Candy received from Sandi, and Candy's response, really caught my eye as an illustration of the problems of decision theology and legalism.
I am depressed, but I am saved also. My trouble is my DH is saved but does not do what is required from a husband. For 10 years he has been talking about doing everything for the lord, but his actions do not correlate with his words. The man is supposed to be the leader AND provider of his family. Yet, his job situation does not provide adequately for my family of six. The bills barely get paid, and my growing children are often hungry. We can't afford doctor or dental visits so I have to try to diagnose the children myself and make homemade cures if they are afflicted with something. I pray to be relieved of financial stress...to have the ability to feed,cloth,buy shoes,and take care of them medically without feeling I am "splurging" to cover their basic needs. Ten years is a LONG time to wait for my husband to provide this. He is talented in many areas and could get a steady job that would ease our money issues, but I am beginning to wonder if he is just too selfish. So, while sit and I pray for deliverance from my husband's apathetic interpretations of his christian duties I am making a sparse lunch for my 4 children as he is eating out at Taco Bell. Depressed? YES! - Sandi
Problem 1: In decision theology once the choice has been made to follow Jesus, sinful behavior is replaced by producing fruits of the spirit (good works). That is how one determines if one is truly saved or not saved. Sandi's husband is "saved" yet seemingly not producing the good works - this is a conundrum.
Oh Sandi, your poor, poor husband. Is this how you treat him? You shouldn't talk down on him to other people. Proverbs 31:26 says that "she openeth her mouth in kindness."Your words were not kind towards your husband, they were those of the contentious, or odious woman.Proverbs 31:11-12:" 11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life."You are not doing your husband good this way, and speaking and thinking of your husband this way does not allow his heart to trust in you.Sandi, you are spoiled. You have a roof over your head. You have food in your pantry, you have clothes on your back. There are ladies your age in other countries that live in a one-room house, with a dirt floor. They don't have any of the conveniences you do.You can't buy much food? Then buy better food. A pound of black beans costs around a dollar. A pound of lentils, split peas, and pintos are even cheaper.Legumes mixed with brown rice is some of the most filling, delicious (if you cook it right) and healthy foods you and your children can eat.10# of potatoes costs around 3 dollars. At stores like Aldi's you can get celery and carrots for just .99 cents.If your situation is really dire, then visit a food bank for help. Your local church will help direct you to a food bank.Don't have nice clothes for your children? Then visit Good Will, or sew some yourself.You envy your husband for eating at Taco Bell? Poor man! Why aren't you packing healthy lunches for him to eat instead?Can't afford dental and healthcare? Then pinch those pennies, and put your trust in God. Feed your children right, and you won't need a lot of dental and healthcare. One of my children recently came back from a dental checkup, and he had no cavities. In fact, none of my children have EVER had any cavities, and I plan on keeping it that way.I believe your husband is trying hard to be a good Christian, but his helpmeet (you) are letting him down. He may just be where God wants him to be right now. Maybe the situation will become more dire before it gets better. Maybe there is a lesson here for YOU to learn - not him. - Candy
Problem #2: In decision theology, if things aren't working, the answer is to make better decisions. Try harder. Sin can be stopped if you only work at it.
Problem #3: Legalism replaces mercy. Jesus repeatedly pointed out the hypocrisy of the Pharisee's unwillingness to show mercy if it meant violating the law. Decision theology is loaded with "do's and don'ts" lists. In this case the "law" is that of wifely submission and Sandi is shown no mercy, yet her husband is.
I have a very dear friend who was in a situation almost identical to Sandi's. My friend kept trying and trying to make ends meet while her husband couldn't keep a job and mismanaged their money. It was heartbreaking to witness. She stood by him through repossessions, bankruptcy and foreclosure. Sadly, he eventually deserted her and their children, leaving them homeless and broke.
Sue Bee's "Lutheran" advice: Seek counseling and keep praying. We are broken humans living in a broken world, men & women alike. Sometimes we need the help of professionals, whether they be marriage counselors or financial planners. We don't do things perfectly, that is why God sent us a Savior. Forgive the trespasses of the past and work together on a realistic budget and financial goals with your husband.
