Five Reasons Denominations are Passé
A quick, but important caveat: I teach at a denominational seminary, was ordained into and serve in a denomination, and not only take seriously, but take pride in, my Lutheran identity and heritage. Whether that makes you want to take more seriously or dismiss altogether my feelings about denominations is, of course, for you to decide.
With that in mind, here are my five chief reasons I not only think the day of denominations has passed but also can’t seem to find it in me to shed many tears about it.
1) Denominations are confusing in a post-Christian world and often an impediment to mission. When the larger culture was nominally Christian, we had the luxury of squaring off behind our denominational identities. No longer. Ask the typical person with little or no familiarity with the Christian faith the difference between Methodists, Lutherans, and Presbyterians and she’ll likely give you a blank stare that indicates she’s wondering whether you’re still talking about Christianity. Here’s the sad truth: most people in the various denominations have little sense what they mean and no one outside them really cares.
2) The differences between the major denominations are relatively minor. As much as I love a good real-presence vs. memorial-feast slugfest or round of justification/sanctification truth-or-dare, the truth is most of the denominational differences are not only unintelligible to their own members but, in the larger scheme of things, relatively minor. Across the board the major Protestant denominations share a biblical canon, confess the major ecumenical creeds, and observe the same two sacraments. I therefore can – and regularly do – worship at churches of any of the major denominations and feel not even a quiver in my theological conscience.
3) Inordinate amounts of funding are spent on maintaining denominational structures and bureaucracies, money that could be spent on mission. Even though every denomination I know has in recent years cut way back on spending, eliminated various divisions or boards, or extended the times between major assemblies or conventions, denominations are still expending vast sums of money to prop up dated denominational bureaucracies. Would it not make sense to conserve resources by efficiently combining structures? Are seven or eight struggling denominational publishing houses better than one robust one? Where there are three beleaguered denominational seminaries in a single region, might not one healthy pan-denominational school suffice? (And we haven’t even started on congregations!) Think of what might happen if the savings were channeled to funding creative media campaigns that didn’t extol the virtues of one denomination but taught the Christian faith.
4) Political differences outstripped theological ones decades ago. Let’s face it: progressive Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Episcopalian congregations have a lot more in common than do progressive and conservative congregations in the same tradition. Differences over how to read the Bible, the nature of the atonement, and the character of God are far more important today than nuanced differences in polity or regarding the sacraments.
5) Denominational affiliation often represents the triumph of ethnic and cultural loyalties over theological convictions. While denominations my have initially arisen over theological differences, they were soon co-opted by the political realities of their sponsoring state. Little wonder, then, that ethnic and cultural identity are closely tied to denominational affiliation. Those in the club, after all, talk not simply of Presbyterians and Lutherans but Scotch Presbyterians and Swedish or German Lutherans. This has always made it difficult to reach beyond one’s ethnic enclave because interested seekers, even if they were attracted to, for instance, Lutheran theology, had to accept it in the form of German chorales or Swedish traditions. Moreover, as ethnic culture has declined as an important identity-maker, so also has religious affiliation – after all, for many folks, if Lutheranism isn’t about Santa Lucia, what is it about? And if they’ve stopped going to the Santa Lucia festival, why bother with church?
Bottom line: while I love my denominational heritage and am all for a robust theological identity and spirited theological conversation, I’d give up denominational identity and structure in a heartbeat if it meant a more unified, comprehensible, and compelling witness to the Gospel. How do we move in this direction? To tell you the truth, I haven’t the foggiest idea. (I know that I don’t think non-denominational churches are the answer, as they’ve essentially become denominations minus any sense of organization.) Do I even think it’s possible, given how much we have invested in our denominations and the good work they still accomplish? Again, you’ve got me. But I do know it’s time to raise these questions and initiate a conversation about mutual collaboration and mission that runs far beyond anything our parents or grandparents would have dreamed possible.
David thanks for constantly pushing the edges. You have helped me here at St. John’s begin to think and talk about reimaginig church. Blessings and thanks
Andrea
to Pastor Lose and those responding to him: I am so glad to be an ELCA Lutheran Pastor. Not because it gives “we’re right” rights or because we perceive anyone better, wiser, bolder, than any-other…but… but because ELCA Lutherans boldly proclaim the grace of God, the invitation to be included in God’s work, and the wisdom to know that (guess what) God, not us, is God. While we are all welcome by God, we all (People, Christians, Catholics, Lutherans of many varieties, Protestants, don’t welcome as expansively as God, as Jesus our Savior, as God’s Holy Spirit. Sometimes, theology of inclusion matters.
