Faith Presupposition

Perhaps every generation provides champions of language and thought orientations that make their views persuasive in their lifetimes.  Often these live on into other generations, and become the sources appealed to in this or that orientation during centuries following.  Some of them are quite effective in what they set out to do, and many of them do not give much attention to what that means to the generations that follow.  John the Baptist spoke to his generation in his way, seen odd at the time for the sophisticated mind what with his dress and diet by which he gained wide attention.  Josephus gave him considerable attention in his writings.  Scant reference to Jesus appears in Josephus’ writings and may have been a later interpolation.  During the same short period as that of John, Jesus followed a more adaptive approach gaining attention by miracles, a mystery procedure that attracted many persons who were attentive to John.  Jesus remarked about the differences between himself and John, but they did not become a factor in achieving the goals of either of them.  Both men were executed by the authorities – one to please a dancing girl and the other to please priests who believed Jesus blasphemed God in the claims of his speech.  Both authorities had their reasons.  The story is long in history that persons violating this or that idea or doctrine paid for their views with their lives.  A church dictionary will offer an outline of the history.  The pattern of building idea structures and presuppositions continues.  The Apostle Paul and the other Apostles, persons like Augustine and other Catholic divines followed. Luther introduced contrary views and has been followed by a long list of protestant theorists like Calvin, and various denominational founders, some of whom were lay persons. 

In the passing of the centuries the main issue related to the person and teaching of Jesus Christ.  Much of that appears in contradictory terms.  At least Christ was present in the cultures and controversies of debate and practice as the story relates to perpetuity in Christian context.  For this the Apostle Paul was grateful and comforted. (Philippians 1:18)  I have tended to follow the stories of the evangelists in the tradition of the English language to sift out the patterns and emphases of Edwards, Wesley, Finney, Moody, Simpson, Beecher, Sunday, Graham, and others of lesser publicity, but quite effective in world ministry – all with both extensive support from interested publics but resistance from secular and religious groups.  Wesley (Methodists) and Simpson (C & M A) had even greater influence than is commonly perceived in fathering denominations that continue currently.  Evangelists in the electronic media provide another story.

*At the time of this writing, leaders are looking for fresh ways to communicate and practice biblical faith. Some have focused o the political arena.  The primary label describing this effort has been the word evangelicals (that replaced fundamentalists), but evangelical may have become too politicized.  Richard J. Mouw, in Restless Faith (2019) suggests how to: hold Evangelical Beliefs in w World of Contested Labels. He rightly invites a continued search of Scripture, careful discernment, and even arguing about it means to be a true Christian with a world view open to new insights and voices.  Mouw concludes: I am inclined to work for Christian renewal, rather than simply allowing the movement’s label be co-opted by leaders who have departed from the best of the legacy.

One project has offered support to this approach, which is fitting to history of Christianity – accenting the need for Christ among those prtsonsplanning spiritual life and ministry, both in the church and in independent programming.  Mark Lanier has established a study center on his estate in Houston, Texas.  The Lanier Theological Library is open to the public for the purpose of reviewing materials related to Christian materials and communication.  Other libraries, especially found in some higher educational institutions may also provide resources – some through extensive free digital downloads. Worldwide small groups could begin to work through questions of faithful witness (communication) in a divided world.  Such study would be enhanced through a multiplicity of languages.  The whole project, if developed, reminds us of the noble Bereans who sealed faith in their own investigation of of the Apostolic Message.

(*Sara Robertson, editor, provided materials including ideas appearing in the closing paragraphs above.  Well done!)