JMHO
I am depressed, but I am saved also. My trouble is my DH is saved but does not do what is required from a husband. For 10 years he has been talking about doing everything for the lord, but his actions do not correlate with his words. The man is supposed to be the leader AND provider of his family. Yet, his job situation does not provide adequately for my family of six. The bills barely get paid, and my growing children are often hungry. We can't afford doctor or dental visits so I have to try to diagnose the children myself and make homemade cures if they are afflicted with something. I pray to be relieved of financial stress...to have the ability to feed,cloth,buy shoes,and take care of them medically without feeling I am "splurging" to cover their basic needs. Ten years is a LONG time to wait for my husband to provide this. He is talented in many areas and could get a steady job that would ease our money issues, but I am beginning to wonder if he is just too selfish. So, while sit and I pray for deliverance from my husband's apathetic interpretations of his christian duties I am making a sparse lunch for my 4 children as he is eating out at Taco Bell. Depressed? YES! - Sandi
Problem 1: In decision theology once the choice has been made to follow Jesus, sinful behavior is replaced by producing fruits of the spirit (good works). That is how one determines if one is truly saved or not saved. Sandi's husband is "saved" yet seemingly not producing the good works - this is a conundrum.
Oh Sandi, your poor, poor husband. Is this how you treat him? You shouldn't talk down on him to other people. Proverbs 31:26 says that "she openeth her mouth in kindness."Your words were not kind towards your husband, they were those of the contentious, or odious woman.Proverbs 31:11-12:" 11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life."You are not doing your husband good this way, and speaking and thinking of your husband this way does not allow his heart to trust in you.Sandi, you are spoiled. You have a roof over your head. You have food in your pantry, you have clothes on your back. There are ladies your age in other countries that live in a one-room house, with a dirt floor. They don't have any of the conveniences you do.You can't buy much food? Then buy better food. A pound of black beans costs around a dollar. A pound of lentils, split peas, and pintos are even cheaper.Legumes mixed with brown rice is some of the most filling, delicious (if you cook it right) and healthy foods you and your children can eat.10# of potatoes costs around 3 dollars. At stores like Aldi's you can get celery and carrots for just .99 cents.If your situation is really dire, then visit a food bank for help. Your local church will help direct you to a food bank.Don't have nice clothes for your children? Then visit Good Will, or sew some yourself.You envy your husband for eating at Taco Bell? Poor man! Why aren't you packing healthy lunches for him to eat instead?Can't afford dental and healthcare? Then pinch those pennies, and put your trust in God. Feed your children right, and you won't need a lot of dental and healthcare. One of my children recently came back from a dental checkup, and he had no cavities. In fact, none of my children have EVER had any cavities, and I plan on keeping it that way.I believe your husband is trying hard to be a good Christian, but his helpmeet (you) are letting him down. He may just be where God wants him to be right now. Maybe the situation will become more dire before it gets better. Maybe there is a lesson here for YOU to learn - not him. - Candy
Problem #2: In decision theology, if things aren't working, the answer is to make better decisions. Try harder. Sin can be stopped if you only work at it.
Problem #3: Legalism replaces mercy. Jesus repeatedly pointed out the hypocrisy of the Pharisee's unwillingness to show mercy if it meant violating the law. Decision theology is loaded with "do's and don'ts" lists. In this case the "law" is that of wifely submission and Sandi is shown no mercy, yet her husband is.
I have a very dear friend who was in a situation almost identical to Sandi's. My friend kept trying and trying to make ends meet while her husband couldn't keep a job and mismanaged their money. It was heartbreaking to witness. She stood by him through repossessions, bankruptcy and foreclosure. Sadly, he eventually deserted her and their children, leaving them homeless and broke.
Sue Bee's "Lutheran" advice: Seek counseling and keep praying. We are broken humans living in a broken world, men & women alike. Sometimes we need the help of professionals, whether they be marriage counselors or financial planners. We don't do things perfectly, that is why God sent us a Savior. Forgive the trespasses of the past and work together on a realistic budget and financial goals with your husband.
