Thoughts on the Journey

Mark Driscoll makes my tummy sick

I haven't been really angry about church stuff in awhile. I have kind of been off in another world lately and my frustration toward the prideful "I am so much cooler than you" attitudes from supposedly important christian leaders has been suppressed. I had to look away from any articles or blogs which said anything negative about the emergent church, women in leadership, and homosexuals. I also had to avoid the articles which encouraged people to "build a postmodern church" by owning an ipod, dressing like a metro-sexual, and getting cross tattoos to be "relevant" to the people you minister to. It is all such a waste of time to me.

So tonight while searching for podcasts I somehow got over to Marc Driscoll's blog. I don't know why I didn't flee from evil but I continued on to read. The article that I read was a slam on Episcopalians. The main point was that he was mocking a priest who left his wife to live and alternative lifestyle and was a closet alcoholic. He also made fun of a woman who was being appointed a higher position in the church. OK..now I want to cry. It was so unloving. It is so not nice to dig on others believes because we don't agree with them. He is a leader and should be an example for the people he pastors. Jesus was all about the light, love and acceptance. I don't believe that Jesus was this regimented God who said, "Come to me when you are all living my law perfectly." I also don't think He said that people should be looked down upon because they have different understandings of the scripture. I mean come on. Of course we are going to have different interpretations...we are all so unique and created that way. I think that we are totally missing the point if anyone claims to have all of the answers, claims to be able to direct us into right beliefs, or correct theology. I don't think that was the goal.

Perhaps that was God's plan. Not that we were able to learn all of the rules to live by and obediently follow, but maybe that we wrestle with his word, wrestle with the things that were laid out in scripture, wrestle with the mystery. I don't believe that we can say we know exactly how to live, that would defeat the purpose of being in relationship with God. If we knew all of the answers we wouldn't need any help. I guess I want to be dependent on God. I know that I don't want to rely upon man's own finite thoughts to steer my relational course with Jesus. Marc Driscoll from everything I have read and the couple of times I attended his church is in need of a serious awakening. His words just drip sarcasm and malicious content. It is so not Jesus-y.

Not to mention EVERY TIME I read his writing he mentions something about his success. The important people he is friends with, the large numbers of congregants that flock at his feet each week, and his podcast being #1 in the christian spirtuality section of itunes. He praised God for this. He felt it was good that more people were hearing the word of God which I agree with.

Just as long as it truly is and not just conservatively biased opinions from Marc Driscoll.

posted by Kat @ 9:20 PM