I am searching out some good critiques of the seeker-sensitivity that has so captivated portions of the LCMS including its leadership. Chris Rosebrough at Extreme Theology posted a great article back in February that deserves a careful reading, or a second reading if you've already read it. Chris writes:
"The method of evangelism that these church planters are employing is to market to people in their community offering them advice for becoming a better parent, having a more fulfilling romantic life, financial advice or career guidance. The assumption is that if unbelievers show up then they can apply these Biblical principles as a means of 'trying' Christianity before they 'buy it'. Once they experience positive change in their lives then that will motivate them to make a commitment to Jesus Christ. But the problem is that what they are buying is not the gospel message of Christ crucified for our sins. Instead they are buying a performance based religion that promises to help them overcome and solve the everyday issues of life. Based upon what is being preached the people in these churches are being led to believe the Bible is merely a guidebook for living and that the primary message of Christianity is about life change. Therefore, the object of this religion isn't Jesus Christ it is ME and the progress that I need to be making so that I can experience life change or the methods I need to employ to form better habits. This is nothing more than a merry-go-round of self-improvement and I don't need a savior for this. In reality, all I need is a good life coach and some good advice."
Chris uses the dogmatic distinction of formal and material principle to get to the heart of what is wrong with the "seeker-sensitive"mentality. The material principle (the hermeneutical center) of this seeker-sensitive theology is the "Changed Life" - happy, healthy, wealthy, good sex (married, of course!). The formal principle (the source) is the Bible, that is, the Bible as guidebook for living and the owner's manual for the purpose-filled life.
What is at the center is the target of your faith. And faith that is not interchangeable with Jesus Christ crucified and risen for your justification, is not saving faith.
For the full article: The Center of Your Theology Determines the Object of Your Faith
Monday, April 21, 2008
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8 comments:
Thanks for posting this.
A couple comments, from someone who came to Lutheranism after a long sojourn in some of this stuff.
1 -- Often, when a church changes its mission like this, you'll find that the older people and those who don't always contribute a lot -- perhaps people who are sick a lot, or whatever -- are squeezed out or marginalized. It's not surprising, because the church is changing from a place of free grace to one where performance starts to be measured -- like a business, really. The focus switches from the Word and Sacraments to horizontal -- were you there last week at such-and-such meeting? Why not? Etc.
2 -- It's beyond my comprehension how a Lutheran church can get enamored with this -- pardon the French -- crap. Lutheranism has so much to teach evangelicalism yet some segments of our church seem to be lusting after the latest
church growth fad.
Is "crap" French?
As I've been listening to and posting the old Issues, Etc. shows, this just resonates with the many "Theology of Glory vs. Theology of the Cross" discussions the show had.
Bingo!
I don't know if it's French or not, but I second it, and thank you for posting this.
The two questions I always asked about the church growth seeker sensitive "crap." The first is, 'Since when do unbelievers determine the form and content of Christian worship?' Rick Warren went door to door asking people what they wanted in a church and then gave it to them.
Secondly,where in the Scriptures is it taught that our worship services are the main thrust,instrument, or tool for evangelism? In both the OT and NT, worship is for believers. Instead the growthers prostitute our church services to appeal to the unregenerate.
Having spent 20 years in "seeker sensitive" churches and the last five years in the Lutheran Church, I would be horrible to have that which I love become that which I do not.
I spent years hearing messages on how this method, understanding, or new revelation would help me to gain "victory" in my life. There was always something new that would be the answer to my failures. When I struggled to be a better Christian, wife, mother, friend, or neighbor the answer was, "Well, have you tried this?" I would try it, and things might get better for a while, but inevitably that victory would slip through my grasp. I spent all my time trying to fix myself, but never got it quite right, really not right at all. I would be left defeated and hopeless.
I saw many people leave the "seeker" churches, not to find another church. They left church, religion, and God, because they had no hope.
That is exactly what we have to give them!! When I found the answer to my failures was the victory of Christ, there was hope.
When I hear God's Law and Gospel, it works in my life sanctification, a "fix" I could never make.
If all we have to offer the world is another "quick fix" they will come to the church... and leave. As Lutherans we have what they really need, CHRIST. Christ for you, for your forgiveness, in your sanctification, Who is your victory!!
I don't think this fits in as a "critique" but I think it is a good example of what you are railing against.
This video is the winner of last years Willow Creek films contest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsPBVNecOMo
(copy and paste the address into your browser)
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