Notes from Manresa, prt. 12 (conclusion)
by thefallencleric on Jan.05, 2010, under GOD
So tell me I’m a liberal, or that I’m confused, or mistaken, but the instant you put a “yes, but” on the love of God, you change it to something other than what it clearly is. You claim, in fact, the opposite of what religions teach about God’s love, that you have found something they never considered. I’ve lived with a laundry list of “yes, buts” – a million ways that I can be, am, or might be separated from God. It’s garbage, and those who want to push their “yes buts” on us are trying to control, manage, limit, or otherwise ration God’s love. Let people all over this planet drop their “yes buts” and claim their status as those who are undeniably, unchangeably, uncontrollably, and unconditionally LOVED. And let it begin here, in my own heart, where it has already begun. Let it begin again, every morning.
My name is David Flowers. David means “beloved.” I am deeply and dearly loved by God. Because of this love I am accepted, secure, and significant. No ifs, ands, or “yes buts.”
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WELCOME TO THE FALLEN CLERIC!
My name is David Flowers. I am a pastor in Grand Blanc, MI. I have been married since 1988 and have three daughters, born in 1993, 1995, and 1996. I am a licensed professional counselor. I run a small private counseling practice, and also teach part-time at Spring Arbor University in graduate and undergraduate programs in Family Studies and Family Life Education. I write mostly about topics related to God, the church, and counseling, which simply falls under the heading "Advice." I welcome your questions and comments.
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January 6th, 2010 on 2:51 pm
I’ve read every post. Since it has obviously been a very personal experience for you, I’ve never felt the need to comment. However, I’ve enjoyed this experience through your telling. I feel like most of Christianity is of the “yes, but” version. Maybe it sounds bitter, but I can only believe that Jesus would be deeply ashamed of what we have made of his “good news”.
January 6th, 2010 on 3:47 pm
I agree with you, Jeff. Very much. I finished my sermon two weeks ago with two keys thoughts. First of all, let’s go into 2010 with thoughts of how much we’re NOT going to do for God this year. Perhaps there is grace and we don’t have to strive. Second, I think our natural tendency, when we really look closely at the love of God, is to find something sacrilegious in it. The Jews did when they heard it, and I think the extent to which Christians find the message sacrilegious today very well might be the extent to which it is delivered faithfully. Seems to make sense to me.