FELLOWSHIP FOOTNOTES
Newsletter of Hamilton Bible Fellowship
March 2005
Spirituality, its concept and practice, has enjoyed renewed popularity in recent years. But it has often been conceived in a way that is quite foreign to the biblical concept and practice. This confirms the principle that if something is popular, it probably isn’t biblical . . . .
The new spirituality has various faces. It may be ascetic, based on the idea that "spiritual" means beyond the physical stuff of life. So, a "spiritual person" is one who is in touch with that which is not physical (to put it in the broadest, most inclusive terms). The subjective intangibles are elevated above the ordinary stuff of life, which are seen as less important or inherently bad. This is based on Plato’s view of the higher spiritual versus the lower physical realm of life. We talk about platonic relationships - those without a physical component. But biblically, we remain integrated persons created in God’s image, living in his created order, despite the effects of sin. Eugene Peterson says:
[This] has a terrific appeal because it’s a spirituality that doesn’t have anything to do
with doing the dishes or changing diapers or going to work. There’s not much integration
with work, people, sin, trouble, inconvenience. (Christianity Today March 2005, p. 44)
This spirituality also tends to be elitist. It is about insider knowledge or experience that sets one apart from others. The apostle Paul has corrective words for this divisive thinking in the opening chapters of 1 Corinthians. He points out that God chooses what the world considers foolish, weak, lowly and despised. (see 2:27-29). And, this spirituality is notably self-absorbed - a prevailing characteristic of our consumer culture. Peterson again:
The minute we start advertising the faith in terms of benefits, we’re just exacerbating the
self problem. "With Christ, you’re better, stronger, more likable, you enjoy some ecstacy."
But it’s just more self. . . . We’ve all met a certain type of spiritual person. He loves the
the Lord. He prays and reads the bible all the time. But all he thinks about is himself. He’s
not a selfish person. But he’s always at the center of everything he’s doing. (Ibid., p. 45)
There is a great corrective for all this near the end of Galatians:
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch
yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill
the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. (6:1-3)
There is no platonic asceticism, but integration with the realities of life (sin!). There is no elitism, but recognition of the reality of temptation for all. There is no self-absorption, but the restorative care for another. Biblical spirituality involves community, humility and above all the enabling and encouraging work of the spirit of God in us. It is real, earthy, and evident in relationships - in direct contrast to today’s counterfeits.
NEWS AND PRAYER UPDATES:
Pray for the Deiter family. There will be a memorial celebration of Harvey’s life sometime in May.
Continue to pray for Linda Bean’s recovery and for Jacob Lamb and his family.
Remember to pray for the building funding (remember your sign up slots!).
THE QUOTE CORNER
Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being.
Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric?
Think first about the foundations of humility.
The higher your structure is to be, the deeper
must be its foundation.
Augustine
COMING EVENTS CALENDAR:
Tuesday, March 8th, 7:00 at St. Thomas Episcopal there is a Celebration of New Ministry for Donnel O’Flynn.
Holy Week events:
Palm Sunday, March 20th: Greg Meyers (DTS classmate of Putter’s) will be preaching at HBF
Good Friday Service of Remembrance and Dinner, March 25th 6:00 PM at PUMC.
Community Easter Sunrise Service, March 27th 6:30 AM on the Village Green. Breakfast following at PUMC (also inclement weather location for the service).
HBF Service at 9:00 AM, usual location.
HBF’s annual meeting will be Sunday, April 3rd during the morning worship service.
March Birthdays: 17 Mike Rich; 19 Josh Hodge; 27 Meghan Schindler