Though I’d heard the word “Trinity” murmured in the background of my teen journey as I was struggling to understand how and why the God I’d known growing up as a Jewish kid could have a Son, I was focused primarily on Jesus.
Thank you for this insightful and timely post Michelle. I'm teaching an Adult class today on the Traditionalist pathway (Gary Thomas' book Sacred Pathways). It's been a good opportunity to immerse myself in my liturgical roots and share the meaningful aspects of of the church calendar, such as today's celebration of Pentecost. Of course I'm referencing your book Moments and Days!
I have walked away from Pentecostalism completely. I was a firm "Pentecostal" even when surrounded by Charismatics. Most people don't know the nuanced differences. Pentecostalism began as a radical sect with very stange people leading the movement from the start. Dowie in Zion Illinois, a crank and abusive leader if the ever was one, seeded many early leaders into the movement. I will never return. However what I can't reconcile is some of the seemingly genuine experiences I have had over the years. The topic could easily be a book.
Loved this quote from your message: "Feminist theologian Miriam Therese Winter in The Gospel According to Mary writes: 'Mary's Magnificat was already her first Pentecost — a prophetic outpouring of God’s power from the margins.'" Your message supported that profound thesis beautifully from first sentence to last. Thanks for sharing it.
Amen, Michelle. May we all trust, today and every day, that the Holy Spirit leads us and that we are “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ…” Romans 8:17
Great post. Interesting perspective. I remember being scared in church as a child hearing the term “Holy Ghost.” I kept waiting for Casper to show up in church.
I’ve experienced pretty much every stream you’ve mentioned. Imperfect? Probably. But God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit are SO worth the meanderings of humanity in our midst.
We had so much joy, even laughter overtaking our worship practice and our pre service prayer experience, today. Did we spend too long at one point in the service (maybe up to 5 minutes?) just worshipping without prescribed song and words? Maybe.
I can faintly smile at our failings in all the streams of Christianity because I see God loving us and bringing forth His true love and truth.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Not everyone can shake off the effects of bad practices and toxic teaching as easily as it sounds like you were able to do. Some have had long-lasting consequences in their lives, and just to make sure I'm clear, I do not believe that this kind of suffering is automatically a result of lack of forgiveness or weak faith on the part of the abused party. Abusers or bad teachers rarely recognize or own the kind of damage they leave in their wake.
Thank you for this insightful and timely post Michelle. I'm teaching an Adult class today on the Traditionalist pathway (Gary Thomas' book Sacred Pathways). It's been a good opportunity to immerse myself in my liturgical roots and share the meaningful aspects of of the church calendar, such as today's celebration of Pentecost. Of course I'm referencing your book Moments and Days!
I love that Thomas book. Its categories clarified things for me, and blessed the diverse ways in which people learn about and encounter God.
I have walked away from Pentecostalism completely. I was a firm "Pentecostal" even when surrounded by Charismatics. Most people don't know the nuanced differences. Pentecostalism began as a radical sect with very stange people leading the movement from the start. Dowie in Zion Illinois, a crank and abusive leader if the ever was one, seeded many early leaders into the movement. I will never return. However what I can't reconcile is some of the seemingly genuine experiences I have had over the years. The topic could easily be a book.
It could be a book, and I would read it.
I would too, who is going to write it? ;-)
Beautiful and inspiring! Here is a link to my homily in San Francisco yesterday.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02heVH3xzGYxmL4Ld8pTwHts9Y1iRZyEdUhCQcBvVgTRJDYDNwMWuCwmmasuJkmqDl&id=540066240&mibextid=wwXIfr
Loved this quote from your message: "Feminist theologian Miriam Therese Winter in The Gospel According to Mary writes: 'Mary's Magnificat was already her first Pentecost — a prophetic outpouring of God’s power from the margins.'" Your message supported that profound thesis beautifully from first sentence to last. Thanks for sharing it.
Amen, Michelle. May we all trust, today and every day, that the Holy Spirit leads us and that we are “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ…” Romans 8:17
What a refreshing read this morning. Sending love to you dear sister!
I enjoyed reading your journey very much and I agree with your final assessment of the Holy Spirit.
Hope you're doing well.
Great post. Interesting perspective. I remember being scared in church as a child hearing the term “Holy Ghost.” I kept waiting for Casper to show up in church.
As a young believer, I thought of Casper when I heard the old term "Holy Ghost", too! :)
I’ve experienced pretty much every stream you’ve mentioned. Imperfect? Probably. But God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit are SO worth the meanderings of humanity in our midst.
We had so much joy, even laughter overtaking our worship practice and our pre service prayer experience, today. Did we spend too long at one point in the service (maybe up to 5 minutes?) just worshipping without prescribed song and words? Maybe.
I can faintly smile at our failings in all the streams of Christianity because I see God loving us and bringing forth His true love and truth.
Thanks, Michelle!
Thanks for sharing your experience. Not everyone can shake off the effects of bad practices and toxic teaching as easily as it sounds like you were able to do. Some have had long-lasting consequences in their lives, and just to make sure I'm clear, I do not believe that this kind of suffering is automatically a result of lack of forgiveness or weak faith on the part of the abused party. Abusers or bad teachers rarely recognize or own the kind of damage they leave in their wake.