Jesus had a major problem when traditions of men were elevated by the self-righteous to the place of spiritual litmus test for righteousness. Yet as opposed to legalism and as supportive of liberty as we may be, we still fall into this trap. Not long ago I read an article by a man who was supposedly Reformed, a hater of legalism, etc, etc, etc, and he whined about a church he visited while on vacation. Nobody was wearing a suit and tie and there were even people in attendance who wore baseball hats sideways, showing a complete lack of respect for the Lord. Oh, what sad days we live in....
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What other traditions do we have in our church culture and subcultures to prop up our own sense of righteousness at the expense of lesser spiritual slobs?
I answered him, since he and I are both tippers and occasional butchers of sacred cows:
I have one for you. Where or when is there any evidence that after basic instruction the Disciples of Jesus EVER said the "Lords Prayer".
It seems like the church needs a FIX. The world takes Cocaine to get it's fix, we seem to need the Religaine of traditions. Not Jesus mind you. But traditions of men. Even dressing up. Even three hymns, a message and an offering. Ruts - Traditions. Same thing.
Religion and Tradition compartmentalizes and makes people feel like they did their "Church Thing" for the week. Jesus is only "real" for a few hours a week.
I don't think there's anything wrong with the Lords Prayer, it's just not talking to God. It's wrote, memorized, traditional, and for 95% of people in the pews meaningless.
Good theology badly used.
I think there are a Ton of these things and practices we do in church that have no basis in anything other than religion and tradition.
I wonder what would happen if all that was stripped away?
Maybe this:
2 comments:
i smell a follow the leadership rant coming on. "it's who you are, not what you say"-Jesus in matthew 7
What do you mean saying that "The Lord's Prayer is not talking to God"? Who were the disciples talking to when they prayed , supposedly, after asking Jesus, "teach us to pray"? (Luke 11, and Matt.6.) I agree that when the words of the "Lord's Prayer" are prayed, perhaps many are not talking to God, but only talking. A good way to pray the Lord's Prayer is for one to take time and meditate in prayer on each of the petitions in that prayer. Perhaps the worship leader could speak each petition and then give worshipers time to pray in their hearts after each spoken petition.
.....H...old.
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