I thought we might have an open discussion today on some thoughts by Brian Zahnd. As one who has served in “charismatic flavored evangelicalism,” he found that he had become “arrogantly sectarian,” and that he “needed the riches of the whole church” if his life was to be fully formed in Christ. Click on the title below to access his entire piece.
Here’s a paragraph that well states what he’s come to learn and how he has changed. Read it, think about, and then let’s talk about it.
Above all, I’d like to know what you think about the following question. I know there is a multitude of angles and perspectives by which we might address this, and I’d like to hear as many as possible. What place is there for a “Premodern Sacramental Eclectic” and where might he or she find a home and suitable place to minister in Christ’s Church?
From my vantage point I’ve come to think that Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, Protestant, Evangelical expressions of Christianity generally have the same amount of truth — it just depends on what areas of truth you want to focus on. Yes, I actually believe this! I honestly don’t think evangelicalism has a greater claim to Christian truth than Catholicism. It’s true that I’m not entirely comfortable with the Catholic view of Mary and the practice of a male-only celibate priesthood; but I’m also not entirely comfortable with the Protestant view of Sola Scriptura and the emphasis on radical individualism. Another way of saying it might be like this: we need the whole body of Christ to properly form the body of Christ. This much I’m sure of: Orthodox mystery, Catholic beauty, Anglican liturgy, Protestant audacity, Evangelical energy, Charismatic reality — I need it all!
- A Premodern Sacramental Eclectic
by Brian Zahnd