JMHO
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Pitt-Falls of Decision Theology
One of my biggest problems is that I start blog posts and never find time to finish them. This one I started last October and never got around to finishing....
An interview with Brad Pitt was published in Parade Magazine (10/7/07). Brad was raised as a conservative Southern Baptist and he discusses his falling away from religion:
"I had crises of faith," he says. "I thought you had to experience things if you want to know right from wrong. I'd go to Christian revivals and be moved by the Holy Spirit, and I'd go to rock concerts and feel the same fervor. Then I'd be told, 'That's the Devil's music! Don't partake in that!' I wanted to experience things religion said not to experience."
By the time he entered college, Pitt had scuttled his fundamentalist beliefs. "When I got untethered from the comfort of religion, it wasn't a loss of faith for me, it was a discovery of self," he says. "I had faith that I'm capable enough to handle any situation. There's peace in understanding that I have only one life, here and now, and I'm responsible."
In a few short sentences he hits on some of the dangers of the decision/glory doctrines of modern American Evangelicalism:
1. The need for an emotional experience.
2. Legalism.
3. The authority of an individual's faith (via personal revelation) is greater than that of the church.
An interview with Brad Pitt was published in Parade Magazine (10/7/07). Brad was raised as a conservative Southern Baptist and he discusses his falling away from religion:
"I had crises of faith," he says. "I thought you had to experience things if you want to know right from wrong. I'd go to Christian revivals and be moved by the Holy Spirit, and I'd go to rock concerts and feel the same fervor. Then I'd be told, 'That's the Devil's music! Don't partake in that!' I wanted to experience things religion said not to experience."
By the time he entered college, Pitt had scuttled his fundamentalist beliefs. "When I got untethered from the comfort of religion, it wasn't a loss of faith for me, it was a discovery of self," he says. "I had faith that I'm capable enough to handle any situation. There's peace in understanding that I have only one life, here and now, and I'm responsible."
In a few short sentences he hits on some of the dangers of the decision/glory doctrines of modern American Evangelicalism:
1. The need for an emotional experience.
2. Legalism.
3. The authority of an individual's faith (via personal revelation) is greater than that of the church.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Pentecost Thought: I believe in the Holy Spirit...
I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian Church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the last day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and to all believers in Christ.
This is most certainly true.
-explanation of the 3rd article of the Apostles' Creed from Luther's Small Catechism
This is most certainly true.
-explanation of the 3rd article of the Apostles' Creed from Luther's Small Catechism
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Where the Apple Falls
Last night my oldest child (Seventeen) went to youth group at a friend's church. I will tell you beforehand that this child is very outgoing, headstrong and a bit bossy (think Lucy Van Pelt but less self-centered).
When she came home the first thing she asked me was, "It's Christ that accepts us, right?"
When she came home the first thing she asked me was, "It's Christ that accepts us, right?"
"Yes?" I replied, knowing this was just the tip of the iceberg.
Seventeen: The teacher at Friend's church said we need to accept Christ into our hearts.
Me: (eyebrows raised) Synergism?
Seventeen: Huh? (looks at me weird) No, she just said that God begins faith, but it is up to us to accept Christ into our hearts.
Me: What did you say?
Seventeen: I didn't say anything.
Me: Faith is the work of the Holy Spirit...
Seventeen: I know, I know. Anyway, she said we have to strive to be like Jesus.
Me: (jaw dropping) What did you say?
Seventeen: I said, but aren't we the sheep and Jesus the shepherd. The sheep can't become the shepherd. The shepherd does everything for the sheep - finds them when they're lost and stuff like that. Sheep can't do anything.
Me: What did she say?
Seventeen: She said that yes, Jesus is the shepherd, but He is also the rabbi and we are His disciples and as disciples our job is to become rabbis.
Me: What did you say?
Seventeen: I told her there was no way possible for me to become God, no matter how hard I try. I'm just a sinner.
Me: Did anyone agree with you?
Seventeen: No. They just argued with me.
Me: Did they change your mind?
