What if the Christian faith is supposed to exist in a variety of forms rather than just one imperial one? What if it is both more stable and more agileโmore responsive to the Holy Spiritโwhen it exists in these many forms? And what if, instead of arguing about which form is correct and legitimate, we were to honor, appreciate, and validate one another and see ourselves as servants of one grander mission, apostles of one greater message, seekers on one ultimate quest?
Brian D. McLarenWeโre seeking โ imperfectly at every turn, no doubt โ an incarnational theology, a theology that brings radical good news of great joy for all the people, good news that God loves the world and didnโt send Jesus to condemn it but to save it, good news that Godโs wrath is not merely punitive but restorative, good news that the fire of Godโs holiness is not bent on eternal torment but always works to purify and refine, good news that where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more.
Brian D. McLarenThe Church has little idea how unorthodox it is at any given moment. If a church can't yet be perfectly orthodox, it can, with the Holy Spirit's help and by the grace of God, be perpetually reformable.
Brian D. McLarenJoyfully celebrating the killing of a killer who joyfully celebrated killing carries an irony that I hope will not be lost on us. Are we learning anything, or simply spinning harder in the cycle of violence?
Brian D. McLarenYou might tell me that you have been engaging in some deep questioning and theological rethinking.1 You can no longer live with the faith you inherited from your parents or constructed earlier in your life. As you sort through your dogma and doctrine, youโve found yourself praying less, less thrilled about worship, scripture, or church attendance. Youโve been so focused on sorting and purging your theological theories that youโve lost track of the spiritual practices that sustain an actual relationship with God. You may even wonder if such a thing is possible for someone like you.
Brian D. McLaren