2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Orthopraxy? Huh? Did you mean Orthodoxy? Orthodoxy? Huh? Did you mean.....?
Doesn't it impress you when people use big words that demonstrate their mastery, or at times, their lack of mastery of the human language. OK! Me neither!
Listen, I respect the fact that there are some people who are far more intellectually advanced then myself, but it doesn't mean that they have to parade their intellectual arrogance before my feeble, intellectually lacking brain!
With that said, my diatribe (sorry, I couldn't resist showing you a word I know), that is my whine filled ranting is over for it has nothing to do with this post, but the word that set this all off - Orthopraxy - does.
I read an article some time ago about the "stand-off" attitude that many younger pastors like myself have in regards to our affiliations with, in particular, the Convention. (Note: While this article specifically addresses the SBC, as I read blogs from Pastors and Lay people from other denominations, it is apparent that it is not just an SBC problem). The writer says that one of the points he is trying to make in his article is "that for over a generation we as a Convention have failed to make necessary changes to interact with the contemporary world. The meetings LifeWay President Jimmy Draper has had with young SBC leaders demonstrates the frustration many have, not with our orthodoxy, but with our orthopraxy."
Now there's that word. What does orthopraxy mean? Well before we go there, look at the other word first. The other word in there is orthodoxy. You might be more familiar with it, but just in case, it is typically used to refer to the theological or doctrinal observance of religion as determined by some overseeing body (a convention, assembly, etc). That one is fairly easy to digest. Now on to the other word.
What does orthopraxy mean? Well, according to one theological site, it is right belief combined with right practice, with the emphasis being on the latter, a term specially used in Latin American liberation theology, often in contrast with an orthodoxy seen as insufficiently interested in the practical and political content of faith. Huh?
OK. I had to get some more help with this, too. In a nutshell, orthopraxy is the application of our orthodoxy. In other words, orthopraxy is what we do in response to our orthodoxy, or what we believe.
In everyday terms for instance, you know that if you drive the wrong way on a busy highway during rush hour, you will probably die or suffer such catastrophic injury you wish you had died. Your orthopraxy (driving practice), therefore, will result in you driving the right way because your orthodoxy (what you believe) says to do otherwise will possibly result in your untimely, but perhaps well deserved demise!
So here is what it boils down to: while we are faithfully preserving our rituals and traditions in an effort to win and/or keep God's favor and impress each other, especially our Spiritual fathers (many of whom were radical for their time), we further distance ourselves from that same God, the one and only true living God, as well as the people for whom Jesus came and died for!
So many of the leadership in our churches and denominations are so caught up in our traditions and legacies that we are not making room for fresh ideas and methodology. That in itself may not seem like such a terrible idea when some ideas are presented, but the fact that we have in essence "Canonized" our old methods and practices, or developed a manual for the "Authorized Way to Do Church, 1950 edition" is. Now that manual may not be in print, but it is actively dictating what takes place in our churches and even all the way up to our denominational governances every single day!
God doesn't want our pride filled exhibitions of religiosity! He doesn't care how many sacred cows, (for some churches a sacred herd) we have maintained in our fellowships. He isn't impressed with the manner in which we develop programs, strategies, or emphasis. He isn't left in awe of our fundraising ability or built up capitol campaign balances. Special offerings, Missionary recruitment, and Baptism goals don't cause Heaven to throw a party!
What causes Heaven to erupt into a party that would trump every other known party in the world? When a sinner comes to follow Jesus! Did you catch that? Not when a sinner joins the church. Not when a sinner gets baptized. Not when a sinner starts to tithe! Not when a sinner becomes a leader. When a sinner comes to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, the Word of God says that there is rejoicing in Heaven (Luke 15:7, 10)!
(Stay tuned.... Part 2 is coming) |
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