Thanks for your comment, Kristin.
I also think theology matters…a ton. I’m just not just denominations structures are really about theology as much as they are about self-perpetuating bureaucratic structures and ethnic identity. I also am proud to be a member of the ELCA and would never surrender our theological convictions. But if we could find a way to be more efficiently administer congregations and together make a more bold and compelling witness to the inclusive and life-changing grace of God together rather than separately, I’d like to consider that.
Kristin, What makes you proud to be a Lutheran is exactly what I identify with as being Christian. (Though I’m of the Methodist tribe.) Do you think I should become a Lutheran– because really, truly, you all do it better than the rest of us? Actually, if that in fact is true, I think I’d best stay here and make my denomination better, more faithful. More Lutheran, I guess.
We forget, don’t we, that our job is to be better Christians, not better Baptists. So if that group over there has a better idea, well then, we should all adopt it! We’re not picking fraternities, after all, we’re all hoping to become more like Christ.
Thank you for speaking the big truth that all the mainline denominations need to address. So much money is spent maintaining denominational structures, and what does it really accomplish? Wouldn’t our churches’ witness for the Gospel be stronger if we found effective ways to work together?
I wish there was a “like” button for this comment and many others.
I like what you have written having seen it on a Friend’s page on Facebook. No doubt I’m reading too closely – in paragraph 4, did you mean to say “…progressIVE and conservative congregations in the same traditions.” That’s how I read it and I agree. If that’s it, please just add the “ive”. If not, please clarify! I look forwawrd to reading more of your work.
Yes, “progressive” – thanks for catching that!
Dr. Lose, I enjoyed your article on denominations. The lines separating mainline protestants are very thin indeed – evidenced by our feeling great about our daughter being one of your students. She was raised as United Methodist; her older sister is even a UMC pastor!
And she’s a great one – student and daughter!
I so want to sit down and have a conversation with you! Someone said in an earlier post that you are always willing to push the edges; that is exactly what keeps me reading this blog every-day!!
I really wish that more of my Catholic friends would read your blog.
I work in an area where there are 5 Christian Churches, Catholic, ELCA, Methodist, Presbyterian, UCC. We have an absolutely amazing working relationship. We know that we are a scarce and sacred model. Just imagine all the good that could be done if we’d put aside our marginal differences and remember that we are serving ONE God and we are called by Baptism to serve God’s people, regardless of denomination!!
Thanks so much, Tracy. I think the future beckons us to the kind of reality you are already living into.
I recently talked to a friend of mine wishing that we could start a First Protetestant Church and combining our gifts and our congregations. Might be a pipe dream but I think that is where we might be headed.
It can be done. Check out the following:
http://smltep.ctsmemberconnect.net/home-ctrl.do
Good luck!
I’ve long suggested that the progressives from each of the mainline denominations might do well to form their own denomination — similar to what happened in forming the United Church of Canada.
Here’s a current article on the subject.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-chuck-currie/creating-a-new-progressive-ecumenical-church-relationship_b_1464491.html?ref=religion
Thank you for this post. I could hardly agree more.
Those of us who have spent much of our lives in denominational structures, and reveled in the finer points of theological and doctrinal debates, are sometimes prone to forget that the single most riveting feature of Christianity is Christ.
Denominational doctrines are not requisites for faith; their function is to teach me what I may and may not say if I intend my proclamation to be the gospel — the good news the world still needs to hear.
Thanks very much for your comment, Mark. I love – and so wanted to underscore – one line in particular that rung true: “the single most riveting feature of Christianity is Christ.” Thanks for that; I’ll be sharing it!
The ELCA has shown the way of merging the various Lutheran denominations, and those who could not stayed out again and again. Then the ELCA continued the discussions with Methodist, Reformed, Episcopal, United Church of Christ and have merged ministries. As we keep following this trajectory or merging and having that rejected, we will be progressive and conservative just as the nation has split. There is a downside even to this movement.
Within this past year, our Presbyterian church has combined with an ELCA Lutheran church for worship and all ministries, and we are working with two other ELCA Lutheran Churches and a UCC Church on mission, including combined services and confirmation classes. It has been an invigorating journey, and we are still moving forward. Our mission to serve the neighborhood lead us to partner with other denominations rather than other Presbyterian churches in the city.
