21 Lessons for the 21st Century: Lesson 2

C.S.Lewis & Francis Schaeffer: Lessons ... from the Most Influential Apologists of Our Time | 1998 | Scott R. Burson & Jerry L. Walls

[logos]

2. Honest answers to honest questions

One hallmark of Schaeffer's ministry was his willingness to provide honest answers to honest questions. He realized that many young people during his era had been told by their parents and church leaders that spiritual questioning is a sign of weak faith. Schaeffer did not buy this for a minute. He passionately rejected such fideistic counsel, insisting that "it is not more spiritual to believe without asking questions. It is not more biblical. It is less biblical and eventually it will be less spiritual, because the whole man will not be involved." Schaeffer keenly recognized that a spirituality without an intellectual grounding is a mere shadow of the rich, robust, satisfying faith that God desires for all his children. Such a faith is also dangerously vulnerable to the inevitable challenges of life, whether it be the loss of a loved one or the teaching of a false prophet.

The Christian community should joyfully follow Schaeffer's lead by encouraging honest inquiry. Candid intellectual inquiry is not a sign of spiritual weakness but rather a quest for the ultimate integration point that will bring coherence and meaning to the human experience. If we really believe that Jesus Christ is not only the way and the life but also the truth, then we can enthusiastically encourage seekers to probe the depths of the Christian claims with full confidence that a sincere search will culminate in ultimate satisfaction.

[logos]

NEXT: The big questions of life

[logos]

Today's offering.

[newgeezer]

A big "Amen" to all that.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you so much for this post!

If we really believe that Jesus Christ is not only the way and the life but also the truth, then we can enthusiastically encourage seekers to probe the depths of the Christian claims with full confidence that a sincere search will culminate in ultimate satisfaction.

So very, very true.

[betty boop]

If we really believe that Jesus Christ is not only the way and the life but also the truth, then we can enthusiastically encourage seekers to probe the depths of the Christian claims with full confidence that a sincere search will culminate in ultimate satisfaction.

Thank you for posting this, logos.

[logos]

I thought you ladies would agree, and remember, these first lessons are mainly here to set up the ones that follow.

[Alamo-Girl]

Indeed, I've grown accustomed to being in agreement with betty boop! I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!

[marron]

"it is not more spiritual to believe without asking questions. It is not more biblical. It is less biblical and eventually it will be less spiritual, because the whole man will not be involved." Schaeffer keenly recognized that a spirituality without an intellectual grounding is a mere shadow of the rich, robust, satisfying faith that God desires for all his children. Such a faith is also dangerously vulnerable to the inevitable challenges of life, whether it be the loss of a loved one or the teaching of a false prophet.

You know me. This is exactly what I think. But to be able to question and challenge, you have to be willing to risk being wrong. And you have to be willing to risk being alone in your understanding of one thing or another, and let God and time either show you where you are wrong, or show your fellows where they are wrong. Or both, like as not.

You have to be willing to risk being out of step with the others in the meantime (gracefully so, if possible, of course).

[betty boop]

...you have to be willing to risk being alone in your understanding of one thing or another, and let God and time either show you where you are wrong, or show your fellows where they are wrong. Or both, like as not. You have to be willing to risk being out of step with the others in the meantime (gracefully so, if possible, of course).

Amen to that, marron! Beautifully said. As usual. :^)

[marron]

If everyone is thinking alike, then no one is thinking. -- Gen. George S. Patton

[betty boop]

If everyone is thinking alike, then no one is thinking. -- Gen. George S. Patton

:^) Then again, Christ is present whenever two or more are gathered in His Name. But that is spiritual affinity, not necessarily a sign of "group-think."

[Alamo-Girl]

Very wise and beautifully said!