Chapter 7: Because Christianity Is Stuck (Toxic Theology)
What are beliefs? How do you define beliefs?
Most Christians say beliefs are simply what Christianity is. The early Christians held widely divergent beliefs. Think about the scientific method which includes being curious, asking questions, hypothesizing, experimenting, and sharing information with peers for their opinions. Now compare to most Christians thinking beliefs are simply what Christianity is. Has Christianity become unalterable beliefs that are unquestionable facts? What are your thoughts?
“Why can’t we Christians admit that we, like everything else in the universe, are in process, and that our religion, like all religions, is actually an event, constantly, unavoidably changing, for better or worse? Why can’t we allow our leaders’ job descriptions to evolve from belief police to — actual leaders who help lead the way? Why can’t we admit that we are stuck in an old model of the universe and that it’s tie to rethink everything? Why can’t we admit that beliefs are important, but they aren’t the point? Why can’t we admit that focusing on getting our words and beliefs right has not succeeded in helping us be good?” What are your thoughts?
The ancient Hebrews (Moses) thought of G-d as I Am That I Am, I Am Becoming because that was the name given to Moses by G-d/Yahweh. What does this imply about evolving?
Here is a question to ponder: “Is Christianity allowed to evolve?”
What is your understanding of “toxic theology” after reading the first 7 chapters in this book?
Chapter 8: Because Christianity is a Failed Religion (Lack of Transformation)
When people become Christians do they become better people?
Brian writes, “Christianity has become the world’s largest, wealthiest, most powerful religion…….The religion has failed to transform surprisingly high numbers of its adherents into Christlike people.” Do you agree or disagree? What are your thoughts about this statement?
When pastors and parishioners begin to notice the lack of transformation in themselves, they tend to blame themselves. Maybe if I had……. Soon they fall into LTS or “lack of transformation syndrome.”
Consider the following, “If Christianity were failing only individuals, that would be serious enough. Can we imagine a space alien visiting the earth and asking, “What effect is the largest, most successful religion on this planet having on global well-being?” Including:
- Climate change
- Economic inequality,
- Racism
- Forms of hostility and war
How would you answer the space alien?
But the point of Christianity isn’t to improve the world’ it’s to help people escape this hopeless world and go to heaven when they die. Have you ever heard this? Do you agree? Or disagree? Explain
Brian writes, “A few years ago, in The Great Spiritual Migration, I proposed that the purpose of the Christian faith is clear and simple: it is not an evacuation plan to heaven but a transformation plan for earth, a transformation plan built on the strategy of helping people become loving human beings who build loving societies, following the loving example of Jesus.” This is the example given to us by Jesus. Christianity over the years, maybe from the beginning has distorted Jesus’ example.
Is it possible to follow Jesus’ example today? What would be the benefits? What would be the costs? In what ways would Christianity today have to change?
Consider Jesus’ message of love and Dr. Carl Jung’s words: “Where love stops, power begins and violence, and terror.” CW 10, Para 579-580. How might these words lead us into a new way of being Christian?
Additional Resources: Center for Action and Contemplation, Richard Rohr, Rev. Dr. Brian McLaren; The Cottage: Diana Butler Bass (https://dianabulterbass.com)
Grace Episcopal Church 