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drbobcornwall's review
5.0
Strangers and Pilgrims Once More speaks to what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in a post-Christendom world. Whether we like it or not, Christendom, with all of its cultural/societal supports, is in its death throes, if not already dead. Some are still trying to do CPR, but it is of no use. That train has left the station (to change metaphors).
Using an ancient medieval theological methodology of sic et non (yes and no), Addison Hodges Hart, author of [b:The Ox-Herder and the Good Shepherd: Finding Christ on the Buddha's Path|17605453|The Ox-Herder and the Good Shepherd Finding Christ on the Buddha's Path|Addison Hodges Hart|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386605565s/17605453.jpg|24561514]from last year, helps us consider what it means to live as a Christian in this new age. While we can and should celebrate the gifts of the age of Christendom, we must also recognize that there was no golden age. There is nothing to go back to, so we will continue our way as pilgrims.
As we move through this series of antitheses, on one side is a premise that emerged in the context of Christendom, and the other is what we have as we go forward.
Thus, we have Christianity, but not Christendom. We can say yes to dogma (foundatinoal beliefs, which are few in number), but saying no to dogmatism (an absolutizing and expansion of necessary beliefs -- often enforced by the state or by the culture). We say yes to the Bible, but not to biblicism (flattening out the biblical books). We say yes to sacramental unity (openness), and no to sacramental division (enforced uniformity). We say yes to evangelism, and no to polemicism. This is a most important chapter, because he affirms sharing the gospel, but rejects the idea that we can engage in polemics and apologetics in order to prove the faith. The faith is demonstrated in our lives. The dogmas give definition, but they are of little value if not lived. Hart affirms dogma, but he also affirms the presence of God in places outside the Christian faith, giving support to dialogue and mutual learning across religious lines.
I'm not sure Hart would consider himself post-modern. He's not a liberal but not a conservative either -- at least in contemporary terms. He brings in at one point the pragmatism of William James, which he invokes as a call to humility. I've become convinced that I need to read James' Pragmatism!
I found myself challenged and encouraged by this book. I think Hart is on to something important that can help us navigate the coming world. His is a future orientation with a recognition of the gifts that we bring along with us. As pilgrims and strangers let us go forward!!
Excellent book all around.
Using an ancient medieval theological methodology of sic et non (yes and no), Addison Hodges Hart, author of [b:The Ox-Herder and the Good Shepherd: Finding Christ on the Buddha's Path|17605453|The Ox-Herder and the Good Shepherd Finding Christ on the Buddha's Path|Addison Hodges Hart|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386605565s/17605453.jpg|24561514]from last year, helps us consider what it means to live as a Christian in this new age. While we can and should celebrate the gifts of the age of Christendom, we must also recognize that there was no golden age. There is nothing to go back to, so we will continue our way as pilgrims.
As we move through this series of antitheses, on one side is a premise that emerged in the context of Christendom, and the other is what we have as we go forward.
Thus, we have Christianity, but not Christendom. We can say yes to dogma (foundatinoal beliefs, which are few in number), but saying no to dogmatism (an absolutizing and expansion of necessary beliefs -- often enforced by the state or by the culture). We say yes to the Bible, but not to biblicism (flattening out the biblical books). We say yes to sacramental unity (openness), and no to sacramental division (enforced uniformity). We say yes to evangelism, and no to polemicism. This is a most important chapter, because he affirms sharing the gospel, but rejects the idea that we can engage in polemics and apologetics in order to prove the faith. The faith is demonstrated in our lives. The dogmas give definition, but they are of little value if not lived. Hart affirms dogma, but he also affirms the presence of God in places outside the Christian faith, giving support to dialogue and mutual learning across religious lines.
I'm not sure Hart would consider himself post-modern. He's not a liberal but not a conservative either -- at least in contemporary terms. He brings in at one point the pragmatism of William James, which he invokes as a call to humility. I've become convinced that I need to read James' Pragmatism!
I found myself challenged and encouraged by this book. I think Hart is on to something important that can help us navigate the coming world. His is a future orientation with a recognition of the gifts that we bring along with us. As pilgrims and strangers let us go forward!!
Excellent book all around.
ben_smitty's review
4.0
Liked the book overall but wished there was more nuance about "Christendom" here. A.H. has a fascinating view on how Christendom essentially warped authentic Christianity though he is grateful for its heritage. He calls for both a return to the fundamentals of the Christian life and a departure from the fundamental-isms that drag the church down. Similar to other A.H. books, he adds flavor to the Christianity he sees as authentic: a tolerant, pragmatic (following the tradition of William James), and Christocentric faith that evangelizes the world through humility, faithfulness, and dialog.
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