Narcissistic view of “Church” …

One of the great things about Bloglines lies is the ability to clip posts you want to come back and read later. Taking some time to catch up on some clipped posts I came across a piece from Beliefnet. I read th Interview with Stanley Hauerwas on his book, A Cross-Shattered Christ: Meditations on the Seven Last Words. I found the  following Q & A intriguing in light of ongoing discussions about church membership.

Nearly every critique I have read related to "postmodernism" insists the logical end leads to narcissism, nihilism and relativism. Add to that the charge it questions the possiblity of our knowability of Truth. When I think of conversations regarding the church and membership over the past twenty years it seems to me all concern about narcissism, nihilism and relativism derives from a cultural and economic platform given to greed. When it is all about what I want, I will invariably create a God wherein it all works out well for me. This sentiment came along well before we grappled wth the likes of the French philosophers who recive the blame for our ethical malaise. Needless to say I found this question and response thought provoking when combined with the issue of just what do we look for in Church.

You say it reveals that "our assumption that God must possess the
sovereign power to make everything turn out all right for us, at least
in the long run," is idolatry.

It’s idolatry to think that to be a Christian means this is all going
to work out well for me. That’s not what God is in the business of
being God for. The idea that Jesus’ whole project was to make sure my
life would be OK is a far too narcissistic account of the crucifixion. (Read the entire Interview.)

About the Author
Husband to Patty. Daddy to Kimberly and Tommie. Grandpa Doc to Cohen, Max, Fox, and Marlee. Pastor to Snow Hill Baptist Church. Graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Reading. Photography. Golf. Colorado. Jeeping. Friend. The views and opinions expressed here are my own and should not be construed as representing the corporate views of the church I pastor.

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