I have a test for Christian theology. All good theology works in Ethiopia. What does that mean? It means that many of the things that we talk about, that we are so sure about, are cultural. They relate to Christianity only in our culture, and therefore, probably are not truly Christian ideas.
For example, those who teach that if you have enough faith, God will give you more stuff and money. That will never fly in Ethiopia. So to me, that means it is a heresy. There is no guaranty that God will give you more stuff. Ethiopians know this.
What about purpose in life? Some believe that they will only find purpose when they find their right vocation. Can people in Ethiopia yearn to be a pilot, a doctor, or an astronaut? Yes, but their opportunities are so so much smaller. Purpose has to be available to all. It cannot be measured by our culture. So to me the question of purpose is much simpler, and is measured in terms of how I treat people today, not by if I make it in the NFL. That works in Ethiopia.
What are you thinking about that is cultural? The purest form of Christianity is cross cultural. It works everywhere.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
2 comments:
Thanks Jeff, for taking us all higher. Every congregation should be so blessed as to have a pastor who cares that their lives follow scriptural and God revealed truth.
Love this post! So many times, we Americans get stuck in our comfy little lives, going to church on Sundays to check it off the list. Christianity is about living faith out in our everyday lives, with everyone we come in contact with--at home, at Starbucks, at work, at the grocery store, and so on. It's not a check box to be marked every week--it's a way of life.
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