sarkakaiaima

The affirmation and exercise of charisms has varied over time and been shaped by the prevailing theological assumptions about formal church structure and leadership of a given tradition. Theological assumptions are, as a matter of course, profoundly colored by the perspectives of the people developing them in the context of the current hegemonic cultural presuppositions. This is especially true of ecclesiology and pneumatology. Indeed, the ways in which different Christian traditions have come to counterbalance these two categories of Christian theology speaks volumes about their fundamental views of God and human salvation. The different intellectual categories which systematic theologians attempt to describe are all intertwined in people’s actual thought and practice.  In churches with a traditional emphasis on the Episcopal model of leadership and ministry the focus of thought has been on the position and work of formal leaders. The ministry of laypersons was not emphasized becau

Theological and practical considerations of charisms in the life of the Christian churches have always been essential to the task of describing the essence of the Church. How different Christian traditions have defined and delineated their self-understanding throughout history has, in large part, hinged on how charisms were theologically understood and practiced. Indeed, the theological justification of charisms in a given tradition is always closely related to the development of theological justifications of church structure and approved ministry forms. Thus, a clear understanding of both charisms and the organizational structure and ministry of one’s tradition is needed to construct a coherent and consistent theological perspective of what makes the church the Church. The purpose of this essay is to explore and reflect on the following aspects of Christian self-understanding. First, I will survey and comment on the testimony of the New Testament concerning the Church (or Body o

I had heard that this book was a “Christian classic” and now that I have read it myself I know why. Law’s A Serious Call to a Devout & Holy Life is cutting, winsome and insightful. He weaved throughout the pages penetrating analysis of human motives and behavior, witty and logically persuasive arguments and spiritual gems of spiritual wisdom and insight. The first section (chapters 1-13) offers, for the most part, searing critiques of the capacity for double-mindedness in human beings and in professed Christians while the latter sections (chapters 14-23) focus more so on giving practical pastoral advice about how to positively live a devout and holy life by keeping to the hours of prayer. The final chapter (24) is a bit like a closing argument which references the overall points made throughout the book. Law laid out his assertions in very plain terms, with succinct definitional paragraphs, and then proceeded to explain (at length and with much repetition) his claims. Herein the

 I has been some time since I have written something for this blog. The reason is that I have been very preoccupied with the necessary and time consuming labor of revising a manuscript in preparation for publication.  Last year I started the process of getting a book published. Well the process is now complete and it is available: Living God's Life is the title. Below is a website that the publisher has made available with links to online retailers where the book can be purchased. It is available as an e-book or printed soft cover edition. I would appreciate you all checking it out and purchasing a copy. And then if you judge it to be of value then tell others among family and friends about it. Thank you for taking time to look at it! Here's the website with information: http://www.christianfaithpublishing.com/books/?book=living-gods-life