This so-called "new spirituality" has nothing to do with liberty. In effect, it holds out the promise of self-divination. One becomes enslaved to that idea.... And then seeks a "master" to guide one … I guess this is the "ME Generation's" idea of "spirituality."
Beautifully said, betty. I would add that we Christians are becoming more prone to a version of this 'new spirituality', if not by embracing an entirely new spiritual label, then at least by re-defining our own.
I have recently become disenchanted with many who I see both using their Christianity in ways that are not scriptural in nature, and personally modernizing Christ's teaching to fit their 2012 world view.
Quite often of late, when discussing the state of the nation and the world with a fellow Christian, I have received the assurance that 'we need to be strong in our faith because He is in control'. That assurance would be fine but for the fact that it is too often offered as an excuse for inaction or an unwillingness to become informed and passionate for change. At least from my own personal observations, many Christians have become lazy and are choosing to use their faith as an excuse for ignorance and apathy. It is so easy to stick one's head in the sand, for the simple reason that hearing, and becoming personally concerned, about the mountain of corruption, dishonesty, and outright evil that has infiltrated the leadership of one's country is deeply unnerving. So many of our brothers and sisters are choosing not to be a part of a battle against that evil, and are instead hiding behind their faith ... as if the Lord expects nothing of us but a profession of it.
So many are also incrementally accepting that which is not acceptable to Him simply because they are being bombarded with so much unholiness that it infiltrates their perception of what is right and acceptable to Him. Goodness and evil become diluted, relative concepts rather than issues of black and white.
I actually had a conversation with a co-worker this past week regarding what this administration is doing via the Affordable Care edict directed against Catholic institutions. It has amazed me how few people seem to think this abomination is of any general importance. She, a practicing Catholic herself, actually said to me, 'The Catholic church does have to lighten up on some issues, and maybe this will help them to do so.'
The further we turn away from His word, by lazily and apathetically becoming numb to those who defile it, or by somehow attempting to serve as our own interpreter of it, and thereby declaring it changeable over time, the more we are declaring ourselves to be our own gods, capable of judging degrees of sin, determining which sins are important enough to deserve our consideration, or re-defining sin itself.
I don't stop by here much anymore, but your post reminded me why I used to feel so comfortable here. Thank you for sharing your wonderful insights. :)
~ joanie
You may be interested in seeing what I posted today in regards to Charles Murray's brand new book entitled, "Coming Apart". It deals with what you mention above.
Some random thoughts:
Christ does not save nations, He saves individuals and sends them forth with His message to share with others.
Life is an iteration of the Garden of Eden and Christ’s redemption. We started with everything we would ever need for sustenance and happiness, yet we separated ourselves from it. The Trinity, through Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection redeemed us and made everything again available to us. Life for man has been this oscillation of separation and rejoining. Where will each be when the wheel stops?