Thanks so much for this thought-provoking essay. I am amazed at your productivity. You are a gifted writer with incredible energy. How are you able do this on a weekly basis?
So here is my commentary. I agree with your idea that the Bible talks more about loving others than loving Jesus. But I might take issue with your criticism of an “individualized religious practice.” It seems to me that Jesus prayed to God as if God is personal and knowable, not some abstract “wholly other” Barthian thing, but a God who knows and cares about individual people. I also believe that this idea that one can have an individual connection to God in a personal way, is positive for many Christians. It seems to be much of the appeal of evangelicalism, and missing in many progressive Christian churches. Jesus talked about both loving God AND loving your neighbor. I think that many progressive Christians congregations have been so ardent about emphasizing the latter that they’ve neglected the former.
I often wonder how those who transitioned from evangelicalism to progressive Protestantism (like yourself) feel about a personal relationship with God. Is that still part of their religious view and practice or is it now an abandoned belief? Do they still pray to a personal God or is that now blasé? Do they imagine God in an anthropomorphic or non-anthropomorphic way?
Perhaps those are ponderable questions for many of us on our Christian faith journey.
I've been reflecting on this topic a lot recently, especially as I have moved away from Christianity. This might be one of my favorite writings of yours! Hopefully it does end up being published in some capacity outside of this space!
Excellent story, I wish it had made it into the book, and that the book had been published. You're right that our religion is too often focused on the individual.
Thanks so much for this thought-provoking essay. I am amazed at your productivity. You are a gifted writer with incredible energy. How are you able do this on a weekly basis?
So here is my commentary. I agree with your idea that the Bible talks more about loving others than loving Jesus. But I might take issue with your criticism of an “individualized religious practice.” It seems to me that Jesus prayed to God as if God is personal and knowable, not some abstract “wholly other” Barthian thing, but a God who knows and cares about individual people. I also believe that this idea that one can have an individual connection to God in a personal way, is positive for many Christians. It seems to be much of the appeal of evangelicalism, and missing in many progressive Christian churches. Jesus talked about both loving God AND loving your neighbor. I think that many progressive Christians congregations have been so ardent about emphasizing the latter that they’ve neglected the former.
I often wonder how those who transitioned from evangelicalism to progressive Protestantism (like yourself) feel about a personal relationship with God. Is that still part of their religious view and practice or is it now an abandoned belief? Do they still pray to a personal God or is that now blasé? Do they imagine God in an anthropomorphic or non-anthropomorphic way?
Perhaps those are ponderable questions for many of us on our Christian faith journey.
I've been reflecting on this topic a lot recently, especially as I have moved away from Christianity. This might be one of my favorite writings of yours! Hopefully it does end up being published in some capacity outside of this space!
Wonderful perspective. Thanks, Eric.
Loved the Tom T. Hall nod in the last paragraph.
Excellent story, I wish it had made it into the book, and that the book had been published. You're right that our religion is too often focused on the individual.