Category: Youth Ministry
Big Tent Christianity Pt. 2
As I continue reading about this event it was good to learn that one of my favorite scholars, Marcus Borg, offered words as a headliner at this event. Borg’s description of the divide within Christianity resonates with my thought and experience. It is also a good description of the conversations within my brand of Christian witness, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). I recommend any of Borg’s books. Below find a bit of the reporting about his address.
Marcus Borg’s Talk Surprises Many at Conference
by Cynthia B. Astle | The Progressive Christian | February 12, 2011Heart of the Message
Borg began the session, with its theme of Jesus, God and the Church, by posing what he sees as the critical question for all Christians today:What is the heart of the Christian message today, the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Borg said that a historic answer to this question dominates most understandings of Christianity today: “Jesus died for our sins so we can be forgiven and go to heaven if we believe in him.”
However, Borg continued, a growing number of Christians view the Christian message today as the radical centering in God that Jesus outlines in the three synoptic gospels:
“[Jesus] answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.’” -Luke 10.27
“Jesus talks consistently about the coming of the kingdom of God,” Borg said. “The kingdom of God is not for the afterlife, but for earth. It’s what life would be like if kings didn’t rule the world, a transformed world of justice and fairness, where everyone has enough for life.”
Why The Revolution in Egypt is Dangerous for Our Youth
Brian Kirk is a Disciples of Christ minister that serves in youth ministry. He writes a blog asking persons to rethink youth ministry. His blog is worth visiting weekly. Brian’s thoughts about the events in Egypt are insightful and provide another lens through which to view youth ministry. Here is a paragraph or two. Follow the link to read more.
Why The Revoltion in Egypt is Dangerous for our Youth
February 16, 2011
by Brian Kirk | Patheos.comI’ll admit it. I’m as guilty as the next youth pastor. It is so easy to get preoccupied with the latest teen hot topics – Sex! Drugs! Rock-n-roll! Facebook! – that we sometimes forget the broader world that exists beyond the walls of the high school cafeteria and our cozy youth rooms. Truthfully, sometimes it’s just easier to ignore what’s happening in the world, particularly when some current events and issues have the potential to alter how our youth see the life of faith. Case in point: the revolution in Egypt in the past several weeks.
Of course, the dangerous answer to this question is “Yes” and your teens have only to look to the Jesus of scripture or the youth of Egypt to know this is true.