6:41 AM |
Author: Scott
I once looked into contributing regularly for an online Christian magazine. When asked the title of my column, I gave the name, 'The Prodigal Truth'. Though one cannot very well know tone of voice or body language through email, I think the title somewhat shocked the editor. I have entitled this blog, 'The Prodigal Thought,' so somewhat similar. But neither of these titles sound conservatively Christian. And it is understandable. Thus, I find that, for my first blog/article, I probably need to provide a little helpful explanation for the choice of words since words are life and semantics are important, at least from my standpoint.I must admit, I received a little help from a friend in Memphis concerning the present title. (Thanks Joey.) I know God has placed a call upon me to teach the Word, explain Scriptural and theological truths, to exegete and understand what all Christians might not be so excited about studying. But, I must make clear that I do not do so with the aim of sounding smart and theologically noble. I do all of this with the purpose of seeing people set free. Jesus did teach, '...you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free' (John 8:32). Wow! Truth equals freedom. Not necessarily 2 + 2 = 4, although that could be helpful. But rather the truth of God coming in and setting captives free - in their minds, in their hearts, even in their bodies. Set free from fear, from depression, from self-contempt, from anxiety, from bondage, from false concepts about our Father, and so much more. And that's where I want to go. I do not believe we are called to study the Word so we can write systematic theological treatises, though those can be helpful. I believe the people of God are called to dive into the Word so that we can know the truth and be set free by it.
But some of our thoughts have gone 'prodigal'. By this, I mean they have gone astray, gone down the wrong path. Not so much along the lines of heresy or perverse thinking, but maybe for some. But rather our thoughts have gone astray from a sound and helpful understanding of the Scriptures. I am not trying to sound all pious and overly religious about reading our Bibles twice a day and memorizing five Scriptures each week. But there has been some unhelpful teaching out their on specific topics, and this has led people down wrong paths in their own thinking. It has even caused some to be seriously locked up. Such topics on which I find unhelpful teaching include the kingdom of God, the nature of the church, the relationship of the kingdom to the church, church leadership, apostles and prophets, the Holy Spirit, eschatology, the rapture, our identity in Christ, what is the Sabbath rest of God, the role of women in ministry, culture and the products of culture, politico-religious ideas, and so much more.
Therefore, I find myself developing a heart to bring us back to true Biblical teaching. Again, all for the sake of seeing us set free by the truth so we can fully and faithfully love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. As a result of this, over the next days, weeks, months, years, and maybe even longer, I give you 'The Prodigal Thought'. Not that we want to see our thoughts run 'prodigal', but that we see God reel in any prodigal thoughts as He reveals His truth. I expect that you will not agree with everything I write, but know that, if you are a Christ-follower, then we are starting from the same standing ground. Please read, ponder, pray about, and discuss concerning the blogs and articles posted on this site. Then, when the day is over, I hope we can all truly be encouraged that our thoughts were corralled in by the truth of God and that we tasted a little more freedom as well.
Category:
prodigal thought,
truth
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3 comments:
Interesting insight on Prodigal thoughts. Assuming somewhat of a connotative connection with the popularly misnomered parable "the prodigal son" I am reminded that the story was not just about the wayward son, but it was also about the legalistic older brother and the wonderful, jubilant, and redemptive father.
With that said, my interpretation of the potential of this blog, and other quasi-theological communities like it, is that of having thoughts that may stray from the Big Brother thinking, which ultimately lead us back to the Father. You identified one error of Prodigal thinking, I only mean to highlight the opposite error (legalism) that enriches my understanding of these kinds of endeavors.
On a glaring double-standard, frozen-chosen-esque, illiteracy-encouraging side note, what are your thoughts on writing shorter articles? I myself have found greater response and discussion, as well as a honing of writing skills, in writing shorter articles. Just a thought. I won't split the "church" over it, though my participation may be limited in proportion to the length of posts.
I can't wait to read it buddy.
Very exciting, Scott =D. I particularly like your clearly-described intention with the issues, so it will be fun to continue in dialogue on these great subjects =).
-ACR