Latest thoughts part four - spirituality

Good theology needs to aim, rather than remaining rigid and arrogant, at becoming humble, curious and generous (with thanks to the writing of Brian McLaren who has personally moved through his own process of discovery and change). Good theology, to be good, must lead into having a greater redemptive influence on everything that happens around you. 

What is the point of pushing people away based on a minor doctrinal point that is probably biblically arguable or dubious anyway? Yet it happens so often. And sometimes this, combined with ego and fundamentalist tendencies, leads to the destruction of quality and effective ministries! Not to mention how church often degenerates into addressing internal agendas and preferences, leaving the broader community high and dry. 

Worse still, people can live in a neighbourhood with the appearance of acceptance and friendliness, but then in the pious confines of the church, start applying arbitrary labels in terms of people's spiritual status. Can't we all just be on a journey whereby our various experiences and faith can enrich one another?! This seems to me to be the best way of releasing, rather than hindering, the movement of God's Spirit. 

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