Today I'm confused. I know this is probably a shock to you (as if), but it is the truth. I have this desire in my gut to find out which side of the doctrinal fence that my beliefs reside. I let this one lie for a very long time because first of all, I love and follow Jesus and have always considered the doctrines to be man made institutions that I see people worship, rather than their savior. Second, when we stand before God, He will not ask which fan club we belong to. And finally, I've never wanted to get that deep into the ecclesiastology of Protestant Church history. But, God has given me the desire of late to start researching and going a little deeper in my faith.
This will sound funny but I was spurred on to do this while watching the movie The Karate Kid. In one scene, Mr. Miagi tells Daniel-san that you must "karate-yes", or you must "karate no". You cannot "karate-maybe", because you will get "Squashed, just like grape." If you have no clue what I'm talking about, get the movie and watch it. He is talking about how you are in essence a grape and you reside on one side of the street or the other. If you wander around in the traffic, you'll get squashed by a car. Oh, the wisdom of Mr. Miagi......
Anyway, I'm researching the Wesleyan and the Calvinist doctrines. From my research, I find that I believe a little of both. This scares me a little because when talking with folks from both of the camps, they tell me that I cannot be that way. They say that you are either one or the other (Calvin-Yes or Calvin-No -or- Wesleyan-Yes or Wesleyan-No). This makes me think that If I continue to walk in the middle, you guessed it, I will get squashed just like grape.
I'm going to quit writing for now and do a little more research. I wish some smart person would make a quiz for this topic and post it on the internet. They have them out there for everything from "What city are you" to "What super hero you most resemble", so why not how Calvinist or Wesleyan you may be. Until then, I better get my grape self back to dodging cars on the doctrinal/belief system highway of Christianity.
Monday, October 9, 2006
At the Intersection of Calvin Avenue and Wesley Street
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7 COMMENTS...:
big smiles from down here in Tampa. Love this debate. Not sure if there is a right answer. I could argue both sides. If forced I would tell you that I am more Calvin. For me it comes down to the soveriengty of God. My Baptist roots struggle with the fact that my "free will" doesn't reconcile well with His ultimate soverign reign. Let me know where you land...
You know what I think?
I don't really care. Seriously, I don't care.
Do you love Jesus? Is the Holy Spirit in your heart? Do you try and listen to His voice in your life? Do you repent of your sin and ask for His forgiveness because you're staring at the log in your eye (like the one I'm looking at right now?)
That's all that matters.
I believe that we spend far too much time looking for God in the institutions of mankind. God Is. We say God is ineffable and transcendent then attempt to describe Him in human terms.
There is some truth and value in mankind's religions, but none can embrace the mystery and totality of His essence.
Perhaps you feel the true pull of God but are confused by the many incompatible directions proclaimed by mankind. These are healthy warning signs, doubts that God has enabled for you to push beyond the limitations of mankind’s institutions and experience the peace of His Kingdom.
You should be encouraged that you feel this urge to do more “research.” You have set a foot into your future. God has gifted us with the tremendous assets of intelligence and free will to choose our own paths. Use the traditions and fellowship of your religion to help you, but use them wisely. Wesleyan or Calvinist doctrines are not your goal, your goal lies beyond.
God is a direction, not a destination.
You guys are right and last night it was answered for me. I just finished the post about it. As always, God came through and steered the ship for me!
I am a member of "The Church of God" (Cleveland, TN headquarters - there is more than one:). My husband is a District Overseer and in fact has the highest ranking of ministerial license this denomination bestows. However, when I have been asked "Why are you a member of that church?" my answer is not for the reasons mentioned above. I tell people, "Because of all the denominations I have attended and of all of the doctrines I have studied, this one fits most closely with what I believe." It is true that there are things I don't agree with even in this denomination (nothing major, obviously). I believe each individual must study God's Word, prayer for our spiritual eyes to be opened and ask God for direction. Doctrines of denominations have changed over the years. Some because of man's reasons, some because of God's reasons. Let your beliefs be because of God's reasons!
You know the song "Change My Heart Oh, God!"? I believe these are words to live by.
As always, thanks Libby for your wisdom!!
You know, there was a quiz I took once, just for fun. I can't find it now, but there are many others out there. Here's one example, although it's pretty short.
To me, it doesn't matter that much. My church now is the one where I began my relationship with God, and I enjoy worship and fellowship.
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