This month we will question red flags and green lights relating to Christianity, ponder the book "Invisible Jesus," and explore the practice of Lectio Divina.
I have a dear friend who was 'educated' at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM). He lives in the UK now, being a Brit... but anyway he was about to set up a UK branch of BSSM near where I live. He had 'spiritual' mentors who were his 'oversight' and all that, decent worship meetings and all the trimmings.
But then he came out as gay. Mentors called him in to 'discuss' it (i.e. tell him he was wrong); other 'leaders' in other religious organisations did the same. I used to go to a local Christian mens' meeting with him, and I noticed the legalism after the first couple of meetings; when he came out, the leader of that group also 'wanted to talk to him'.
Take home message, I now firmly believe that most Christian groups who have leadership of any kind rely on legalism (including anti-gay policies) to maintain control. Even if they claim it is all Grace-based or whatever, usually, no it isn't. It's always legalism.
Nowadays, my go-to litmus test for any kind of Christian organisation I am thinking of associating with is that I ask them about their policies regarding LGBTQ+ people, especially emphasising whether or not they integrate them properly *including into leadership*. Any answer than a resounding "YES!!" means an automatic shaking-off-the-dust ;) And I am going to my friend's wedding later this year when he marries his man.
Very insightful and helpful. FYI the phrase “deconstruction” is used by progressives but means something very different. I like the way you are using it but be aware that among mainline folks like us Episcopalians it represents a way of treating scripture that strips it from context or the author’s intent. Making it mean whatever the reader wants it to mean. 😢
I don’t think it’s fair that people can take a word and make it have a very narrow definition—typically focused on leaving the faith (which should be deconversion).
Deconstruction in any other context just means to take something apart to its individual pieces. So I push back by using the word with a wider definition. I also continue to use it because I want people who are going through a taking apart process to find me and the option of putting your faith back together again in an orthodox way. 😆
I really loved this article! Thank you for such thought provoking commentary and such clarity. I will tell you, though, that the term "spiritual director" really left me cold. Make sure you are not falling into the very trap you warn against. Maybe I am over sensitive. THere were links in the article I received, and I look forward to following them. --Jeri
Look into the practice of spiritual direction. It’s something that used to be just for liturgical churches but it is becoming more accepted in evangelical settings. Mostly it’s a practice of deep listening. The directee talks and the director listens both to them and the Spirit and helps to point out where God is moving. I’m sure it could get totally off base (like anything), but it’s also been a neat experience for me. My mom has been getting direction for a few years now and is actually in school to become a director.
Well, you’re well experienced with all the lies and deceptions and fads of Evangelicalism. So you can take care of yourself. It’s in the spirit of friend to friend that I admit to not trusting it, not because it comes from liturgical worship, but because it has been seized as a new thing by the Evangelical movement. But I know you will be careful, and you can extricate yourself if it does appear to unhelpful or controlling. I want you to do well and have peace. If I’m too forward in my opinion, it’s because I have listened to so many victims of right wing churches, and my antennae are very sensitive, perhaps too much so.
Thanks for the informative post, Christy, and especially for the book recommendation.
You are welcome! Thanks for reading.
I have a dear friend who was 'educated' at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM). He lives in the UK now, being a Brit... but anyway he was about to set up a UK branch of BSSM near where I live. He had 'spiritual' mentors who were his 'oversight' and all that, decent worship meetings and all the trimmings.
But then he came out as gay. Mentors called him in to 'discuss' it (i.e. tell him he was wrong); other 'leaders' in other religious organisations did the same. I used to go to a local Christian mens' meeting with him, and I noticed the legalism after the first couple of meetings; when he came out, the leader of that group also 'wanted to talk to him'.
Take home message, I now firmly believe that most Christian groups who have leadership of any kind rely on legalism (including anti-gay policies) to maintain control. Even if they claim it is all Grace-based or whatever, usually, no it isn't. It's always legalism.
Nowadays, my go-to litmus test for any kind of Christian organisation I am thinking of associating with is that I ask them about their policies regarding LGBTQ+ people, especially emphasising whether or not they integrate them properly *including into leadership*. Any answer than a resounding "YES!!" means an automatic shaking-off-the-dust ;) And I am going to my friend's wedding later this year when he marries his man.
Sorted.
I trust nothing connected to Bethel or the NAR. I’m sorry your friend was treated that way. 😢
Thanks for the book rec! Downloading the Lectio Divina app now.
😁
Invisible Jesus is such an eye opening book!
It’s so good!
Very insightful and helpful. FYI the phrase “deconstruction” is used by progressives but means something very different. I like the way you are using it but be aware that among mainline folks like us Episcopalians it represents a way of treating scripture that strips it from context or the author’s intent. Making it mean whatever the reader wants it to mean. 😢
I don’t think it’s fair that people can take a word and make it have a very narrow definition—typically focused on leaving the faith (which should be deconversion).
Deconstruction in any other context just means to take something apart to its individual pieces. So I push back by using the word with a wider definition. I also continue to use it because I want people who are going through a taking apart process to find me and the option of putting your faith back together again in an orthodox way. 😆
I agree. 😊
I don’t like the way my colleagues use it. Now you have given me a better way to use it.
It’s a testimony to the Grace of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit. 😊
😁 Not just me. There are a lot of us out here using it this way.
This was spot on. Thank you! Lectio has blessed me immensely.
I’m so glad! 😊
I really loved this article! Thank you for such thought provoking commentary and such clarity. I will tell you, though, that the term "spiritual director" really left me cold. Make sure you are not falling into the very trap you warn against. Maybe I am over sensitive. THere were links in the article I received, and I look forward to following them. --Jeri
Think sponsor in AA, just someone further on the road. It has nothing to do wit control
Look into the practice of spiritual direction. It’s something that used to be just for liturgical churches but it is becoming more accepted in evangelical settings. Mostly it’s a practice of deep listening. The directee talks and the director listens both to them and the Spirit and helps to point out where God is moving. I’m sure it could get totally off base (like anything), but it’s also been a neat experience for me. My mom has been getting direction for a few years now and is actually in school to become a director.
Glad you enjoyed the article!
Well, you’re well experienced with all the lies and deceptions and fads of Evangelicalism. So you can take care of yourself. It’s in the spirit of friend to friend that I admit to not trusting it, not because it comes from liturgical worship, but because it has been seized as a new thing by the Evangelical movement. But I know you will be careful, and you can extricate yourself if it does appear to unhelpful or controlling. I want you to do well and have peace. If I’m too forward in my opinion, it’s because I have listened to so many victims of right wing churches, and my antennae are very sensitive, perhaps too much so.
I appreciate your concern. 💕