I wouldn’t be surprised, Lisa, if this isn’t the wave of the future and, ideally, that we do this proactively and constructively as you are, rather than reactively and defensively. Thanks for being a trailblazer!
Curious David, have you gotten any heat for this posting? My first call was to a mission “redevelopment” congregation. My coach suggested we change our name; I agreed, but could never get the plank holders to let go of what they perceived was their “Lutheran identity.” Yesterday I met a Baptist lay person in the parking lot of his church. He explained that they, and another Baptist church a couple blocks away both dropped their denominational affiliation from their name – the result – new and vibrant ministry in both… How does it go again, “We believe in ONE holy catholic and apostolic church…”
Not yet, though I’ve been waiting for it. Although, as one friend said to me recently, “The folks who don’t want to think this way probably aren’t reading blogs.” 🙂
Hi David, As a campus pastor, I’ve been living this reality for awhile. Students do not care what denomination you are. They care if you are loving, accepting, kind and provide food. 🙂 They care if you preach, teach and (attempt anyway) to live Christ. Right now my student group consists of ELCA Lutherans, Missouri Synod Lutherans, Presbyterians, Baptists, agnostics, Nazarenes, Roman Catholics and “non-denominational” folks. We have a great time together! One of the problems with getting rid of denominations … how do you pay for campus ministry?
Thanks David for sharing. As a second career pastor of sorts I’ve been advocating your thoughts for some 10 years now… much of the church disdains you for ideas like this. I do believe the time is coming when we will see the towers of bable fall… and it can’t come soon enough… we should be about walking in the way of Jesus, not bowing to the ivory towers. I’m glad to see the many responses that some of us are like-minded… thank you.
I am living the reality of needing to merge denominations just based on size of the community and the churches. The Lutherans are already providing an ecumenical Sunday School, and Youth group. We are working with the Methodist to merge but in the meantime the most people who showed up for bible Study and for Pastoral care are the Roman Catholics who without a priest most of the time. We need a new Pentecost a new birthday of a united church.
I’m a little behind in reading comments, I kept thinking where is the “Catholic Voice” other than me!?!
It frustrates me to NO-END that the Catholic Church keeps itself seperated in sooo many ways.
You are right we are in DESPERATE NEED of a New Birth, something far less heirachal and more PEOPLE Centered!!!!
You’re absolutely right. I agree that our denominational differences now hurt us more than they help us, and would note there have been many efforts in recent years to merge various Seminaries across denominational lines – though most have failed, as far as I can tell, due to financial and organizational challenges, rather than differences in theology. I’m also not so sure that we can lay all the ills of the church at the feet of our denominational differences. Americans in the first 2/3rds of the 20th century, especially post-WWII were “joiners” – being part of various religious social and civic organizations was important to them. This is no longer true. It’s even getting difficult to find candidates for elected offices at the state (and especially local) level. I would therefore suggest that the parallel challenge is not only to remove denominational barriers, but to re-imagine our faith practices in a way that once again makes the message of the gospel compelling to new generations – as so many of our predecessors did in their own times.
I currently serve a federated church, one congregation affiliated with the ELCA and UCC (one budget/one membership role/one corporation). Everyone is UCC & Lutheran, BOTH. We give and report to both denominations. I have heard people say, “Why can’t the national denominations join their resources instead of wasting so much money individually? Can’t they see how this can work?” And it does work, in the past five years we have doubled our worship attendance and received over 150 new members. However this will pan out in the wider church, I do believe this is the way of the future.
Exceptional article, bravo!
I pray, hope and work towards a world beyond denominational dogmatism and mourn the fact that denominational obsession has prevented me from entering fully into the theological discussions that I believe would be possible to my father-in-law, one of the most devoted Christians I know.
He is a Roman Catholic, I was received into the Episcopal Church two years ago.
Peace.
Whatever happened to COCU? I’m sure it was not a perfect plan, but it seemed to be well-grounded theologically. If such a plan could be revived, with Lutherans and Episcopalians included, there could be the possibility for a church “truly Catholic and truly Reformed,” to present a mainline united witness for Christ to this hemisphere, with world-wide implications. As part of the more “Catholic-leaning” wing of the ELCA, I would not be too comfortable with a scheme of union that tilted too heavily toward lowest common denominator Protestantism.
