tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530741222852255049.post6745636508412403271..comments2023-07-03T08:21:29.115-07:00Comments on Theology in Worship: Limiting Lent?Jonathan Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04156698508552110185noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530741222852255049.post-4530110970616395522011-03-03T08:51:23.023-08:002011-03-03T08:51:23.023-08:00David and Brad - thank you both for your comments!...David and Brad - thank you both for your comments! They are much appreciated. <br /><br />Brad - I completely agree with what you are saying with holding together the three foci in Lent. This was Stookey's purpose in the chapter of his book as well as my purpose with the blog, though I may have failed to adequately explain it so. The three foci could not (and should not) be separated, but we certainly have done so in the West. Maybe "areas" wasn't the best word for me to use - facets or something of the like might have been better. But yes, they were intrinsically tied to one another. There are some hints of that still today, (as in almsgiving, catechism, etc), but I'd say most evangelical churches tend to see Lent as a time of repentance and discipline. At least that has been the case for many people I've had conversations with recently. <br /><br />Great thoughts and comments! And thanks for the examples/quotes.<br /><br />- JonathanJonathan Powershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04156698508552110185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530741222852255049.post-7739909922872150132011-03-03T08:41:18.776-08:002011-03-03T08:41:18.776-08:00Hello, Jonathan. Interesting post.
I think the a...Hello, Jonathan. Interesting post. <br /><br />I think the author might be too strongly divorcing (2) from (1) and (3). <br /><br />First, the community fasts and prays alongside those who are fasting and praying in preparation for baptism and chrismation. If I recall, this is one of the main motivations historically for the development of Lenten ascetical practices. Also, catechesis was premised on and usually began with instruction on living such a life - a life of prayer and self-denial. This is foundational to Patristic theology - only the pure in heart shall see God. So, the ascetical aspect of Lent isn't divorced from the catechetical aspect insofar as it's a community all struggling together in this regard. No one is saved alone.<br /><br />Second, I think almsgiving connects (2) and (3). Almsgiving is a form of self-denial as well as an act that goes beyond the walls of the church. It means to give one's time and attention - as well as one's money - to others. We spend less time and money on ourselves to spend more time and money on others within and without the Church in order to care for their needs whether physical or spiritual. So, properly understood, almsgiving has a very evangelical character to it and it's part and parcel of the ascetical life. Thus, (2) and (3) are bound up together.<br /><br />Also, in this regard, I can't help but quote St Seraphim of Sarov: "Acquire the Spirit of Peace and a thousand souls around you will be saved." The Spirit is acquired by opening oneself through the action of God's grace by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving...<br /><br />So, properly contextualized, I think all these things are bound together. The problem in our context is that they have to be pieced back together again in a sort of artificial way because they're no longer part of a living tradition here in the West.<br /><br />-Brad VienBrad in KYhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00655331422184368187noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530741222852255049.post-37133578234258170572011-03-03T07:49:25.571-08:002011-03-03T07:49:25.571-08:00Self-centeredness, a.k.a. narcissism comes in many...Self-centeredness, a.k.a. narcissism comes in many levels. The true narcissists look at mirrors all day long and are consumed with their own looks, piety, possessions, etc. No one enjoys being around such people.<br /><br />However, narcissism enters the church in more subtle ways, and is evidenced by songs about oneself, by church programs that don't reach outside the church walls, and by personal prosperity sermons.<br /><br />The opposite of this is an active faith that cares not just about one's own condition, but the condition of the church, the community, and the world at large. A true Lent will take into evaluation all these foci!<br /><br />David Chism<br />http://davidchism.comDavid Chismhttp://davidchism.comnoreply@blogger.com