Sorry about the generalization. I did use the term “Usually” but that was still too broad.

I get annoyed by the superiority that often accompanies the edict to proclaim the gospel – I dont get it – the Bible contains more than 300 verses on the poor, social justice, and God’s deep concern for both. there are very few about proclaiming the gospel by comparison.

There are so many evangelists and Christians out there proclaiming the gospel – saying we got the good news – we got the only way to heaven etc. They go out seeking conversions to their faith. Where is the whole stack of people that are prepared to go out and be taught by the people they encounter. The word humility appears in significant numbers too. Are we taking notice of the emphasis’s in the bible?

Where are the people that are prepared to get out there and be willing to be taught? I have found that people have more to teach me than I ever thought possible. The ratio of ears to mouths is a good indicator in this regard. Not saying we shouldn’t talk but being humble and open is a good place to be.

I love a couple of quotes from Thomas Merton:

The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. otherwise we only love the reflection of ourselves we find in them!

And here is a part of a prayer by the same man:

I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following
your will does not mean
that I am actually doing so.

I love this mans humility and wisdom – we could use more of it – this is the stuff that can enable us to begin dialogue instead of creating more “mini me’s” and assuming that we are right.

Just a few thoughts…

Wow, you do generalise! I don’t even know what country you’re talking about. I know of plenty of ‘liberal’ or as we prefer to call them, ‘progressive’ churches that have outreaches and healing groups. They also have caring and healing people. I have been helped myself through them. Don’t limit the work of the Spirit to people of your own theological or liturgical bias. In any case, t hose old definitions are breaking down. I know of Pentecostal churches that are involved in Celtic spirituality and Charismatic churches that are very strong on social justice issues. I also know Progressive churches who are big on healing – often they are smaller groups though and don’t have the same kind of resources or money.