One serious point of cooperation you left out — shared health insurance programs. Don’t they always say, ‘the bigger the pool, the better the price?’
My fear is not so much that denominations are passe. For a lot of people, the church is passe.
Excellent point, and a fear I share. And I guess I’m at the point where I were denominations – which have also accomplished a lot – are now contributing to that.
From what I have heard, the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church supported virtually everything you are saying (I was not there myself). You might want to take a look at the review in this link – http://www.wocumcsecure.org/ac/2012/general-conference-report-mike-slaughter-video
It’s a great video, Ed. Thanks for sending it my way.
David
It is definitely not a simple issue. Denominations – “You can’t live with them. You can’t live without them.”
Talk of post-denominational Christianity always sounds a little too docetic to those of us who have worked ecumenically for forty or more years, and have seen our efforts diminished even as we have achieved some of the unity for which Jesus prayed. Denominations often reflect political and ethnic and class differences beyond the theological and doctrinal issues which were part of their original cause. It is a mistake to imagine that we can live beyond all these differences, but better to see them as part of the structure of the vessel that holds the treasure of the Gospel. When we pray for unity, we pray in confession our sins of divisions. Better that than pray in denial that these divisions don’t make a difference in the way we live the gospel.
Excellent articulation of what I’ve been feeling for a long time. I think old Satan must look with glee on all of the steeples and varieties of buildings we sequester ourselves in every Sunday.
Every 500 years there are historically some sort of revolution. Given that this is a very short documented trend, the last major revolution was done through religion and was the Reformation. I feel as though that is how things will move in another direction away from denomination.
Thanks for stating this so clearly. Now, help us think about the inter-faith future. If most cannot say what divides Methodists and Presbyterians, are many better at understanding what is unique about a westernized Christian, Jew, Muslim or Buddhist? What adventuresome role do you see for people of faith in the public square? It’s not the same issue but it seems related.
And suddenly things get very interesting. 🙂
I think you’re right, Patricia. There aren’t the same thing yet related. Not the same because we are professing distinct and different beliefs, yet related in that there is much room for cooperation, if not in worship in so many social venues and causes. Thanks for pushing the conversation forward.
From my perspective, the way we often exercise openness and respect in hearing the views of other faith traditions around public issues suggests where we Christians need to do our homework in hearing, respecting, and living with other Christ-confessors. I’ll watch for future posts.
I love this conversation! We have been forming new ecumenical partnerships in the UCC and I think it’s wonderful. However as a clergywoman in the conservative Bible-belt who was ordained as an “out” lesbian, I must confess I get uncomfortable with all the hate that seems to prevail in many denominations. Even when proclaiming welcome, acceptance and love there is an underlying message of “only if you are like us”. I think we move closer to the kingdom of God if we remove the boundaries of denominations. The days of “who’s in and who’s out” should be over but only if ALL God’s children feel safe and loved just the way they are.
I recently taught a new member’s course and I asked people why they were interested in joining our church. One woman said, “I have spent my life in church and attended various denominations and I have to say I am weary of denominationalism. I’m tired of the bickering and the bureaucracy. I want to join this church because every week you tell me I am a child of God. I had never heard that I was a child of God until I came here.” I think this is called the Good News of the Gospel and Lutherans don’t own the Gospel.
I appreciate this discussion. Your comment provided the opening for something I wanted to add: Here in the South some of our new members profess to being very excited about being ELCA Lutheran because they’ve “never before heard the word of grace.” We *are* different here. In God’s name We offer something apparently not available in the countless other neighborhood Baptist churches. I’m hesitant to let that identity go.
For members of the ELCA…Would better use of our full communion agreements be a place in which we can better live into this new reality? Often times I see our full communion relationships used when congregations are dying or share a pastor to perpetuate a “maintenance mode.” What if we took advantage of the relationships and partnerships with other denominations that we have already established for the sake of MISSION and NOT simply survival?
In our small Episcopal diocese we are beginning to explore what it would mean to be in partnership with other denominations as judicatories/in judicatories. We have several congregations that are partnership congregations and we are exploring how we can create, expand, grow and deepen these and new partnerships for mission and ministry. I believe that as we continue to do this, strategies for coming together at other levels and in new ways will become evident.
