by Maralene Wesner
Many people insist that we must be "a New Testament Church"; but there's no such thing. Trying to do everything just like the apostles did is both impossible and unreasonable. They had no sound systems, no hymn books, no pews and in fact no buildings. They certainly didn't have family centers and basketball courts.
Some say, because Paul told women to be silent in one first century situation, then that commandment is still operative today. But the same passage tells slaves to "obey their masters" and we say, "Oh, that's not applicable now." What's the difference?
The Scripture also tells members to "sell their property and give the proceeds to the poor"; but few do that! In fact, it's Biblical to elect deacons by "rolling the dice" but no church follows that custom.
You see, life progresses. Jesus didn't insist on "Mt. Sinai" methods. He went
beyond the past and so must we!
It's gratifying when one of your parishioners uses your teachings in a unique
way. Our Sunday School Director was reading the Scripture in his morning devotional.
He gave the Scripture reference (Rom. 13:1), and said, "You know, I don't know
if I believe this Scripture or not. It says all governments are ordained of
God; and I just can't believe that Hitler's government in Nazi Germany or Stalin's
in Communist Russia or the Ayatollah Khomeini's in Iran were ordained of God."
What is significant about this, to me, is that we are to use our brains when interpreting Scripture, and he felt free to make this statement. I wish I had been given that freedom when I was in Seminary. I became disillusioned and dropped out when I saw I had to swallow, without chewing everything I was taught--that I could not question the party line without censure (and that was during the time the so-called "Liberals" were in control).
One letter I received castigated me for "picking and choosing" Scriptures to support my perspective. Doesn't everyone do this? He also pointed out someone else, Leland W. Ruble, who had a different "Perspective." I would be glad to read his perspective, but I haven't been able to get a lead on him. (Can anyone help me?)
However, since I'm responsible for administering the life given me, I insist upon being the one who decides what I believe. And since every person is a product of his age, I make no apologies for trying to salvage something from my heritage. I'm sure there are many others in the same boat, and those are the ones to whom I address my thoughts.
For those who are receiving New Perspectives for the first time, You will notice that our theological views are rather liberal. There's just so much material from the Fundamentalist and Conservative viewpoint that we feel someone needs to provide a "New Perspective." Notify us and we will send you the three back issues of '99.
Those who wish to upgrade their copies may do so for $1.00 (P&H).
(Continued from the Third Quarter '99 issue of New Perspectives).
Stage three is socially oriented. It is the normal cognitive level for adolescents. Young people at this age are eager for connections, relationships and approval. Peer pressure and public opinion cause them to imitate others. Nevertheless, if they continue in this stage, compartmentalization becomes inevitable. As they enter "secular society" and confront specific personal problems, the dissonance between an absolute morality and their actual behavior becomes unbearable. Before long, most begin to put religion in one box and "real life" in another. Unless we are able to accept "situational ethics" the world soon makes hypocrites of us all. The strength of stage three includes agreeable cooperation and beneficial ministry. The weakness of stage three is its tendency toward conformity and compartmentalization.
Civilization was at this stage during David's Psalms, Solomon's Proverbs and some of the prophets. This explains such phenomena as: Contradictory belief systems; unrealistic creeds and "Sunday Christians" with incongruent lifestyles.
The "Stage Three" viewpoint is reflected in Scriptures such as these: "His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords" (Psa. 55:21).
In this verse we see the beginning of awareness that intentions and actions must match.
"(There) are those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth" (Pro. 30:12).
This proverb also reveals some insight as to psychological justification and the absence of inner morality.
"The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable-- how much more so when brought with evil intent!" (Prov. 21:27).
In this verse, motives as well as specific acts are taken into consideration and hypocrisy is condemned.
"For when I brought your forefathers out of Egypt and spoke to them, I did not just give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices. But I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you" (Jer. 7:22-23);
At this point, a few writers have decided that morality is more important than mindless rituals.
"I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never- failing stream" (Amos 5:21-24).
Again, this prophet realized that justice and compassion supercede "correct" ceremonies.
