I interact
with many interesting people, and one of them brought forth the basic writings
of Philipp Jacob Spener (1635-1705) to my attention. Perhaps his ideas have
something to say for rebuilding the Lutheran church in Norway?
“In Pia desideria, Spener made six proposals as the best means of restoring the life of the Church:
- The earnest and thorough study of the Bible in private meetings, ecclesiolae in ecclesia ("little churches within the church")
- The Christian priesthood being universal, the laity should share in the spiritual government of the Church
- A knowledge of Christianity must be attended by the practice of it as its indispensable sign and supplement
- Instead of merely didactic, and often bitter, attacks on the heterodox and unbelievers, a sympathetic and kindly treatment of them
- A reorganization of the theological training of the universities, giving more prominence to the devotional life
- A different style of preaching, namely, in the place of pleasing rhetoric, the implanting of Christianity in the inner or new man, the soul of which is faith, and its effects the fruits of life
This work produced a great impression throughout Germany. While large numbers of orthodox Lutheran theologians and pastors were deeply offended by Spener's book, many other pastors immediately adopted Spener's proposals.”
I see
traditions in the prayer-house movement reflected, with its the base in
pietism.
According
to the six points in Spener’s work, I think point 3-6, are applicable for
today.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
I have so
much to say, but at the same time I am at loss for words.
Part of me
wants to fight, part of me mourns.
May the
Lord guide us and may He be the one to build the house again.
Perhaps
tearing down the present structure is necessary, and we should not patch it up.
Let us not sell our soul to the money-keepers. The Lord God is far richer.
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| A church is ruins is quite useless |
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