This discussion is doing exactly what you are speaking about. Words and demonstration, and it is the best news. Many thanks. So good to hear the full team again, too.
Re conversation on preaching....a phrase i hear regularly in preaching (and i am sure i used myself in earlier years) is “we are called to....”, which is really just a more subtle way of dumping on a congregation, “you should be doing ‘x’”.
That's a good warning, and one I want to take to heart for my own preaching. I suspect, though, that there are times to say "should" and ways of doing so that aren't oppressive or cruel. The gospel is demanding, is it not? Meeting that demand (as opposed to the demands of those gods that claim to be Lord) is actually liberating.
Certainly. After all Jesus does say ‘as i have you, so you SHOULD love one another’. Yes there are pastoral ‘ways’ of doing it which i think relate to tone/energy. One of the reasons i keep coming back to listening to your podcast (also Open Table Conference) is the integration of gospel and invitation to a particular way of life, which is helpful modelling for me as a preacher. I never feel like i am being dumped on.
"I then asked Ezekiel why he ate dung, and lay so long on his right and left side. He answer'd, "The desire of raising other men into a perception of the infinite: this the North American tribes practise, and is he honest who resists his genius or conscience only for the sake of present ease or gratification?""
There so much to be said .... these words speak volumes to the leaders as well as those who seeking after His ways and I love how there is a even ground between both...on this level... they are interchangeable places ... saturated prayer is key ...now we can all get into the confessional. The ending of this so confirms my heart Trusting in the Triune God and not trying to map it out. He’s the author & the finisher ... I am deeply touched.
This discussion is doing exactly what you are speaking about. Words and demonstration, and it is the best news. Many thanks. So good to hear the full team again, too.
Re conversation on preaching....a phrase i hear regularly in preaching (and i am sure i used myself in earlier years) is “we are called to....”, which is really just a more subtle way of dumping on a congregation, “you should be doing ‘x’”.
That's a good warning, and one I want to take to heart for my own preaching. I suspect, though, that there are times to say "should" and ways of doing so that aren't oppressive or cruel. The gospel is demanding, is it not? Meeting that demand (as opposed to the demands of those gods that claim to be Lord) is actually liberating.
Certainly. After all Jesus does say ‘as i have you, so you SHOULD love one another’. Yes there are pastoral ‘ways’ of doing it which i think relate to tone/energy. One of the reasons i keep coming back to listening to your podcast (also Open Table Conference) is the integration of gospel and invitation to a particular way of life, which is helpful modelling for me as a preacher. I never feel like i am being dumped on.
Tone/energy — that's the key, I agree. And thank you friend. I appreciate the dialog and the support.
"I then asked Ezekiel why he ate dung, and lay so long on his right and left side. He answer'd, "The desire of raising other men into a perception of the infinite: this the North American tribes practise, and is he honest who resists his genius or conscience only for the sake of present ease or gratification?""
AN ANSWER TO THE PARSON
"Why of the sheep do you not learn peace?"
"Because I don't want you to shear my fleece."
William Blake
There so much to be said .... these words speak volumes to the leaders as well as those who seeking after His ways and I love how there is a even ground between both...on this level... they are interchangeable places ... saturated prayer is key ...now we can all get into the confessional. The ending of this so confirms my heart Trusting in the Triune God and not trying to map it out. He’s the author & the finisher ... I am deeply touched.
Recommendations on where to start with Iain McGilchrist?
You should def read The Matter with Things. But start here:
https://channelmcgilchrist.com/tmwt-chapter-videos/