Byrnesys Blabberings

I have been thinking recently about the tension in church, catholic and local, to critique the things that happen and the things that don’t.

In my studies this week I have been set to read Frederik Nietzsche, which even those who have never read him has been made famous by his comment "God is Dead", but his writings and his life are a much richer story, and one very intriguing to me. Nietzsche has been somewhat of an anti-prophet prophet, let me qualify.

Nietzsche is essentially saying that Jesus and his teachings are dangerous, they introduce a subverted system called Christian morals which make the weak, strong, and the strong the bad. Nietzsche says that the church is not a great communicator of the radical message of Jesus, but seeking to be palatable to the richer, stronger people, waters down the message.

And like many people, I sometimes grapple with the conflicts which arise between the teaching of the Gospels and New testament writings and the methodology, how we end up actually walking out the things in it, as a follower, and as a church, the corporate witness of Christ on this earth.

Conversely to Nietzsche there are in fact people within the walls of the church (figuratively speaking) who also point the finger, and critique, and these people are often, yet not always responded to as whingers. While certainly we have all met someone within Church who can’t wait to tell you their next complaint and indeed it would be a "plank in the eye" moment not to admit that everyone can fall into negative attitudes, What I am wondering is, where is the line, how can we expect more from Church in living as Jesus’ teachings compel us.

I think for me this is answered somewhat with a quote (which I am sure someone else would know the source) which says "Lord send us revival, start with me!"

Although this is certainly where a portion of effort should lie, What do you think we are called to be, as part of the wider body? How do we press the church forward to take hold of its true identity? When do you cross the line of critiquing for the sake of Christ, and begin holding a negative attitude? These are just a few of the questions that arise for me in this area, but feel free to add your own in the comments section.