I notice that many people in my church are very taken up with sentimental devotionalism. It makes them feel good and thus think feeling good is feeling close to God. Maybe not. It is close to one’s feelings and imagination for sure. But it seems to me that God is beyond or beneath all that. The level of prayer experience that ends in sentimental devotion does not change us on any deep level. I know people who were in AA recovery and told me how good it made them feel. The next day they drank. Feelings can change moods but not hearts. This is why I lean to mystical prayer. It can be dry and boring. Only love can make us continue. God wants to be loved for God’s own self. So what if a lot of mysteries that pointed to God have been debunked by modern science. Assurances are gone and we are left with mystery. God is in the darkness. Be in your cave instead of always seeking one more well-decorated church building. Jesus was born in a cave. A baby. No power. A lot of work for Mom and Dad. God is hidden to feelings so don’t worship your imagination. Trust. The ordeal by fire will change you.
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A wise friend once drew a box on a flip chart, pointed to the middle and said god doesn't live here. I believe God is everywhere and within each of us, we're never alone. 🌌
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there is a lot of sentimental devotionalism in me, which is a big part of my sense of belonging to this.church.But yes. The mystery lives on.
ReplyDeletental