Seventeen: No! I know I'm right.
Me: (Smiling so big my face hurts) Good.
Indeed it is a smorgasbord out there (thanks, Sara, for the analogy). There are a lot of differing views, theologies, doctrines and ideas. Many are biblical, many are not. It seems, from my humble perspective, that the ideas we find most appealing (appetizing) are those that agree with our human reasoning (easy to digest).
But as we survey what lays before us on the buffet, remember that God's way is not man's way.
Oh, I almost forgot, the denomination of the church Seventeen visited last night : ELCA.
Hebrew 13:20-21, 25 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen....Grace be with all of you.Monday, January 14, 2008
More thoughts on "getting" saved
Expanding my vocabulary:
Monergism - God alone is the one who saves and that humans have no active role in coming to faith (conversion). God creates faith and causes the unbeliever to become a believer without any merit, worthiness, or cooperation on the person's part.
Synergism - humans have some role to play in conversion and being saved, and people in some way "work together" with God to bring this about in individual lives. Synergists treat faith as something the sinner comes up with in response to and in cooperation with God's grace. Faith is ultimately being treated as a cause or condition of salvation, a part of the cooperative effort that the human being is to some degree responsible for.
Also, here is another comparison of Theology of Glory with Theology of the Cross.
Monergism - God alone is the one who saves and that humans have no active role in coming to faith (conversion). God creates faith and causes the unbeliever to become a believer without any merit, worthiness, or cooperation on the person's part.
Synergism - humans have some role to play in conversion and being saved, and people in some way "work together" with God to bring this about in individual lives. Synergists treat faith as something the sinner comes up with in response to and in cooperation with God's grace. Faith is ultimately being treated as a cause or condition of salvation, a part of the cooperative effort that the human being is to some degree responsible for.
Also, here is another comparison of Theology of Glory with Theology of the Cross.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Did Somebody Mention Getting Saved?
From From Issues Etc. Journal
"...Within Protestantism there are two very distinct systems of theology. One is a Theology of Glory and the other is a Theology of the Cross.
...The Protestant theology of glory begins with a one-time trip to the Cross of Jesus Christ. The preaching of human sin and divine grace is only directed at the unbeliever in order to "get him saved."
The theology of the Cross is quite different. The preaching of sin and grace or Law and Gospel is not only intended to convert the unbelieving sinner but is intended to produce sanctification in the Christian. The preaching of the Law continues to convict the Christian of sin, leading to contrition, and the Gospel continues to produce faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ.
A theology of glory separates the Christian life from the Gospel. Once you are saved you are given a list of do’s and don’ts. More often than not, these are "evangelical house rules." If you continue to break the rules or backslide, the solution is the rededication of your life to God or, in some cases, the emotional determination to keep your promises. You wouldn’t go back to the Cross again because you already did that when you got saved. Rather, you rededicate your life, because "once saved, is always saved."
The theology of the Cross never gets you past the Cross. The preaching of the Law is not intended to provide you with a list of do’s and don’ts. Rather the preaching of the Law is intended to drive you back to the Cross through the hearing of the Gospel. As a result of the Gospel, your faith is strengthened. Out of faith, the good works defining the Christian life are produced.
A theology of glory produces people who think they are better than other people. "Getting saved" moves you to a higher level. You are now a better person, a step above those who are not saved. You can think of yourself as a part of the "moral majority" as opposed to the "immoral minority." You share your testimony so that other people will get saved and be a good person just like you are.
Living in a theology of the Cross never makes you any "better" than anyone else. Every day in every way you are not getting better and better. In fact, the preaching of Law and Gospel will not lead you to an awareness of your holiness, but rather to greater awareness of the depth of your sin. As a result, you will develop an ever-increasing faith in and appreciation for the redeeming work of Jesus Christ.
Your witness will focus upon the work of the Cross, not upon your experience of getting saved, sanctified, or becoming more spiritual. You have taken no step toward God or arrived at any higher level of holiness. You don’t talk about your spirituality. You talk about the grace of God in Christ Jesus.
