Thursday, January 29, 2009

Is there a church for everyone?

Yes and no.  I believe in the one (small "c")  catholic church.  All Christians are able to agree on the "major" items like the divinity, Jesus death on the cross, and that he will come again.  The "minor" items like infant/believer baptism, ordaining men/women ministers, communion, purgatory, indulgences, etc. I don't believe we should be splitting hairs over.  Some people may have the theological background to decide for themselves one way or another, but I myself choose to focus more on having the "personal" relationship with Jesus and living it out.  I have learned recently that this aligns well with the "Pietist" movement that has influenced the style of Newsong church so for now it seems like a good place for me to be, especially since it's roots come from the Lutheran church, which also happens to be the church I grew up in.  I will continue to study theology and church history, and if I feel called to make a stand on any of these issues, then I may have to choose another church.  But for now, I pray that I can both grow in my faith through the Newsong community and continue to serve with them on efforts like the burrito project (http://community.newsong.net/group/burritoprojectfullerton) among other things.

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