I like how you link the idea of a "generous creedalism" with our God's generosity! Logically, if we truly believe God is generous then each of our Fundamentals should clearly show it.
As a person who 'married into' the SDA church many decades ago, I've been troubled by the way more recently the 'fundamentals' have been elaborated and expanded. Has this narrowed the 'gate' by which we hope that we--and others--can find a sure path to knowing Jesus? I have some issues and questions regarding at least two of the cherished fundamentals; I don't make a lot of noise about them, although if challenged I would admit to my concerns. Still, I've been an adult SS leader for many years--is this a compromise that should pose problems?
Thank you so much, Sharon, for your very candid and honest reflections. I'd love to connect further with you on this and process it - if you're open to that. But no pressure at all! It would be completely judgment-free. Drop me an email if that's something you'd be open to.
I'm open to discussion. I don't think you'd find me a church 'basher'--I might better be characterized as having reservations with the black and white, 'this is how it is' language as displayed in Fundamentals #6, # 18, and # 24. I'm not a fan of the 'we have the truth' attitude that can come off as exclusive and sometimes presumptuous. There are mysteries too deep for our finite minds, questions that we can't answer.
Perhaps all movements, political, religious, social, tend to gloss over mistakes and past/present difficulties. Would more transparency help or hinder most members?
[I didn't see an email contact option, the 'reply' to message merely bounces back.]
Thank you for further sharing your thoughts, Sharon! If you ever want to email me directly, you can just hit "reply" to the original newsletter piece and it should come to me (as opposed to hitting "reply" to email notifications about comments). Let me know if you still have trouble. I'd love to keep the conversation going!
I like how you link the idea of a "generous creedalism" with our God's generosity! Logically, if we truly believe God is generous then each of our Fundamentals should clearly show it.
As a person who 'married into' the SDA church many decades ago, I've been troubled by the way more recently the 'fundamentals' have been elaborated and expanded. Has this narrowed the 'gate' by which we hope that we--and others--can find a sure path to knowing Jesus? I have some issues and questions regarding at least two of the cherished fundamentals; I don't make a lot of noise about them, although if challenged I would admit to my concerns. Still, I've been an adult SS leader for many years--is this a compromise that should pose problems?
Thank you so much, Sharon, for your very candid and honest reflections. I'd love to connect further with you on this and process it - if you're open to that. But no pressure at all! It would be completely judgment-free. Drop me an email if that's something you'd be open to.
I'm open to discussion. I don't think you'd find me a church 'basher'--I might better be characterized as having reservations with the black and white, 'this is how it is' language as displayed in Fundamentals #6, # 18, and # 24. I'm not a fan of the 'we have the truth' attitude that can come off as exclusive and sometimes presumptuous. There are mysteries too deep for our finite minds, questions that we can't answer.
Perhaps all movements, political, religious, social, tend to gloss over mistakes and past/present difficulties. Would more transparency help or hinder most members?
[I didn't see an email contact option, the 'reply' to message merely bounces back.]
Thank you for further sharing your thoughts, Sharon! If you ever want to email me directly, you can just hit "reply" to the original newsletter piece and it should come to me (as opposed to hitting "reply" to email notifications about comments). Let me know if you still have trouble. I'd love to keep the conversation going!