Blue Parakeet (Parts 2 and 3)

Part 2 Listening

After discussing reading the Bible as Story, McKnight then encourages his readers to hear God within the Story. In other words, reading the black or red words on the white page is not enough. The things read should be meditated on and the questions "So what?" or "What does God want me to do?" should be asked. Only when one considers what is heard can they love God, through listening and ultimately acting on what they've heard.

McKnight chooses to describe the listening one does to God's Word as "missional listening". The purpose of listening to Story is not just for information. The information must lead one through a process of spiritual growth and following the model of Jesus Christ (serving God and serving others). This is only accomplished through and with the Holy Spirit.

Part 3 Discerning

Following the teachings of Jesus within the context of Scripture is where things get a little muddled. In other words, does one follow every commandment in Scripture or pick and choose what to follow? According to McKnight, the Church has picked and chosen what to follow (and what not to follow) from its inception. He encourages his readers to own up to picking and choosing what commandments they adhere to for their own benefit.

The section includes examples of controversial subjects such as divorce, what role women play in the church, speaking in tongues, etc. According to McKnight, "All genuine biblical faith takes the gospel message and 'incarnates' it in a context...We can be firmer: it is unlikely, since it is clear that each of these persons adapted the Plot and Story for their day, that their message or manner of life will be precisely the same as our message and our manner of life" (143).

Next week: The Role of Women in Today's Church (Part 4 0f Blue Parakeet)

Any thoughts regarding parts 2 and 3?

A Hodgepodge of Thoughts

* Alright, this is not the time or place to weigh in on the DNC convention. Although I enjoy watching and studying politics, I'll leave my comments for elsewhere.

** I'm approximately halfway through The Shack. Uhhh, interesting. I'll plan on a review by the end of the week.

*** The Blue Parakeet has yet to arrive. I was really looking forward to the review. I guess I didn't make Zondervan's "cut." It looks like I'll have to splurge in November when the book is released.

**** Part of my study for the Romans class has led me to Roger Olson's Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities. Olson is a Baptist professor at Baylor but a self-proclaimed Arminian. Although I've read it before, it was more of a cursory read. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in the Arminian/Calvinist discussion.

***** Football season is just around the corner. High School and college teams begin playing this week. The professionals start the following week. Fans will have great aspirations for their teams. For many the aspirations will wane by halftime. For others, their hope will last the entire season. It's what hope does to people.

Don't you hate a hodgepodge of whatever?

The Next Challenge

I'm between blogging on books. Hopefully, McKnight's The Blue Parakeet will arrive soon and I can weigh in. For the time being, I've finally (after much prompting) picked up The Shack and will post a few times about the work.

The next challenge is teaching a small group through the book of Romans. I've been told many times, "If you want everyone to know what you believe, teach Romans. There will be no doubt." I've done this a few times and have been encouraged each and every time. My faith has become stronger and I pray others have grown closer to Christ as well.

So what about it? Some of you have actually studied the letter with me. What's your take? For those of you preparing, what's the apprehension? For the teachers/preachers in the blogosphere, what's your advice?