It’s living in this different place without all of our “cultural church props” that force us to either become a different breed or give up.

We need that difference to thrive, to reach the lost and have an authentic voice in our host culture. Yes, we are still those flawed vessels. But the Lord refines out the cultural hindrances and uses our weaknesses to reveal His power. (2 Cor. 4:7)

I honestly believe that when our “point of view” changes, it’s because the Lord changes our view.

Blessings,
Deb

So, David, do we also agree that the Disney Boycott was not a good thing?

cb

You post on blind men and elephants.

I ask you about David Black.

We have never met each other.

cb

Actually, curiously enough, back a couple of years ago, I wrote a post about the blind men and the elephant, and how it applies to missions.

It is here:

http://loveeachstone.blogspot.com/2006/07/blind-men-and-elephant.html

I think that is a very great possibility.

Therefore, we describe the elephant from our own perspectives with great intensity.

Do you think that is possible? Or are we again touching different parts of yet another elephant.

cb

I don’t see a contradiction between what I said in the post, and what I have said in the various comments here. I’m not really sure where you are coming from regarding the “sparklers.”

Bringing up the “clergy-laity” divide was my way of answering your comment about BOTH missionary candidates and pastors being “a breed apart” from other believers. It seems, as best I can tell, that we really are not far apart, if apart at all, on this question.

I suppose you are referring to Dr. Black at Southeastern? I do not know him personally, but have read a few things on his blog. I have read much more by Alan Knox, who is a PhD student that has Dr. Black as his “major professor.” I have learned a lot from Alan, and have also challenged him on some of his ideas from time to time. My goal is to base my views, as much as possible, on an objective reading of the Word of God, though. Not saying my interpretation is infallible. Far from it. But it is my goal to be as objective as possible.

My point is not to contradict what you are saying. I’m just trying to answer, as straight-forwardly as possible the questions you ask me.

In that light, yes, I suppose there is no conflict between what you say about “not better, not worse, but different nonetheless” and 1 Cor. 12:4-6.

In some ways, I agree that the call, gifting, and nature of the position of the missionary and the pastor are indeed different. In other ways, they are similar, though. My main point related to this in my post, though, has to do with “cultural background, education, and worldview” (not really socio-economic background). Missionaries, for the most part, are able to understand the perspective of the pastors and church members back home, because we have been there previously ourselves. Many missionaries, for example, pastored churches in the States before going overseas. I guess it is possible, with the passing of time, to forget some of that perspective, though.

I agree with you about the subtlety of unhealthy cultural adjustment cloaked in the garb of supposed spirituality. It is because of this we all, whether missionaries, pastors in the States, or auto mechanics, must stay in the Word, and guard our hearts above all things.