I try to avoid looking at fundamentalist literature too much as it depresses me (although I have an envious collection of Jack T chick tracts). But I recently came across a video by some guy who is supposed to have a voice within the emerging community. His name is Mark Driscoll. Because of this I felt I needed to make a comment. I find it hard to believe that this video is genuine and am still hoping that it is some kind of satirical joke… however there seems to be little evidence of this.
I am probably opening up a can of worms here as I hear that a lot of people take this guy seriously and that his church Mars Hill (interestingly a name that brings to mind the male God of war, whom Driscoll appears somewhat taken by) is well known. But while I may have a little bit of the hippy in me (a type of person Driscoll seems to hate with a wild passion) I am not, contrary to the spirit of the video, too afraid to say what I think when the need arises… especially when it is against a misogynistic diatribe that may be taken seriously by some.
The whole video is a winner, with lines which will make your ears bleed (especially if you are a woman – his one direct line about you is a classic), but here is a taster of some real gems,
Comparing a church closing to people being murdered in war (note how the whole thing is set in a military cemetery)
Saying that the church ought to teach men how to have sex with their wife at least once a day (as well as make money and buy a home – lets pray that kingdom comes)
Saying that we need to tell men who have ‘retarded cars’ that Jesus is not ‘a gay hippy in a dress’
‘Force’ men to become the people who God requires (Lets bring back the crusades)
Click here
Thought some of you London folk may be interested in this day I am participating in…
Living Spirituality Network
Annual Gathering 2007
Saturday 30th June
10:00 - 15:30
Spirituality and Religion are seen by many today as completely different, even incompatible. It has become commonplace to note that spirituality, with its emphasis on direct, individual experience is on the rise, while religion, with its perceived concern with structures, doctrine and dogma appears, for the most part, to be in a state of terminal decline. Two of our leading commentators on spirituality, David Tacey and Diarmuid O’Murchu, recognise that there is an inherent need for ‘form’ in spirituality – for community, ritual and a shared language of experience – yet are highly sceptical about the ability of the church as we know it to provide a meaningful form for the new spiritual landscape.
But is it possible to identify those aspects of religion – religion, not church – which would help people in their walk with God today? Is it possible to choreograph a new dance between religion differently understood and appreciated, and spirituality, where many people have found nourishment, hope, and fellow travellers, but sense the need for some kind of framework to help them deal with the challenges that spirituality must now confront.
Join Peter Rollins, founder of the Ikon community, and author of How (Not) to Speak of God and Eley McAinsh, Director of Living Spirituality Network and main producer of Something Understood, BBC Radio 4, as they explore what that startling new role might be.
Contact spirituality@ctbi.org.uk or 01908 200675 for further details and a booking form