David,
I reread your post after reading your “Come As You Are” post on http://www.workingpreacher.org. And in some ways I think we can look at our denominational structures as the crowd who mocked Jesus (Mk 5:40). Every denomination likes to think they have it all together, unwilling to show vulnerability and hence lack the receptivity for real change. I don’t think it matters what denomination we are talking about, All of us (denominations) are fearful of losing members, declining revenue and missional support dollars and of course losing face in the process. I think like you said in your post, maybe real change will only occur when we admit that we don’t have it all together (only structurally of course, after all…each of our respective theologies is the right one-right?), when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable for the sake of the Gospel, maybe then, we will be able to cast off the shackles of denominationalism and embrace a new way of being the church in the 21st century.
That’s a really helpful insight, Shane. That instead of admitting our vulnerability and being open to what God might do for us through each other we’ve been circling the wagons instead. Thanks for commenting.
It’s not that denominations are becoming unnecessary, it’s that they may becoming important in different ways than before.
Five ways that denominations may still be important:
1. An agreed upon orthodoxy. Not so much to distinguish ourselves from other Christians, but to more clearly articulate what it means to be a Christian in the world today. We base this on 2000 years of collective experience with the faith and scripture and not just one pastor or congregation’s interpretation.
2. Leadership. While much could be said about how training needs to change, the credentialing of pastors is still needed in order for number one to stay solid.
3. Mission. Where there are no denominational affiliations, congregations create missional societies to start new churches, and reach out to meet the pain of the world with the compassion of Christ. Individual congregations are not as strong as coordinated efforts.
4. Belonging. Being a Christian means that we are connected to a movement that is greater than our selves and our congregation. Denominations can be the great connectors. Think server rather than mainframe.
5. Practical considerations. Things like constitutions, legal matters, the establishment and dissolution of congregations, mergers are needed and much easier to achieve in the form of an organized effort than each one making up their own.
But when the doctrine is identical in essence, what is the benefit of having six parallel denominations duplicating each others training, credentialing, mission, and administrative functions, for an increasingly shrinking flock? Certainly we could have the same five benefits in one, doctrinally unified church body.
I’m a LutEpisc priest/pastor in Alaska where we were doing CCM “illegally” for years before it was formalized (my good friend and colleague Dan Bolerud should have been in Lutheran jail years ago for unauthorized sacramental practice!). Yet there are limits, still, to all this. All of the mainlines in Alaska are having trouble maintaining their adjudicatories as the critical mass needed doesn’t exist. Most receive financial support from their national bodies. Geographically, it is impossible for one person to adequately administer/pastor a sub continent. It would make all kinds of sense to share this function- or at least to divy up the state into regions.Yet no one is publicly talking about shared “bishops.” Some of the reasons are that the office- despite the agreements- is still not the same in each denomination. Other are legal and financial issues. Another I would say is differences in “personality” between the denominations, still: institutional cultural differences that are felt, and only learned through “cross-cultural” experience (Although as an Episcopal priest who has conducted Lutheran confirmation- something I don’t get to do in the Episcopal church- some of the differences are still pretty concrete and foundational).This is more pronounced among the clergy than the “laity” it seems to me. It seems that this can still be somewhat attributed to denominational seminary formation where clergy develop foundational networks, a common formation experience and a shared identity. There’s a Lutheran Club, Episcopal Club, Presbyterian Club (and sub-clubs per seminary, just like the Harvard Club which meets for lunch regularly even here in Alaska- only not as overt-except for the fundraising). This is important social connectedness which we all need, and the original LinkedIn. It is, though, a regional and national connection more than local- and seems to support national institution “upward mobility” and broader pastoral relocation possibility, in that regard. It seems to me that cooperative seminary experiences such as the GTU- which a good number of Alaska clergy have experienced- seems to be a model that helps facilitate broader connections. Will the internet- and blogs such as this, also do this?
I was raised Mo.Synod Lutheran including parochial school, have subsequently been a Baptist, United Methodist, member of the UCC. My kids went to an ELCA primary school. My younger child (13) thinks she’s an atheist right now and no longer attends church with us, though she’s about to matriculate at a Catholic high school (her choice). We recently visited my mom, who is still a member of the Mo. Synod — and of course had to all sit in the pew while members (only) were invited to the Lord’s Table. The blatant wrongness of this situation was not lost on my daughter and provided further fodder for her vast skepticism/cynicism regarding religion. When denominational tradition is more powerful than the invitation of the Lord? This cannot be justified.
