Friday, September 21, 2007

Alternative Consciousness

The post entitled "Narrative." contains a vague statement about "alternative consciouness." Walter Brueggemann deals with this idea in "Prophetic Imagination". There exists a movement and thought pattern that thrives on criticizing institutions, traditions, theologies, and "church." I would include myself in the collective community of criticizers who know there is a method(s) and picture of church that must be more in keeping with what Jesus intended compared to that which currently and popularly exists in America. Brueggemann makes an important assertion that criticism of the current consciousness is not in and of itself evil, bad, or wrong, but must be complimented by an energizing toward an alternative consciousness. Our gathering is a progressive movement alternative to that of three songs, an "offering," and a 30-minute lecture. It is by no means new or creative unless one is ignorant to the meetings of 1st century Israel, avoidant of extending grace, hope ,and peace when there exists an atmosphere of openness, vunlerability, and authentic mystery, or insistant on adhering to modern, popular methods of American evangelical "church."

4 comments:

Troy Current said...

I am very excited to see what will come from these gatherings

Anonymous said...

Pretty excited to have Brueggeman (sp.) coming here in the spring!!

Keep praying.

Anonymous said...

TK,

You need to connect with Brent LaVigne from Westside CON here in MV. He's in the MSM program and was student body prez @ SNU 03-04. He's wanting to bring together the body of Christ to reach people for the Kingdom right where they are. We can't, as Christ Followers, keep "doing church" like it's alwyas been done and expect the world to simply get on board. We need authentic believers extending grace to lost, as well as the struggling believers. ~tw

Anonymous said...

Are these gathering just for the RA's? If not I'd be interested in coming depending on the time and stuff. Let me know.

Matthew 5:38-48, NASB

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone want to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only you brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."