"Stage Three" with conformity and compartmentalization is very popular. It emphasizes enough absolutes to satisfy and yet allows some leeway. Also, it plays to the "herd mentality." If we're all alike, we have instant approval. It fills the human need for friendship, affirmation and shared experiences. Since the church is seen as an extended family; emotional support is more important than intellectual development. Therefore, analytical thinking is viewed as disturbing and threatening if it creates conflicts and disagreements.
People at this stage usually keep personification and concretism in some areas, even as they are compelled to move into symbolism and relativism in other areas.
The only drawback is the need for compartmentalization which causes problems for believers who are both sincere and intelligent. Institutions at this level may try to "hold the line" against liberalism; but the members vary considerably as to doctrinal interpretation.
The majority of mainline and evangelical denominations as well as many individuals include elements of this stage. It explains the emphasis of Methodists and Presbyterians on social interaction, community service and benevolent enterprises.
At "Stage Three," interpretation of the major doctrines vacillates between literalism and symbolism, even as it emphasizes conformity:
GOD is still an entity, but He does not necessarily exhibit human features.
In PRAYER, people still "talk to God;" but they are also beginning to "listen" to inner feelings. They usually fall back to "Stage two" in emergencies.
SALVATION remains on a formula basis, but there is a little more tolerance for differences; especially for those who have not heard about the religious requirements. Lostness includes feelings of estrangement and alienation.
The evaluation of SIN AND VIRTUE is influenced by what is acceptable in the local culture and the particular denomination. Punishment is a little less arbitrary and a little more "consequence" oriented than at "Stage Two."
IMMORTALITY is similar to stage two, but the physical aspects of heaven and hell are not emphasized quite as much.
In order to minister to individuals who operate at this level, the church must:
1. Integrate fellowship into worship services;
2. Provide opportunities for personal interaction;
3. Include frequent social occasions;
4. Put faith into action through good deeds;
5. Encourage community service and mission opportunities.
STAGE IV: LOGIC AND REASON
Stage four is intellectually oriented. It is the normal cognitive level for young adults as they move from youth to maturity. In order to become autonomous, people must question traditional beliefs, doubt authoritarian precepts, experiment with various ideologies, and consider every possible alternative with an open mind. Entering this stage is like entering a dark, lonely tunnel. Job experienced this: " I go to the place of no return, to the land of gloom and deep shadow, to the land of deepest night, of deep shadow and disorder, where even the light is like darkness" (Job 10: 21-22).
Rejecting the old conditioned moral code without having yet developed a new one makes individuals at this stage very vulnerable. Furthermore, they have no encouragement or companionship. Since conformity is a group value, any deviation threatens the whole. In fact, individuals who move from stage three are often ostracized by their family and criticized by their associates. Again, Job expressed it well: "He has alienated my brothers from me; my acquaintances are completely estranged from me. My kinsmen have gone away; my friends have forgotten me. All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me." (Job 19: 13-14,19).
All in all, level four represents a difficult transition period. That's why most people who begin this venture become so frightened and discouraged that they retreat to a more familiar level. If we could just explain that this is a necessary phase they must go through and assure them that there is light up ahead, perhaps more would persevere. Church leaders should be present at this crucial moment with information and support; but instead, they usually offer misinformation and condemnation. They label questioners as heretics; and instill so much guilt that many seekers feel they have only two options: They can either go back to stage two or three and remain immature forever, or else they can stay "stuck in the tunnel" as angry agnostics and abandon religion altogether. It's sad that some of our brightest and best make this latter choice. The strength of stage four includes its analytical skills and logical outlook. The weakness of stage four is it's tendency toward abstraction and cynicism.
Civilization became "lost" at this stage between the time of the Old Testament prophets and the coming of Jesus. Job and Jeremiah, and especially the writer of Ecclesiastes dealt with these issues. This explains such phenomena as: Militant atheism, new-age cults and Secular Humanism.
The "Stage Four" viewpoint is reflected in Scriptures such as these: "As a cloud vanishes and is gone, so he who goes down to the grave does not return" (Job 7:9)
A few realists were seeing things "as they are" and expressing their pessimism and doubt.
"Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? They see their children established around them, their offspring before their eyes. Their homes are safe and free from fear; the rod of God is not upon them. Their bulls never fail to breed; their cows calve and do not miscarry. They send forth their children as a flock; their little ones dance about. They sing to the music of tambourine and harp; they make merry to the sound of the flute. They spend their years in prosperity and go down to the grave in peace" (Job 21: 7-13);
Again, this writer dared to question the old platitudes as he recognized and admitted the inconsistencies of life.
"Do not trust in deceptive words and say, 'This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord!' But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless. For when I brought your forefathers out of Egypt and spoke to them, I did not just give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices" (Jer. 7:4,8,22);
Here superstition is denounced and the people are warned that "saying pious words" won't protect them from harm.
"I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind" (Ecc. 1:13-14);
This writer didn't advocate "blind faith," or even confident trust. Instead, his attitude of despair was allowed to surface.
"For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten . . .in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom" (Ecc. 9:5,9-10).
This honest outlook approaches nihilism and closely parallels the "God is dead" attitude posed by Nietzsche and the "existential dilemma" described by Sartre.
"Stage Four" with logic and reason does not appeal to many ordinary men and women. Most people find it hard to live with uncertainty, doubt and contradictions. Only deep minded, scientifically oriented individuals are willing to give up comfort and reassurance in their search for truth. Even so, our modern technological society, as a whole, is grappling with some of the difficulties and confusion of this transitional stage.
Those at this level are much more individualistic, independent and pragmatic than the average person. They demand the freedom to think for themselves. Clashes between these and the first three stages make co-existence difficult. Integrating such individuals and providing enough challenges to hold them through this stage is a major problem.
The tunnel of stage four may be somewhat parallel to what St. John of the Cross referred to as the "dark night of the soul." It's significant that the Israelites spent forty years wandering, and Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness. These were necessary times of introspection, analysis and struggle. No progress is made without such transition periods.
Unfortunately, modern man does not want to experience unpleasant feelings, and our culture is all too eager to offer drugs, distractions and other remedies to help us avoid the pain of growth. But, the "darkness" and "emptiness" provide a perspective that we can get nowhere else. They help us discover unmet needs, deep desires and life purposes. Such insights, over a lifetime, produce wisdom.
A few churches allow this stage, but almost none actually encourage it. Elements of this stage can be found in some Episcopal and Unitarian groups.
At "Stage Four" interpretation of the major doctrines is uncertain or non-existent:
The idea of GOD is either repudiated or vaguely described. People at this stage do not believe in or depend on "something out there."
PRAYER is regarded as a superstition or a childish custom. It may still be "used" in emergencies, but without any real expectation of results.
SALVATION only concerns this world. It usually means a "good life" defined by personal happiness, social harmony and economic productivity.
SIN and VIRTUE tend to be defined by ethical standards. Anything that injures life or property is evil. Traditional taboos and local mores are disregarded.
Individual IMMORTALITY is usually rejected. Only the genetic lineage and the creative contributions are expected to "live on" into the future.
In order to minister to those who operate at this level, churches must:
1. Allow freedom of thought;
2. Provide logical information and intellectual stimulation;
3. Avoid trivial moral taboos;
4. Give opportunities for discussion and verbal expression;
5. Study world religions.
(Stage 5 and the conclusion will appear in the next issue of New Perspectives--
Vol. 9, No. 1) For those who can't wait, "The Road 'Not'
Traveled" is on our Web page in its entirety.
What did Jesus mean when he said, "If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works . . ." (John 10:37-38).
I have no trouble with believing in Christ; but I do have trouble with what some say about Christ. One of the basic tenets of Christianity is "the Virgin Birth." Is this belief absolutely necessary for a person to be "saved." What if I don't believe it? Can I still believe in Christ? Would what Christ taught be any less valid if he were not born of a virgin?
As I understand Christ's teachings, I don't think he was all that hung up on the specifics of what you believed about him. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 7:21).
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? " (Luke 6:46).
"Whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven" (Luke 12:10).
" But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father?" (Matt. 21:28-31).
It sounds like Jesus was saying, "I wish that you would forget trying to make me God, and do what I say."
Maybe I'm a little bitter, but "Professional Christians," t hose who claim to be Christian simply for what they can get out of it--power and prestige, nearly destroyed me. I had to find some relevant interpretations of the teachings of Christ, simply to remain within the faith. I don't think God meant for us to "check our brains" when we accepted Christ. I realize that some of the legends we were taught are relatively innocent, but when used as "tests of faith," they become destructive.
I take liberties with my faith because I don't think God wants me to have "blind faith." Jeremiah certainly didn't have "blind faith." Other believers, recorded in the Scriptures, also interpreted the events, relative to Christ, to free them from ignorance and superstition. I believe this precedence gives me the freedom to interpret Scripture in a way that frees Christianity from ignorance and superstition. I also reinterpret Scripture to show how it supports valid modern psychological teachings.
Truth is truth. There is no such thing as spiritual truth, as opposed to secular truth. All spiritual truth is secular truth and all secular truth is spiritual truth. When we try to differentiate one from the other, we are treading on quicksand.
Marionettes are lifeless things----
Manipulated by their strings.
They gaily walk along the street,
With habit sticks to move their feet.
Traditions carve their painted smile,
And customs regulate their style.
Prestige and pride are puppeteers,
Who pull their arms and legs with fears.
What luck to have a wooden head,
And not suspect that you are dead!
--Maralene Wesner
(From "A Poem a Day)
I appreciate getting New Perspectives. . . Thanks for your continued ministry.
Dr. Richard Kahoe, Woodward, OK
I don't know where you got my name, but please keep NP coming.
Vern Peterson, Denton, NC
I have never read a more cogent and thoroughly satisfying explanation of John 14:6 as your piece in New Perspectives. John 14:6 has been a stumbling block to me for some time as it seemed to be completely at odds with my belief that there are many paths to God. Your explanation may not fly with some of our Baptist brethren, but this old Baptist of 30 years' standing (off and on) needed to stop to send my thanks: you have patched a hole in my theology, and I am grateful . . .I grew up in a Jewish neighborhood in South Kansas City. Nobody at the Baptist Church ever told me that the Jews killed Jesus, but they sure told me that they were all going to hell. I tried hard to believe that because I thought is was required, even got involved with the American Board of missions to the Jews for awhile. Finally told them that I no longer believed in what they were doing-- never heard from them again. And I truly believe that I need Jesus. What I cannot believe is that individuals of different cultures and upbringing must call on his name as well. Most of the great New Testament "truths" are found first in the Old Testament, as well as in the Scriptures of the world's other great religions. We need not retain a monopoly on the path to God. Praise God for letting us use our brains!"
John and Nola Kroner, KC, MO
Letters to the Editor are not copyrighted and are edited for length. Please indicate if you do not want your letter printed in NP. Anonymous letters will not be honored. Letters requesting that names be withheld will be answered editorially.
ORDERING EXPLANATION: Those who have ordered books have, no doubt, noticed that I give a steep discount. The reason is that Amazon.com (a book retailer) asked that I sign a contract with them to market our books. The only problem was, they required a 55% discount and I pay the shipping). This left me with an amount that did not even pay my cost of publication. To cover my expenses I had to nearly double the price of our materials.
Also, I have an aversion to making a huge profit. The reason: I have to pay taxes on this amount, and I'm not too pleased with the way the federal government administers its funds. Therefore, I try to keep my contributions to a minimum. For this reason I give a 50% discount and pay the shipping. As long as my overhead stays about the same, I can hold to this policy, but for the moment, you benefit.
Thank you for your support.
If truth were essential for living,
Our whole population would shrink;
For candid opinions would shatter the crowd,
If everyone said what they think!
You see, in a world that is shallow,
Words spoken and written in ink,
Are often a farce and strange things would occur,
If everyone said what they think!
--Maralene Wesner
(From "A Poem a Day")
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