Different perspectives on following ChristIts funny how those brought up in Christian cultures rather assume that there is just 'one' Christianity, one way of seeing it all and of living it out. But this is not so. There are different perspectives and approaches.
Some are denominational, which is why we have so many different branches and sects: Orthodox, Catholic (including the Church of England); Protestant (including the Church of England); the Free Churches, the Evangelicals and some inspirational radicals like the Mennonites and the Quakers. Other differences in perspective arise from the lived experience of groups of Christian people, such as Black, women, the dispossessed and oppressed and LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered). Each group found 'mainstream' theology unhelpful, even oppressive. We have placed a few links below which illustrate these different approaches (NB they are external sites). They are provided as jumping off points. As always, exploration is at your own risk. (More links can be found on the Faith+Action page). The thing to note is that God speaks - and is honoured - in the concrete realities of our lives. And those realities differ. In exploring them and articulating them we believe we help one another move towards a fuller understanding of the Gospels. And of one another. The links below are far from representative but may prove useful first steps - |
"The church in a quite special way is the place where large dreams are entertained, songs are sung, boundaries are crossed, hurt is noticed, and the weak are honoured. The church has no monopoly on these matters. Its oddity, however, is that it takes this agenda as its peculiar and primary business. In all sorts of unnoticed places, it is the church that raises the human questions." Walter Brueggemann |
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