Comments on: The Contemporary Relevance of the Anabaptist Faith 5 http://www.lofitribe.com/2008/02/26/the-contemporary-relevance-of-the-anabaptist-faith-5/ A virtual notebook of Christian expression, journey, and study. Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:56:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: Pistol Pete http://www.lofitribe.com/2008/02/26/the-contemporary-relevance-of-the-anabaptist-faith-5/#comment-16545 Pistol Pete Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:56:36 +0000 http://www.lofitribe.com/2008/02/26/the-contemporary-relevance-of-the-anabaptist-faith-5/#comment-16545 I am torn by the question of "engaging" or "distancing" oneself from the world. Clearly, as a Presbyterian pastor seeking to help a church grow, I am drawn into the world and try to be relevant as well as faithful to God's Word and ways. My daughter, on the other hand, is feeling led to become a Conservative Mennonite (dresses, head coverings, living in community, no insurance, etc...). In some ways, I view her journey to be as much (or more so) an evangelical witness as those of us who "engage" the world. As Thoreau once said, "The world is too much with us." And, to distance ourselves from much of the world may be the best hope we have to offer people caught up in it. I am torn by the question of “engaging” or “distancing” oneself from the world. Clearly, as a Presbyterian pastor seeking to help a church grow, I am drawn into the world and try to be relevant as well as faithful to God’s Word and ways.

My daughter, on the other hand, is feeling led to become a Conservative Mennonite (dresses, head coverings, living in community, no insurance, etc…). In some ways, I view her journey to be as much (or more so) an evangelical witness as those of us who “engage” the world.

As Thoreau once said, “The world is too much with us.” And, to distance ourselves from much of the world may be the best hope we have to offer people caught up in it.

]]> By: Shawn Anthony http://www.lofitribe.com/2008/02/26/the-contemporary-relevance-of-the-anabaptist-faith-5/#comment-16544 Shawn Anthony Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:46:25 +0000 http://www.lofitribe.com/2008/02/26/the-contemporary-relevance-of-the-anabaptist-faith-5/#comment-16544 Jeff: You make a great point. Perhaps my brush, on that particular point, is too broad. You are right to cite the existence of examples to the contrary, and I'm sure there exist very real examples of disengagement in <em>this</em> generation. So, maybe it is a broader issue then I initially advanced. The main point - which could be lost in my potential over-simplification - is that the Gospel is not an invitation to disengagement, no matter one's age and/or generational affiliation! So, you make perfect sense! Thanks for the push back! I'm grateful for the opportunity to clarify and sharpen the thoughts I present here. :) Jeff: You make a great point. Perhaps my brush, on that particular point, is too broad. You are right to cite the existence of examples to the contrary, and I’m sure there exist very real examples of disengagement in this generation. So, maybe it is a broader issue then I initially advanced. The main point - which could be lost in my potential over-simplification - is that the Gospel is not an invitation to disengagement, no matter one’s age and/or generational affiliation!

So, you make perfect sense! Thanks for the push back! I’m grateful for the opportunity to clarify and sharpen the thoughts I present here. :)

]]> By: jeff http://www.lofitribe.com/2008/02/26/the-contemporary-relevance-of-the-anabaptist-faith-5/#comment-16538 jeff Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:12:52 +0000 http://www.lofitribe.com/2008/02/26/the-contemporary-relevance-of-the-anabaptist-faith-5/#comment-16538 Smart stuff and a great read. I am inclined to push back somewhat on the generational point. I am thinking it is every bit as problematic as the binary thinking that gives us Left vs Right. At what point does right become left? Also, at what point does one generation become another. I resonate deeply with so much of what is happening in 'this' generation, but I would hardly consider myself a member of it. Regarding the disengagement, it is true to a great extent, but again there are considerable examples to the contrary so that I am reluctant to see it merely as a generational characteristic. I hope I am making some sense. Again, good stuff. Thanks! Smart stuff and a great read. I am inclined to push back somewhat on the generational point. I am thinking it is every bit as problematic as the binary thinking that gives us Left vs Right. At what point does right become left? Also, at what point does one generation become another. I resonate deeply with so much of what is happening in ‘this’ generation, but I would hardly consider myself a member of it. Regarding the disengagement, it is true to a great extent, but again there are considerable examples to the contrary so that I am reluctant to see it merely as a generational characteristic. I hope I am making some sense.

Again, good stuff. Thanks!

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