I appreciate your thoughts here on JMC and Practicing The Way. I remember loving the Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, and diving into Practicing the Way, when it came out. I was so baffled. There are great, poignant thoughts in the book. However, as a Christian looking at the theology he’s expressing behind those beautifully framed paragra…
I appreciate your thoughts here on JMC and Practicing The Way. I remember loving the Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, and diving into Practicing the Way, when it came out. I was so baffled. There are great, poignant thoughts in the book. However, as a Christian looking at the theology he’s expressing behind those beautifully framed paragraphs, I would find myself questioning whether he was advocating for works based salvation. I don’t think he does, but the language around it was confusing, at best. And I know JMC is an intentional and gifted communicator, so if it was vague, it seems likely to be purposeful.
I want to give him the benefit of the doubt, and think that it has to do with how he is ministering in spaces like the west coast of the US, which has been culturally post-Christian for some time now, so maybe he is trying to paint with a broader brush, as a way of guiding people toward Jesus, who would reject a more explicit gospel presentation.
All in all, I agree with your overall take, and appreciate your shepherding heart, in regards to the young man who’s reading. “Fill his shelves, fill his heart. Shepherd him.” The best advice I’ve heard on discipleship.
I love reading your thoughts on this. Being an Oregonian, I have to say I think you make a really good point. Our state has so many liberal people who might be pretty resistant to hearing more direct communication at times, and perhaps Comer is communicating in ways that he hopes will reach them more gently. From a relational spirituality standpoint (Dr. Todd Hall's work), I hope that the gospel message of regeneration and atonement will still be clearly communicated, even here in Oregon! I loved this article's point that God's Word will be crucial in the discipleship and growth of every believer.
I appreciate your thoughts here on JMC and Practicing The Way. I remember loving the Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, and diving into Practicing the Way, when it came out. I was so baffled. There are great, poignant thoughts in the book. However, as a Christian looking at the theology he’s expressing behind those beautifully framed paragraphs, I would find myself questioning whether he was advocating for works based salvation. I don’t think he does, but the language around it was confusing, at best. And I know JMC is an intentional and gifted communicator, so if it was vague, it seems likely to be purposeful.
I want to give him the benefit of the doubt, and think that it has to do with how he is ministering in spaces like the west coast of the US, which has been culturally post-Christian for some time now, so maybe he is trying to paint with a broader brush, as a way of guiding people toward Jesus, who would reject a more explicit gospel presentation.
All in all, I agree with your overall take, and appreciate your shepherding heart, in regards to the young man who’s reading. “Fill his shelves, fill his heart. Shepherd him.” The best advice I’ve heard on discipleship.
I love reading your thoughts on this. Being an Oregonian, I have to say I think you make a really good point. Our state has so many liberal people who might be pretty resistant to hearing more direct communication at times, and perhaps Comer is communicating in ways that he hopes will reach them more gently. From a relational spirituality standpoint (Dr. Todd Hall's work), I hope that the gospel message of regeneration and atonement will still be clearly communicated, even here in Oregon! I loved this article's point that God's Word will be crucial in the discipleship and growth of every believer.
Couldn’t agree more!!