The Tenets of Post-Christian Spirituality
Derek L. Worthington describes the three tenets of post-Christian spirituality in his book The Call of Jesus:
- a distant God — remote, detached, and uninvolved with our lives;
- “me” as a functional god, with the individual creating his or her own ethic and the ultimate authority;
- consumption as the path to happiness.
It’s a common but futile way to live.
Contrast this with the teachings of Jesus in John 12:24-28:
- God is not distant. He is intricately involved with the world, and God the Son walked among us;
- I am not a god. God is in control of all things with the agenda to bring glory to himself;
- Service — laying down our lives as Jesus did — and not consumption is the path to happiness.
It’s a truer way to live. And it’s a more compelling way to live. We’re invited.
Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. (John 12:25-26)