Having experienced multiple denominations, I don’t really have one that I am drawn to more than others, but I’ve often thought that people cling to them too tightly. Especially now, as I am looking for a new church to go to, I’ve wondered what the point really is. I tend to think that most Sunday morning churchgoers are not well-versed in the theology and/or beliefs of the denomination and most are very disconnected from whatever a denomination does at the levels above the local church level. I think though, that it is such a deeply ingrained tradition for some people to belong to a particular denomination that in certain areas, certain denominations will still thrive.
You could merge all progressive mainline denominations together to achieve some cost efficiencies and clarification of mission. But you’d still be stuck with the struggle of ethnic diversity. Your church choir would still be lily-white. Some sort of non-denominational identity may be the only way to shed the church of its deep ethnic ties, and truly open its doors to all people and cultures.
The answer may by the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is pre-denominational
🙂
I could not agree more. Denominational structures often feel like a straight jacket. You are also right that progressive Christians from different denominations have much more in common with their Evangelical counterparts in the same denomination. Will we ever be able to merge and work together? It depends on whether or not those involved can let go of their personal vested interests.
This is simply fantastic. I am a post-denominational gal even though I am seeking ordination in a denomination (UCC). You articulate so well many of my concerns about the insanity and futility of the silos. I just launched a series over on my blog where I am inviting people to talk about why they are still ____ denomination in the face of certain paradoxes. I tee it up by claiming my own discomfort with the ways in which I see more barriers than doors to relationship with God and more time debating a book of rules than living into the Gospel. Thank you for the way you lift up my many other concerns. I imagine at the end of my own series that everyone’s post ends up looking remarkably similar to the first one, which will support your first two points. We shall see eh?
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/comingoutchristian/2012/07/10-reasons-hes-still-a-united-methodist/
good to see this! in 1972 as a Mennonite at the Univ. of Colorado in Boulder, I was part of a congregation of students at the Lutheran church across street from Folsom Stadium. the church was a Missouri Synod / ALC-LCA congregation with a pastor from each synod! I didn’t know the diff, and didn’t care. And tho their doctrine labelled me a heretic, their actions loved and included me! I grew a lot that year.
Dear David, I do so enjoy your posts.
On a non-theological aside and at the risk of sounding pedantic I just want to share something that my very indignant Scottish father told me about his dislike of the Australian use of Scotch as an adjective for Scottish,
“Scotch is a whiskey; Scottish is a nationality!”
I think it’s okay to say, Scot’s Presbyterian if U prefer it to Scottish, but never Scotch Presbyterian, at least not to an actual Scottish born & raised Presbyterian:)
This nuance, however, may not be any better understood in America than it is here in Australia. Cheers.
Good to know, Matilda – Thanks!
The Greek and Latin Churches consider denominations the result of schism and heresy, and particularly from the point of view of the Roman Church there are some very serious doctrinal points of discrepancy which can’t be overlooked – transubstantiation, the papacy, etc.
In a way the desire for unity and dissatisfaction with denominational divide is funny because it’s a drive to be catholic without being Catholic.
Part of me appreciates the various sects insofar as they provide different environments which cater to the needs of individuals in various respects – I require solemnity and quiet devotion and a degree of grandeur – but correct doctrine/theology is really (what should be) of principal importance.
Thank you for this posting, David. As a younger pastor (and at 39, it speaks volumes that I can still accurately identify myself as such!), I have long thought that the denomination I retire from (PCUSA) will have a different name than the one I am serving. I don’t plan to leave, but I think a series of splits and mergers across denominational lines and reflecting political divides is likely and practical.
Regarding the theological controversies: One thing I have become aware of in myself is a tendency toward intellectual snobbery in theological discussion. When we have these theological debates, aren’t we really just strutting? Demonstrating that we know the finer points of theology, can explain them eloquently, and defend them to other similarly smart and educated people? I think such talk distances ordinary non-churched people from considering church involvement both because it feels irrelevant, as others mention here. But also, because people smell a sense of snobbery (and, in many communities, classism, in the air) in the air. A sense that my education about God trumps their personal experience of God. Experience that probably will never conform perfectly to any of our doctrinal systems. And isn’t that the pastoral point? Helping to affirm and deepen the lived experience of God in our lives and in our communities?
Thanks again for this posting. It makes me consider what involvement I can have in my own denomination regarding this issue.