This is how it works: You read a statement, a paragraph, an essay, a chapter, a book, a play, a movie*, or what-have-you. And then, no matter what it says, no matter how mundane or how preposterous, you say this:
"If this is true, then what?"
For instance, I just came across the line "Christian spirituality has developed as six traditions, each emphasizing certain themes: Contemplative, Holiness, Charismatic, Social Justice, Evangelical, and Incarnational," in the book Are You Sure You're Right?: Evangelicals and the Church of God.**
If this is true, then what tradition wd. I fall in? If this is true, then what am I missing from the other five? If this is true, then what shd. I do about it?
-ND
* Yes, this is proper terminology. You read a movie if you do more than watch it at the surface level, for sheer entertainment.
** Yes, it is interesting reading, and no, it is not for class. It is a criticism of the Church of God (Anderson) for falling away from its theological, political and other roots, and becoming simply another Evangelical group. Interestingly enough, it was published by Warner Press, official publisher for the Church of God (Anderson). This speaks volumes about the integrity of those there. As the acknowledgement puts it, "Publication of such a work is an act of courage on their part."
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