Martin Luther accurately defined sin as man turning in on himself. While a theology of glory continues to turn you to yourself as you measure your growth in holiness against a plethora of spiritual experiences, the theology of the Cross turns you away from yourself. As a result of the conviction of the Law, you forsake your own good works and spiritual experiences and cling to the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Which is Correct?
Any reading of the New Testament will demonstrate that the systematic theology of the Apostle Paul was a theology of the Cross. His focus was not upon his spirituality but upon the Cross of Christ. He boasted of his weaknesses. He referred to himself as the "chief of sinners" and a "wretched man." As far as he was concerned, his holiness and goodness was manure compared to the righteousness of Christ. For the Apostle, the dynamic of both justification and sanctification was "not I, but Christ."
The Reformation theology that characterizes both Lutheranism and traditional Calvinism is a theology of the Cross. There is no doubt that the theology of glory appeals to natural man. It is a theology of Adam. It is self-focused. It defines "popular Christianity." The reality is, it is not biblical Christianity."
"...Within Protestantism there are two very distinct systems of theology. One is a Theology of Glory and the other is a Theology of the Cross.
...The Protestant theology of glory begins with a one-time trip to the Cross of Jesus Christ. The preaching of human sin and divine grace is only directed at the unbeliever in order to "get him saved."
The theology of the Cross is quite different. The preaching of sin and grace or Law and Gospel is not only intended to convert the unbelieving sinner but is intended to produce sanctification in the Christian. The preaching of the Law continues to convict the Christian of sin, leading to contrition, and the Gospel continues to produce faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ.
A theology of glory separates the Christian life from the Gospel. Once you are saved you are given a list of do’s and don’ts. More often than not, these are "evangelical house rules." If you continue to break the rules or backslide, the solution is the rededication of your life to God or, in some cases, the emotional determination to keep your promises. You wouldn’t go back to the Cross again because you already did that when you got saved. Rather, you rededicate your life, because "once saved, is always saved."
The theology of the Cross never gets you past the Cross. The preaching of the Law is not intended to provide you with a list of do’s and don’ts. Rather the preaching of the Law is intended to drive you back to the Cross through the hearing of the Gospel. As a result of the Gospel, your faith is strengthened. Out of faith, the good works defining the Christian life are produced.
A theology of glory produces people who think they are better than other people. "Getting saved" moves you to a higher level. You are now a better person, a step above those who are not saved. You can think of yourself as a part of the "moral majority" as opposed to the "immoral minority." You share your testimony so that other people will get saved and be a good person just like you are.
Living in a theology of the Cross never makes you any "better" than anyone else. Every day in every way you are not getting better and better. In fact, the preaching of Law and Gospel will not lead you to an awareness of your holiness, but rather to greater awareness of the depth of your sin. As a result, you will develop an ever-increasing faith in and appreciation for the redeeming work of Jesus Christ.
Your witness will focus upon the work of the Cross, not upon your experience of getting saved, sanctified, or becoming more spiritual. You have taken no step toward God or arrived at any higher level of holiness. You don’t talk about your spirituality. You talk about the grace of God in Christ Jesus.
Martin Luther accurately defined sin as man turning in on himself. While a theology of glory continues to turn you to yourself as you measure your growth in holiness against a plethora of spiritual experiences, the theology of the Cross turns you away from yourself. As a result of the conviction of the Law, you forsake your own good works and spiritual experiences and cling to the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Which is Correct?
Any reading of the New Testament will demonstrate that the systematic theology of the Apostle Paul was a theology of the Cross. His focus was not upon his spirituality but upon the Cross of Christ. He boasted of his weaknesses. He referred to himself as the "chief of sinners" and a "wretched man." As far as he was concerned, his holiness and goodness was manure compared to the righteousness of Christ. For the Apostle, the dynamic of both justification and sanctification was "not I, but Christ."
The Reformation theology that characterizes both Lutheranism and traditional Calvinism is a theology of the Cross. There is no doubt that the theology of glory appeals to natural man. It is a theology of Adam. It is self-focused. It defines "popular Christianity." The reality is, it is not biblical Christianity."
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