The Church Is Salvation
I am currently reading Against Christianity by Peter Leithart, and I must say that so far, it has been a thoroughly refreshing and enjoyable read. Much of his writing (content more than style) reminds me of my favourite author, N.T. Wright; and he even references the good bishop on occasion.The book is divided into chapters, and each chapter is further divided into short essays, each touching on the major theme of that particular chapter from a distinct perspective. It is an interesting writing style, to say the least; and the result is an aesthetically unique, and compelling cumulative case argument against Christianity... If you want to know how this can be so (given that the author is a Christian), you'll have to buy the book. To give you a taste of his writing, Let me quote at length one of his essays:
"Salvation is not a stuff that one can get, whether through the Church, or through some other means. It is not an ether floating in the air, nor a 'thing,' nor some kind of 'substance.' 'Salvation' describes fallen creation reconciled to God, restored to its created purpose, and set on a trajectoryleading to its eschatological fulfillment. Ultimately, 'salvation' will describe the creation as a whole, once it is restored to God and glorified (Rom. 8:18-25). Grammatically, 'salvation' is a noun; theologically, it is always adjectival" (32).
Mmm, Mmm. That is good stuff. Any thoughts?
posted by DrewDog at 1:15 PM
3 Comments:
The postmill Gospel is very refreshing. Peter seems very honest. I am thrilled to have one of his parishoners actually locate my church to visit, this comming Sunday. Not that any of my old pastors were morons, or anything, but I always wonderd what it would be like to be discipled by a guy like Leithart. I guess I'll have to buy more of his stuff...ahh, the beauty of the internet!!
So did you have a nice meeting with Leithart's parishoners? By the way, when did you start your church?
Yes, it happened to be an elder from his church. He used to be a member at Wilson's church (Liethart’s church is a plant from Wilson’s). But, anyhow, he and his family seem like some of the greatest people. You could tell they were different; the way they worshiped, conversed, and what their interests are. It makes me want to move out to their church.
I started this church two months ago. It looks like it is going well, but I need another tent-making pastor to help. If we umbrella under someone, tent-making may change, but I don't want to give up certain parts of my theology to do that. We'll see. This is a nice area, believe it or not. But no one Reformed has planted out here. It's only 2 hours from San Diego...yes from Westminster. You would think that one of those graduates would have spotted the opportunity. It is a bit more difficult out here, though. We have "snow birds" that leave for 3 to seven months a year, and we have military that sometimes only stay for two or three years at a time. But...see...I still can't find, in the WCF, where these kinds of places are to be excluded.
Mike
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